Bookmark this blog as we will be updating it regularly with progress on our upgrades in western Ypsilanti.
At DTE, we’re committed to providing reliable power to our customers even when Mother Nature does her worst. That’s why we’re modernizing the infrastructure that delivers power to Ypsilanti.
As part of this work, we’re investing more than $2 million to rebuild electric equipment on the west side of Ypsilanti near Packard Street and Golfside Road. This project, which is planned to begin in February, includes:
- Installing nearly two miles of new poles, power lines, transformers and electric equipment. This new infrastructure is stronger and can better withstand the extreme weather
- Trimming or removing trees to prevent them from falling onto electric equipment and causing power outages.
When completed in the spring, the work is expected to improve electric reliability by up to 90% for 220 customers served by an upgraded substation and equipment in the area. It will also increase capacity, which will support the growth in the city and more electric energy options like electric vehicles and appliances.
Project progress:
January and February 2025: Crews trimmed trees and began rebuilding the power delivery equipment. This includes installing all new poles, power lines, transformers and more. When work is completed, this equipment will deliver power to customers from an upgraded electric substation in the downtown area. The upgraded substation will help ensure electricity continues to be delivered safely and more reliably to homes and businesses, as electric demand continues to grow.
March 2025: The rebuilding of the infrastructure that delivers power to your home, including the installation of 70 new poles and other electric equipment is now 90% complete.
Rebuilding significant portions of our electric grid is just one part of DTE’s plan to build the grid of the future. The plan also includes transitioning to a smart grid, upgrading existing infrastructure and trimming trees. You can read more about work happening in your community at empoweringmichigan.com or by visiting DTE’s Power Improvement Map.