Michigan’s weather is becoming more extreme and unpredictable every year. That’s why DTE Energy is investing $10 million over the next three years to modernize and rebuild the electric infrastructure that powers northwest Dexter.
This project includes:
- Installing a smart grid device that’s designed to de-energize fallen lines to keep you safe, help identify where the damage is so our crews can begin restoration faster, and reroute power, so your lights stay on while our crews make repairs.
- Rebuilding seven miles of electric infrastructure, including installing new power lines, more than 180 poles and other electric equipment. This equipment is stronger and can better withstand extreme weather, keeping the power on for more customers.
- Trimming trees along the power lines that serve Dexter. Not only will this allow crews to install new electric equipment, but it will also help prevent outages caused by falling trees and branches.
- Connecting customers (shown in the map below) to a new substation once the work is completed. The new substation will help ensure electricity continues to be delivered safely and more reliably to homes and businesses, as electric demand continues to grow.
Upon completion, this work will enhance reliability by up to 90% for the more than 400 customers served by the upgraded substation and the new electric equipment. This means fewer outages and a more stable power supply. Additionally, the upgraded system will be better equipped to support northwest Dexter’s growing energy needs.
Project progress:
- July 2026: Crews continue making steady progress on infrastructure upgrades, completing nearly an additional mile and a half of rebuilt electric equipment. In some areas, the project is entering the final stages of the rebuilding process, including connecting customers to the new electric power system. To safely complete this work, short, planned outages will be necessary. We will contact affected customers by email and phone once a date is set. Please ensure your contact information is up to date at dteenergy.com.
- December 2025: Crews continue making steady progress on infrastructure upgrades, completing an additional half mile since September. This brings the project to just over two and a half miles of modernized electric equipment—more than a third of the way through the seven-mile rebuild.
- September 2025: We have been working hard to modernize the power delivery equipment in Dexter. So far, crews have rebuilt nearly two miles of electric equipment, including installing 50 new power poles.
- May-June 2025: Crews will begin rebuilding four miles of electric infrastructure that powers northwest Dexter. This includes installing new poles and electric equipment. This initial phase will continue throughout the summer.
- May 2025: Beginning in mid-May, our tree trimming professionals will trim trees along the power lines serving northwest Dexter. To learn more about our tree trimming process, visit dteenergy.com/treetrim.
Throughout the project, short outages and lane closures may be necessary to safely complete the work. We will notify customers of any outages when possible.
All this work is part of our plan to build the grid of the future, which will result in fewer and shorter outages for our customers. Interested in learning more about work happening in your community? Visit DTE’s Power Improvements Map.
