Westland Residents to Benefit from DTE Energy’s Smart Grid Upgrade, Promising 30% Fewer Outages by 2029

Westland’s Bright Future: Enhancing the Power Grid

Residents of Westland, get ready for a more reliable power supply! DTE Energy is rolling out an exciting plan to construct a smarter, stronger, and more resilient electrical grid, making everyday life a little easier and brighter for everyone in the city. The goal? To cut down on power outages by an impressive 30% and halve the duration of outages by 2029. With teams already on the ground, this ambitious project is all about ensuring that you receive the energy you need when you need it the most.

Smart Grid Transition: What to Expect

The journey to a smarter power grid is already underway! DTE Energy has started the design work on 23 new smart grid devices, known as reclosers, for vital circuits in Westland. These innovative pieces of equipment are responsible for delivering power to homes and businesses across the city. With plans to have these devices installed by the end of 2025, this upgrade will cover a whopping 88% of the city’s circuits.

So, what exactly do these reclosers do? They help improve safety by quickly de-energizing downed power lines, which is crucial for protecting residents and utility workers alike. Additionally, these devices can quickly identify the location of damage, enabling DTE crews to make repairs faster. In many cases, they can even reroute power to keep the lights on for customers while repairs are being carried out. Isn’t that fantastic?

Strengthening Infrastructure: Power Poles and More

But the enhancements don’t stop there. Since 2022, DTE’s front-line crews have replaced 162 power poles in Westland with modern equipment designed to withstand extreme weather events. The crews have also identified over 140 locations where equipment at the top of poles needed replacements and have already taken care of those upgrades. This proactive approach is vital, especially as severe weather can cause havoc on power supplies.

A Greener Approach: Tree Trimming for Better Reliability

Let’s not forget about the trees! DTE knows that tree branches contacting power lines are one of the primary culprits behind outages. To combat this, crews have been hard at work, trimming more than 157 miles of trees in the city since 2016. This year alone, they have tackled about 50 miles of tree trimming. By the end of this calendar year, 72% of Westland will be up to date on trimming and will be on a regular maintenance cycle.

Staying Informed

This concerted effort to improve electrical service is all about providing Westland residents with the power they need and the reliability they deserve. DTE Energy is committed to keeping everyone informed about ongoing work and improvements. If you want to stay updated, be sure to check out DTE Energy’s Power Improvements Map or visit their website for the latest information.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered!

In case you ever face an electrical or natural gas emergency, DTE has you covered! Just remember to call 800.477.4747 for electrical emergencies, or 800.947.5000 for natural gas emergencies. And, if you have any non-emergency inquiries, feel free to send a message on Facebook!

The future is bright for Westland as DTE Energy continues to lay the groundwork for a robust and reliable energy grid. With smart investments and a dedicated workforce, we’re all set to enjoy a more dependable power supply. It’s an exciting time to be a resident here!