Did you know much of downtown Detroit’s grid system is underground? In fact, Detroit has had a mix of underground and overhead infrastructure since the system was first installed nearly a century ago. As we move to a more technology-driven, electrified lifestyle and our communities continue to grow, Corktown and the west riverfront areas of the city will need stronger, more modern infrastructure.
That’s why DTE Energy is investing more than $165 million to rebuild the electric grid in the Core City, historic Corktown, Hubbard Richard, Jeffries, North Corktown and Woodbridge neighborhoods of Detroit.
As part of the project, our crews have been installing new underground wires and ducts (which protect the underground wires) on Trumbull Street, between Porter and Labrosse Streets.
The new cables and electrical equipment will help power the new Perennial Gardens apartments in development on Michigan Avenue.
Crew drilled through the concrete and created trenches for the new equipment. Then, they installed ducts or tubes that protect the wires that deliver power to homes and businesses. Lastly, crews sealed the newly installed electrical equipment with concrete.
What’s next?
We will continue to install new electrical equipment, like underground and overhead cables, utility poles, transformers, etc., that will deliver energy to the rest of Corktown.
The new infrastructure will help keep the lights on and improve safety for our customers. It also will have greater more electric power to support the area’s growing energy needs.
Rebuilding older sections of the DTE grid is just one component of DTE’s plan to increase reliability for customers. We’re also trimming the trees that account for 50% of the time our customers spend without power and upgrading our equipment. DTE also plans to invest in smart technology that will allow power to be rerouted to customers during an outage, so they continue to have electric service while we make repairs.
Read more about how this project will benefit thousands of customers.