DTE Energy is committed to reducing power outages by 30% and cutting outage duration time in half by 2029. Part of the ongoing plan to reach that commitment involves implementation of smart grid technology, where work is well underway. This year, DTE has used this technology to prevent more than 8,300 power interruptions. Totaling up those outages means 3.5 million minutes that the power has remained on for our customers, through Sept. 22, 2024.
“Accelerating our transition to a smart grid is a game changer for our customers, and we’re already seeing positive results,” Matt Paul, president, DTE Electric, said. “We’re creating a resilient energy system that adapts in real-time to keep power flowing and the lights on for more homes and businesses.”
DTE is committed to fully automating the grid by 2029, which will provide the following benefits:
- Improved safety: Smart grid technology can automatically detect and deenergize downed wires, helping to keep more people safe.
- Fewer outages: Intelligent devices are also designed to isolate areas of damage and reroute power for many customers, so the lights stay on while crews make repairs.
- Shorter outages and quicker restoration: Smart grid devices quickly pinpoint the damage location, so crews can arrive on-site faster and begin making repairs.
DTE’s smart grid is an interconnected system that includes the company’s Advanced Distribution Management System software, state-of-the-art Systems Operation Center, substation equipment, automated reclosers, smart meters and more. All this technology allows the company to remotely monitor, operate and control the grid across the communities that DTE serves, minimizing disruptions and keeping the power on for more customers.
Transitioning to a smart grid is just one part of DTE’s broader plan to build the grid of the future, which also includes upgrading existing infrastructure, rebuilding significant portions of the grid and trimming trees.
For more information on DTE’s smart grid technology and other power improvements, visit empoweringmichigan.com and DTE’s Power Improvements Map.