If you’re planning a build project in Southeast Michigan, you might be worried about the local power supply and how it could impact your progress. DTE Energy, which serves 450 communities in Michigan, has recently suffered regular, ongoing power outages that have impacted many businesses and homeowners. If you’re worried that your build project, whether residential or commercial, could be impacted by DTE power outages, it’s important to understand the big picture, what to expect, and how to help your project run as smoothly as possible.
How do you prepare ahead or mitigate risk for power interruptions? Given the financial consequences of pausing or delaying a build project, it’s critical to understand why DTE power outages have plagued the area.
Here, we’ll take a look at options to mitigate your risk. But first, it’s worth looking at the background of the problem in Michigan. Why does our state have more power outages than almost every other state? Why is power restoration so slow, compared to the response times in other states? The answers matter for your next build project.
Reaching Electrical Capacity
Although Michigan’s population has remained relatively stable in recent years, many communities have reached electrical capacity. This means specific communities are at higher risk for power issues, as electrical capacity may be at its maximum. Adding new build projects to these areas is especially risky where large power capacities are required.
If you are considering a new build in Michigan, it’s important to understand the power landscape for the area. Is there a trusted infrastructure in place? Can power be easily accessed from the site? Are there already capacity issues in the region? Will DTE power outages plague your project from the outset?
While it’s hard to predict all the variables that will impact your project, it’s worth exploring electrical capacity and infrastructure as you consider a build location, just as you would investigate the availability of water, gas, and other utilities. To have an idea of what DTE power outages might look like for a specific region, ask if you can see outage records for the neighborhood or area.
Still, the Delays
Why can’t power companies fix the problem? Can’t they build more power supply to mitigate the gap? In many cases, supply issues are compounded by delays in lead times. While many headaches of the COVID-19 pandemic have dissolved, supply delays for many structural materials remain.
Since 2020, many critical building components have been held up by global supply issues. Compounding the original problems have been conflicts arising in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
When we wonder if DTE power outages can be fixed by adding new equipment, we need to recognize some of the current delays. Components for traditional power supply can currently expect a year or more lead time, making both repairs and new builds a slow, expensive process.
What Puts Power at Risk?
Outside of supply-side issues, what’s causing so many DTE power outages? Michigan ranks second in the country for power outages, second only to Texas, which has three times the population and four times the land mass. What’s behind Michigan’s shaky record?
Of course, changing weather has been a culprit. In January 2024, one storm left 50,000 Michigan homes without power. But weather events have escalated across the country. What’s left Michigan at greater risk?
Ratepayer advocates believe the state’s poor performance comes down to the state of its power grid, blaming both state regulators and the utility companies themselves for not building and maintaining power infrastructure to support customer needs.
The Citizens’ Utility Board of Michigan claims that utility companies are not doing their part to implement best practices that would minimize power loss, including regular tree trimming around power lines.
Another component of a power outage is the time it takes the utility company to respond to a given outage. Here, Michigan’s record is not great, either. Among state utilities nationwide, Michigan is the 4th worst for restoration time. Within the state, DTE power outages take the longest to restore. Records show that in August 2021 a storm left about 1 million customers without power, some for more than a week.
In short, while worsening weather will continue to threaten power across the country, the states with the weakest infrastructure will fare the worst. With an aging infrastructure and long lead times for reinforcement, Michigan is in a tenuous state.
On top of the vulnerability created by aging infrastructure and supply chain issues, Michigan has been trying to move away from coal and thermal-powered electricity, in favor of renewable sources. While DTE Energy uses coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy, it is also working to provide more energy from wind and solar. While renewable infrastructure is built and tested, the company strives to find a balance that will support its Michigan customers.
So, until there is adequate, reliable infrastructure in place, how can a builder protect projects from ongoing DTE power outages?
Your Upcoming Build
What about your project? How do you protect your investment, knowing that DTE power outages are an ongoing risk? The most important thing you can put in place is an effective plan.
First, you’ll need an emergency plan that identifies the possibility of DTE power outages and what to do if they occur. You’ll want to establish a backup energy source, with an understanding of how long it can last.
Your emergency plan should include as many of the following as possible:
- Emergency lighting
- Instructions for generator and backup power supplies
- An emergency contact list
- Communication plan for decision-makers
- A protocol to protect electronics
- Priority list for tasks to be completed with backup power
The more you can prevent damage or loss of productivity, the better off you’ll be when power is restored. Communication is key when the power is out. Be sure to have an on-site protocol for contractors and employees to ensure their safety and have a member of your team stay in communication with the utility provider, to stay up to date on the DTE power outage and estimated restoration.
Find a Build Partner You Trust
Once you’ve chosen the location for your build project, the most important decision you can make is who to trust as a builder. Not every company will have experienced delays caused by DTE power outages. You want a partner whose experience allows them to see the big picture while having a plan for challenges that arise.
At J.B. Donaldson, we have extensive experience working with DTE and other franchise utility companies throughout Michigan. Our understanding of local infrastructure and project needs helps us to navigate DTE power challenges, adjusting quickly to keep projects moving.
We are a premium design-build contractor with over 20 years of experience in a wide range of industries. With extensive in-house expertise, we collaborate with our clients, helping you navigate every aspect of your project, including unexpected issues such as power outages.
We value quality, consistency, and predictability – allowing you to count on schedules, costs, and project integrity. Contact us to explore how our tailored design-build solutions can elevate your next project.
