Investments in smart grid technology keep lights on for DTE customers, preventing more than 16,000 outages so far this year

Rhea-AI Summary

DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) announced significant progress in its grid modernization efforts, preventing over 16,000 outages in 2025 through smart grid technology implementation. The company is executing a $10 billion, five-year plan to enhance electric reliability, aiming to reduce outages by 30% and halve outage duration by 2029.

DTE will install 675+ new reclosing devices by year-end 2025, more than doubling the system's capacity since 2023. The smart grid infrastructure includes Advanced Distribution Management System software, a state-of-the-art Systems Operation Center, and automated devices that enable remote monitoring and control across DTE's service territory.

Positive

• Smart grid technology prevented 16,019 power outages year-to-date
• Major $10 billion investment plan to modernize electric grid over 5 years
• Installation of 675+ new reclosing devices in 2025, doubling system capacity
• Commitment to reduce outages by 30% and cut outage time in half by 2029

Negative

• Significant capital expenditure of $10 billion may impact company financials

Insights

Utility Infrastructure Specialist

DTE's $10B smart grid investment shows early success with 16,000+ prevented outages, strengthening reliability metrics and regulatory position.

DTE Energy's announcement marks significant progress in their $10 billion, five-year grid modernization plan. The prevention of over 16,000 outages year-to-date demonstrates the effectiveness of their smart grid technology investments. This achievement supports their ambitious targets of reducing outages by 30% and halving outage duration by 2029.

The company is rapidly scaling its grid automation capabilities, planning to install more than 675 reclosing devices this year alone, which will more than double their deployment since 2023. These reclosers serve dual functions: they provide precise damage location data to maintenance crews while simultaneously rerouting power to maintain service for customers during repairs.

This investment represents a strategic shift toward a fully automated distribution system that delivers multiple operational benefits. The smart grid infrastructure—combining advanced software, operation centers, substation equipment, and automated devices—enables remote monitoring and control across DTE's service territory.

For utilities like DTE, reliability metrics are crucial performance indicators closely monitored by regulators. Improved System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) scores resulting from these investments can strengthen DTE's position in rate case proceedings. The automated detection and de-energization of downed lines also addresses a critical safety concern for utility operations.

This initiative reflects the broader industry trend toward grid modernization where utilities are balancing infrastructure hardening (physical improvements) with technological enhancements to improve resilience and service quality while preparing for increased electrification demands.

DETROIT, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) today announced a milestone in its work to improve electric reliability for customers. So far this year, DTE’s smart grid devices have prevented more than 16,000 outages throughout DTE’s electric service territory. Accelerating the deployment of these smart devices is a critical component of DTE’s five-year, $10 billion plan to build the electric grid of the future and deliver on its commitment to reduce power outages by 30% and cut outage time in half by the end of 2029.

“We're building an electric grid that is smarter, stronger and more reliable," said Matt Paul, president, DTE Electric. “Accelerating our investments to build a smarter grid is a game-changer for our customers and we’re already seeing positive results. This technology gives us the ability to automatically reroute power and get crews to trouble spots faster, which means more reliable electricity for our customers."

By the numbers

• 16,019 power outages have been prevented since the beginning of the year.
• 675+ new reclosing devices will be installed by the end of this year, more than doubling the number of reclosers on our system since 2023. Reclosers can speed restoration by providing crews with an exact location of damage during an outage as well as rerouting power so more customers have service while crews make repairs.
• This is part of our five-year, $10 billion plan to improve electric reliability.
• DTE is committed to reducing outages by 30%, cutting outage time in half by 2029.

How it works

DTE’s smart grid is an interconnected system that includes the company’s Advanced Distribution Management System software, state-of-the-art Systems Operation Center, substation equipment, automated smart devices, smart meters and more. The automated smart devices allow the company to remotely monitor, operate and control the grid across the communities that DTE serves, minimizing service interruptions for customers.

DTE will add more than 675 devices to its electric grid by the end of 2025, more than doubling the number of devices already on the system since the automation program started in 2023. DTE’s commitment to fully automating the grid by 2029 will provide the following benefits:

• Improved safety: Smart grid devices can automatically detect and de-energize downed wires, helping to keep people safe.
• Fewer outages: Smart devices are designed to isolate areas of damage and reroute power, so the lights stay on for many customers while crews make repairs.
• Shorter outages and quicker restoration: Smart devices can quickly identify the location of the damaged equipment, so crews can arrive at the location faster and begin making repairs.

Transitioning to a smart grid is just one part of DTE’s broader plan to build the grid of the future, which also includes upgrading existing infrastructure, rebuilding significant portions of the grid and trimming or removing trees.

Find out where smart device and other reliability work is happening on DTE’s Power Improvements Map.

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy. 

Dana St. Coeur
DTE Energy
313.235.5555

FAQ

How many outages has DTE's smart grid technology prevented in 2025?

DTE's smart grid technology has prevented 16,019 power outages since the beginning of 2025.

What is DTE Energy's investment plan for grid modernization?

DTE is implementing a $10 billion, five-year plan to improve electric reliability, aiming to reduce outages by 30% and cut outage time in half by 2029.

How many new reclosing devices will DTE install in 2025?

DTE will install more than 675 new reclosing devices by the end of 2025, more than doubling the number since 2023.

What are the main benefits of DTE's smart grid automation program?

The program provides three key benefits: improved safety through automatic detection of downed wires, fewer outages through power rerouting, and shorter outages with faster restoration through quick damage location identification.

When does DTE plan to complete its grid automation project?

DTE is committed to fully automating its grid by 2029, as part of its broader plan to build the grid of the future.