DETROIT – Crews with DTE were busy rebuilding and upgrading the utility company’s systems. One project included installing recloser devices in specific service areas.
A team of DTE staff and contractors were completing recloser installation in an alley off Pasadena Street and Dexter Avenue on Detroit’s west side on Monday Morning. Recloser devices can be remotely controlled and operated by DTE.
Engineers said the devices are helping DTE make its systems more streamlined and safer for its customers.
“These devices are smart devices, which means they are connected to our state-of-the-art control center, as well as integrated into DTE’s advanced technology systems,” said Shannen Harwich, DTE Director of Distribution Operations.
The recloser devices will be able to detect downed wires and de-energize them, among other things, according to staff.
“These devices are going to help us pinpoint the location of damage during an outage,” Harwich said. “Allowing us to send field crews to that location, speeding up the restoration process.”
The reclosers’ signal can also help DTE reroute power. That means customers get service quicker, as crews isolate specific damage during an outage.
“These reclosers are expected to reduce the duration that our customers are without power by up to 50%,” Harwick said.
On Monday (April 22), the recloser installation took place in the alley near Charles Smith’s home in Detroit’s Oakman Boulevard Historic District.
“We have seen some power outages that have lasted for more than 24 hours,” Smith said.
Neighbors said that years ago when they experienced frequent outages, some invested in natural gas standby generators. Smith is calling DTE’s system upgrades a plus for its customers.
“Oh, I think it’s great,” Smith said. “They certainly need it.”
DTE hopes to have about 10,000 reclosers installed across its service areas by 2028.