Michigan Orders DTE, Consumers Energy to Improve Reliability
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Michigan regulators have mandated Consumers Energy and DTE Electric to implement significant reliability improvements following a comprehensive audit that revealed subpar performance in storm restoration and overall reliability. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) issued the order, urging the utilities to address 75 recommendations identified in the audit conducted by The Liberty Consulting Group.
Key Directives for Improved Service
The MPSC's order focuses on several critical areas, including:
- Enhanced Vegetation Management: Increased tree trimming along power lines to prevent outages caused by falling branches.
- Equipment Replacement: Prioritizing equipment replacement based on actual condition rather than solely on age.
- Downed-Wires Policies: Improving policies and resources related to dangerous downed wires to better protect the public.
- Maintenance Backlogs: Addressing existing maintenance backlogs to ensure the grid operates efficiently.
The audit was initiated in 2022 after a series of severe storms led to widespread outages, including tragic incidents involving downed power lines. Regulators found that restoration times for both utilities were “worse than average” compared to other energy providers.
Utilities Respond to the Order
Both Consumers Energy and DTE Electric have acknowledged the MPSC’s order and stated that they are reviewing the recommendations and taking steps to improve reliability. These utilities serve over 80% of Michigan residents, making the improvements crucial for the state's infrastructure.
“The steps the Commission is outlining today build on what we’ve learned from the audit and a series of initiatives going back nearly a decade and take concrete actions to continue addressing reliability issues that have frustrated customers,” said Commission Chair Dan Scripps in a statement.
Consumers Energy aims to reduce the length of power outages and move closer to restoring power in all situations within 24 hours. DTE Electric is committed to reducing outages by 30% and cutting outage time in half by 2029, backed by significant investments in the electric grid.
The commission has directed both utilities to file a report on their downed-wires policies and resources by August 29, ensuring accountability and progress toward improved service.