This week, DTE were at the corner of Broadway Street and Cedar Bend Drive in Ann Arbor installing a new power pole and upgraded pole top equipment, including new connectors, fiberglass cross arms, and a new transformer. New power poles are taller and more durable than older poles. The new poles, along with new pole top equipment will help improve reliability for area residents, especially during severe weather events.
In 2024, DTE Energy made a commitment to customers to reduce power outages by 30% and to cut outage duration time in half by the end of 2029. To improve reliability and deliver on this commitment, DTE is upgrading existing equipment throughout southeast Michigan. Last year, DTE field crews inspected and made upgrades along more than 850 miles of electric lines (longer than the distance between New York City and Chicago) and replaced nearly 3,400 poles. In 2025, DTE plans to make upgrades along 950 miles of electric lines and replace 5,500 poles.
This upgrading work is part of DTE’s plan to build the grid of the future. That plan, now well underway, also includes transitioning to a smart grid, rebuilding significant portions of the grid and continuing to trim trees. Continuing to execute on this work will help DTE reduce outages by 30% while cutting outage duration times in half by the end of 2029.
To stay informed about ongoing projects you can explore DTE Energy’s Power Improvements Map or visit empoweringmichigan.com