In 2024, DTE made a commitment to customers to reduce power outages by 30% and to cut outage duration time in half by the end of 2029. To improve reliability and meet this goal, DTE is upgrading existing equipment throughout southeast Michigan.
This week, DTE crews were at the corner of 7 Mile Road and Fitzgerald Street in Livonia installing another new power pole – one of several new pole upgrades planned for this area. New power poles are taller and more durable than older poles, which will help them better withstand severe weather. The crew also installed a new transformer and plans to upgrade other pole top equipment, including new connectors, transformers and fiberglass cross arms in the coming weeks. Equipment upgrades like these will help improve reliability for area residents.
Last year, DTE field crews inspected and made upgrades along more than 850 miles of electric lines (longer than the distance between New York City and Chicago) and replaced nearly 3,400 poles. In 2025, DTE plans to make upgrades along 950 miles of electric lines and replace 5,500 poles.
Upgrading existing equipment is part of DTE’s plan to build the grid of the future. That plan, now well underway, includes transitioning to a smart grid, rebuilding significant portions of the grid and trimming trees.
To stay informed about ongoing projects you can explore DTE Energy’s Power Improvements Map or visit empoweringmichigan.com.