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DTE Energy is taking to the skies with new technology to help improve the power grid. The energy company is launching drones to inspect poles and wires more efficiently.

The drones will take photos from above to help plan the work needed to improve power reliability for customers in Southeast Michigan.

Overhead drone photos give a clearer picture of assets than from the ground.

“Drones are an efficient tool for us when it comes to planning our reliability improvement projects,” Kelli Ellison, manager of Capital Projects at DTE Energy, said. “The drones can inspect hard-to-reach locations on the grid, which helps expediate essential work. Plus, it reduces the need to knock on a customer’s door to ask to be let into yards to do inspections. The drones will fly high above power lines and will not disrupt the customer’s day.”

Detroit Districts 2 and 3 and Northwest Highland Park Inspections

Starting Aug. 29, 2022, drones inspected electrical equipment in Detroit Districts 2 and 3 and Northwest Highland Park. The inspections took place over the course of a few weeks. See map below for location details. 

Detroit District 7 Inspections

Starting Aug. 29, 2022, drones inspected electrical equipment in Detroit District 7. The inspections are took place over the course of a few weeks. See map below for location details. 

Eastpointe, Harper Woods, Southeast Detroit and Warren Inspections

Starting July 5, 2022, and finishing a few weeks later, drones inspected electrical equipment in Eastpointe, Harper Woods, Southeast Detroit and Warren. See map below for location details. 

Allen Park, Melvindale and Southwest Detroit Inspections

Starting May 2, 2022, and finishing a few weeks later, drones inspected electrical equipment in Allen Park, Melvindale and on the southwest side of Detroit. See map below for location details. 

Northwest Detroit Inspection

Starting February 14, 2022, and finishing a few weeks later, drones inspected electrical equipment on the northwest side of Detroit. See map below for location details. 

DTE launching drones in northwest Detroit.

DTE also recently started using drones during storms to quickly inspect damage, which speeds the work of power restoration. The drones make it possible to see past hazardous debris, keeping crews safe.

For more information on improvements happening in your neighborhood, visit https://empoweringmichigan.com/reliability-improvements/.