Enhancing Dependability through Smart Grid Technology

DTE Energy is making the transition to a smart grid as part of its plan to build the grid of the future. This transition is aimed at reducing outages by 30% and cutting outage duration in half by 2029. Significant investments in technology, including a new operations center and advanced operating system, have paved the way for this transition to a smarter, stronger, and more resilient grid.

The transition to a smarter grid focuses on using smart grid technology to reduce both the number and length of outages. Smart grid technology works by remotely isolating damaged areas and rerouting power to customers while repairs are made. This technology, including devices called reclosers located on power poles, helps keep more customers’ power on during repairs, which can be completed within seconds to minutes.

Smart grid technology also helps in remotely locating damage areas for field crews, speeding up repairs and reducing outage duration. The new operations center, along with the advanced operating system and smart grid devices installed across southeast Michigan, work together to reduce outages and shorten the time customers are without power.

DTE Energy crews have been installing smart grid devices in the communities they serve, with plans to have 10,000 devices in service by 2029. Transitioning to a smart grid is part of the company’s efforts to build the grid of the future, which also includes upgrading infrastructure, rebuilding portions of the grid, and tree trimming. Visit empoweringmichigan.com/reliability-improvements to learn more about this work and see the power improvements map at dteenergy.com to track progress in your community.