Infrastructure projects improve reliability for DTE customers

Michigan energy company, DTE Energy, recently announced that infrastructure modernization projects improved the reliability of its service by 70 percent from 2014 to 2016.

“By taking actions to modernize our grid now, we are creating a smart, more reliable system that will be prepared for Michigan’s energy needs today and in the future,” Heather Rivard, senior vice president of distribution operations at DTE Energy, said.

The improvements included over 3,500 smart grid sensors and more than 2.4 million electric smart meters installed in 2016 that will provide DTE with real-time data about the health of its electric system and allow the company to address outages and potential outage situations more quickly.

DTE Energy also began construction on four new substations, upgraded other stations, upgraded equipment on over 200 circuits, replaced approximately 3,000 utility poles and trimmed 650,000 trees in 2016.

“We made great progress in 2016, and hit substantial milestones, but our work is not done,” Rivard said. “We are committed to implementing infrastructure upgrades that will result in stronger reliability and peace of mind for our customers.”

DTE Energy plans to upgrade 1,300 circuits, half of its distribution network, by 2020. DTE has also reached 95 percent of its goal of installing 2.5 million smart meters.