DTE Energy has launched a series of energy grid upgrades to provide more reliable electricity to more than 30,000 customers in Troy, Ferndale, and Hazel Park.
This project is part of a multi-year investment to build an updated energy infrastructure. The company plans to upgrade more than half of the energy grid before the year 2020.Work in southeast Oakland County includes the construction of two new electrical substations and upgrades to more than 55 miles of power lines.
“We realize businesses and families depend increasingly on the electricity we provide. That’s why it is so important to us, and our customers, to invest in our grid and make the updates necessary to improve service,” said Heather Rivard, vice president, Distribution Operations, DTE Energy. “When complete, these upgrades will allow us to deliver more reliable electricity to existing homes and businesses and support the growing economy as well.”
Specifically, Rivard said the $76 million project will enable DTE Energy to better isolate trouble spots and re-route power around damaged areas. “This will reduce the length of power outages so DTE can get customers’ lives back to normal more quickly following outages,” Rivard added.
The additional electrical capacity provided by the new equipment will also support future redevelopment of the Michigan State Fairgrounds.DTE began work on the first substation, located in Troy near the corner of Maple and Doyle Drive, in February. Construction is also underway at the second substation, on Hilton Road just south of 9 Mile Rd., in Ferndale. DTE Energy expects both substations to be operational by June of 2017.
Customers may see increased activity at the substation construction sites, as well as DTE work trucks along residential streets as power lines are upgraded and new utility poles are installed.
“We’re committed to doing all we can to provide dependable electricity. Projects like this are a good example of how we’re making our system stronger and more reliable, in good weather and in bad,” Rivard said.
About DTE Energy
DTE Energy is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and service nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility service 1.2 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial project, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage and energy marketing and trading. Information about DTE Energy is available at www.dteenergy.com