As a lifelong resident of New Baltimore, Mayor Thomas Semaan’s connection to the community runs deep. Semaan grew up in the city, raised his family there and served in various public service roles for decades. Elected mayor in 2021 and re-elected in 2023, his focus has always been on the well-being and safety of the community. One of his key priorities has been ensuring reliable energy for residents, particularly during emergencies – a goal that has been greatly supported by DTE’s efforts.
“One of the most important things I’ve learned as mayor is that you can’t just wait for emergencies to happen – you need to be proactive and prepared,” said Semaan. “DTE is part of the fabric of our community. They’ve stepped up in ways that truly make a difference. I know I can rely on DTE when it matters most.”
In late August, record winds caused thousands of residents to be without power. Pumping stations went down and if they weren’t brought back quickly, basements would soon flood. Semaan acted quickly to alert DTE of the severity of the issue, and DTE worked around the clock to restore power in less than 24 hours, with most of the city restored before the clock struck midnight. DTE’s quick response has made a lasting impact in New Baltimore, further proving the need for the company’s commitment to reducing power outages by 30% while cutting outage time in half by 2029.
“DTE understands that there’s a bigger picture when it comes to restoring power,” said Semaan. “It’s not just about people not being able to watch TV. For some, it’s a matter of life or death. DTE understands the power of power. They see real people through their work. They truly care.”
Mayor Semaan says New Baltimore is no stranger to power outages due to the city’s aging infrastructure, with most of the city’s electrical system being above ground. He says plans are underway to explore new substation projects, which will further improve reliability in a city where most utilities are vulnerable to the elements. Explore our Power Improvements Map to see what upgrades we’re making in your area.