DTE Energy, Michigan’s largest energy company, this week is proposing a $388 million investment in the state’s energy grid and electric storage and generation system to prepare for 21st century demands posed by growing electrification needs, climate change, and the fast-evolving preferences of consumers and businesses. To fund the next steps in improving reliability, building a smarter grid of the future and producing more clean energy, DTE Energy is seeking Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approval for its first rate increase in two-and-a-half years. With the proposed investment, based on average residential customer electricity use, the most a bill could increase is approximately $10 per month.  

In the proposal, DTE is committing 100% of the investments to improving its service, including modernizing infrastructure and producing cleaner energy. The filing – DTE’s Grid Modernization/ CleanVision plan – begins a 10-month process under which the request is thoroughly vetted by the MPSC with public input. DTE’s plan for grid modernization includes continuation of the multi-year tree trimming surge program; strategic infrastructure investments in substations, poles, wires, transformers and other assets to modernize the grid and improve reliability; and smart technologies to help detect and prevent large-scale interruptions. 

DTE remains committed to surging its tree trimming efforts, which directly correlates to improved reliability.  In 2021 the company invested an incremental $70 million in tree trimming to help combat extreme weather-related power outages; recently it committed another $20 million to help accelerate its tree trimming efforts.  This investment of company funds has no impact on customer bills.

The company’s CleanVision plan includes the start-up of the Blue Water Energy Center, the retirement of the St. Clair and Trenton Channel Power Plants, and battery and hydrogen storage pilot programs. 

The filing follows a year marked with increasingly severe and frequent weather systems that have impacted the electric grid – and residents and business – across the state of Michigan. While the company consistently makes investments to rebuild infrastructure and improve reliability, DTE’s proposed investment will directly support improvements to the electric grid with new equipment and technology to make the system more resilient. The filing also will allow the company to continue its CleanVision journey to net zero emissions.

“DTE Energy and our customers imagine a future for Michigan when Michigander’s lives and livelihoods are enhanced by their connection to new technologies powered by a strong and reliable system; when we’re powering our electric grid with clean energy sources; and when the state’s energy mix makes Michigan a beacon for economic development,” said Trevor Lauer,  president and chief operating officer of DTE’s electric company. “That bright future is within our reach if we invest in a modernized grid of the future powered by cleaner energy generation.”

The final impact on customer bills will not be determined until the MPSC makes its decision later this year. DTE’s average monthly residential electric bill is below the industry average, and the company is committed to continuing to keep bills affordable for customers. The rate-making process generally lasts 10 months, so any new rate would not take effect until November 2022.