DTE installing smart devices to reduce outages
DTE adds smart reclosers across Detroit to cut outages and improve restoration times, aiming for 30 % fewer disruptions by 2029.
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USA, Michigan, Detroit: DTE Energy is continuing to roll out smart technology across its electric grid to reduce outages and speed up power restoration.
In Detroit’s east side, near Gleason and Greyfriar streets, residents are familiar with storm-related outages. “Every summer, when storms hit, we lose power,” said Jerry Blake, a local resident.
Crews are installing reclosers, smart grid devices that automatically detect faults, isolate damaged sections, and reroute electricity, helping keep the lights on while repairs are made.
“These devices can pinpoint the outage location in real time, which lets us send crews exactly where they are needed and restore service faster,” said Shannen Hartwick, DTE’s Director of Distribution Operations.
Currently, about 600 reclosers are operational in DTE’s service area, and that number is set to double by the end of the year.
Each recloser can benefit hundreds to over a thousand customers per circuit. In 2023 alone, the devices helped DTE avoid 10,000 outages and saved roughly 4 million minutes of lost power.
DTE’s long-term goal is to cut outages by 30 % and reduce outage duration by half by 2029.
Source: WXYZ Detroit
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