DTE Energy's 2024 Reliability Milestone: A 70% Reduction in Power Outage Duration

In 2024, DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) achieved a significant milestone in its commitment to improving electric reliability, with customers experiencing a nearly 70% reduction in time spent without power compared to 2023. This remarkable progress is a testament to the company's strategic investments and dedication to enhancing the grid's resilience and efficiency.

DTE Energy's four-point plan, implemented over the past few years, has been instrumental in driving this improvement. The plan focuses on transitioning to a smart grid, updating existing infrastructure, rebuilding significant portions of the grid, and trimming and removing trees away from power lines. These initiatives have not only enhanced the reliability of the electric grid but also supported Michigan's energy transition, including electrification and distributed generation.

One of the key factors contributing to DTE Energy's 2024 reliability improvements was the accelerated transition to smart grid technology. The company commissioned more than 450 new circuit automation devices, which, combined with a state-of-the-art operations center and an upgraded field communications system, helped isolate outages and alert DTE's operations center when wires were down. This enabled crews to restore power more quickly, avoiding nearly 10,000 outages and 4 million minutes of power interruption. Since the implementation of these smart grid devices, they have already helped avoid more than 50,000 customer outages.

Additionally, DTE Energy continued rebuilding significant sections of the grid, including the construction of new, modern substations and entirely upgraded circuits. By the end of 2024, DTE had 12 new substations in various levels of commissioning, including three that began construction late in the year. This investment in modernizing the grid has significantly improved its capacity and reliability.

DTE Energy also upgraded and improved existing infrastructure by inspecting and making upgrades along more than 850 miles of electric lines and replacing nearly 3,400 power poles. This work helped to improve the reliability of the existing infrastructure and further enhance the overall performance of the grid.

Tree trimming and removal played a crucial role in reducing power outages in 2024. DTE Energy trimmed or removed more than 4,300 miles of trees across its service territory, with plans to have trimmed or removed trees from over 31,000 miles of overhead infrastructure by the end of the year. This proactive approach to tree management has significantly reduced the number of outages caused by trees contacting electric equipment.

DTE Energy's progress in 2024 not only exceeded its previously stated goals but also demonstrated the company's commitment to maintaining and exceeding this level of improvement in the future. By continuing to invest in its electric grid and execute its four-point plan, DTE Energy is well-positioned to maintain and exceed its 2024 level of improvement, ultimately benefiting both customers and the broader energy landscape in Michigan.

As DTE Energy continues to invest in its electric grid and implement innovative technologies, customers can expect even greater reliability and resilience in the years to come. The company's dedication to enhancing the grid's performance is a testament to its commitment to serving its customers and supporting Michigan's energy transition.