A nearly $30 million infrastructure upgrade is underway to expand a key electric substation powering Detroit’s Central Business District and East Riverfront area.
Substations are critical parts of the electric grid that adjust voltage levels coming from power plants to distribute electricity safely and efficiently to homes and businesses. By adding new, upgraded electric equipment at the substation, including a new transformer, the work will significantly boost grid capacity and reliability for approximately 3,400 homes and businesses in the area. This is especially important as the area continues to attract new businesses and development.
The enhanced substation will support a growing mix of commercial and industrial customers, including Groebbel, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, Pepsi and other mixed-use tenants. It also plays a vital role in the continued revitalization of the Eastern Market area, ensuring the infrastructure can meet increasing energy demands. This investment not only strengthens the local grid but also paves the way for more electric energy options, like electric vehicles and appliances, in one of Detroit’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
The project began in 2024 and is expected to be complete in 2026.
These system upgrades for Detroit customers are part of DTE’s plan to build the grid of the future, which also includes transitioning to a smart grid, upgrading existing infrastructure, rebuilding significant portions of the grid and trimming trees. These improvements will help the company reach its goal of reducing outages by 30% while cutting outage times in half by 2029.
To learn more about work happening in your neighborhood, visit empoweringmichigan.com/reliability-improvements or DTE’s Power Improvements Map.