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DTE Energy is rolling out new technology across Michigan to strengthen the power grid and cut down on outages. Crews are installing “reclosers,” smart devices mounted on utility poles, that act like automated switches to detect problems and restore power faster.
When something disrupts the power system—such as storms, lightning, or falling trees—reclosers quickly shut off electricity in the affected area to keep people safe. If the issue clears, the device automatically restores power. If damage is detected, it isolates the outage, helping DTE restore service remotely in seconds or minutes.
The installation process can take several weeks, starting with prep work like tree trimming and pole delivery. Once installed, crews test and activate the devices within three weeks.
Since 2023, DTE has installed more than 800 reclosers, with plans for over 675 more in 2025 as part of a broader effort to transition to a smart grid by 2029. The company says the devices have already prevented more than 16,000 outage interruptions this year alone. By adding more smart technology, DTE aims to cut outages by 30% and reduce their duration by half by the end of the decade.
Customers will be notified ahead of installations, and DTE does not expect the work to interrupt service. More information about DTE’s reliability improvements is available at empoweringmichigan.com/reclosers
