DTE Energy is dedicated to constructing a smarter, stronger and more resilient grid to enhance reliability. Our commitment to customers is to reduce power outages by 30% and to cut outage durations in half by 2029.
A crucial part of this plan features upgrading infrastructure. Recently, our crews identified a power pole at the corner of Keystone Lane and South Maple Road that needed a pole-top upgrade. Specifically, our crews installed a new lightning arrester bracket to the top of this pole. This piece of equipment will ensure that during an extreme weather situation, the likelihood of an outage caused by a lightning strike is heavily reduced. To put it simply, this upgrade grounds the surge of electricity and reroutes that power, helping stop any negative impact that could be caused. Along with the arrester bracket, new polymer connectors have also been installed to replace the older. porcelain ones. These changes and more are being made to help our Ann Arbor customers experience fewer and shorter power outages.
This process of replacing and upgrading our current infrastructure is key in our plan to build a stronger and more reliable grid. DTE will continue to do this kind of work to increase reliability but also to help with the increase in electrical demand that is happening in the Ann Arbor area.
DTE is building 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