The saying goes, “…an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That saying is true for electric equipment maintenance, part of what brought DTE crews to Turnberry Drive in Whitmore Lake as DTE Energy continues to build a smarter, stronger and more resilient grid. We are committed to reducing power outages by 30% and cutting outage times in half by the end of 2029.
The crew was replacing a transformer (and pad) in this neighborhood, near the Links of Whitmore Lake, and doing so before the older pad base and transformer itself could cause any problems.
The old transformer casing had started to corrode, making it impossible to lock, thus increasing the risk of an animal – or person – getting inside and hurting themselves, and also interrupting power. By doing this work now, before there is an issue, DTE service is safer and more reliable for customers. Working ahead like this makes things better for everyone – customers and crews alike.
“This is better everyone,” said Brian Hartner, cable splicer leader. “The work goes better, faster and safer with this stretch of good, warm weather, and by getting ahead of any potential issues, we also assure the lights stay on for more of our DTE customers in the area.”
Upgrading work is part of DTE’s plan to build the grid of the future. That plan, now well underway, includes transitioning to a smart grid, upgrading existing infrastructure, 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.