Of the roughly 800-thousand DTE Energy customers that lost power in last Wednesday's windstorm, 755-thousand are back on-line.
As of 5:30 Monday morning, DTE Energy says the number of customers without electricity is down to 45-thousand. Despite a Winter Weather Advisory, in effect until 11pm, the utility says it is still on track for full restoration by 11:30pm Monday night.
Here is the latest from DTE Energy:
Monday, March 13, 2017, 5:30 a.m. update
DTE Energy restores 755,000 storm customers
As of 5:30 a.m. Monday, DTE Energy has restored power to 755,000 customers – more than 90 percent of the 800,000 customers impacted by Wednesday’s wind storm. With two-to-four inches of snow predicted today we are still on track to complete restore power for all of our customers by 11:30 p.m. today.
For the 45,000 customers still without power, DTE knows this has been a trying period. As DTE continues to receive information from the field, estimates are being provided to customers. We urge all customers to take caution today as the National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for southeast Michigan.
DTE has continued its outreach efforts to our most vulnerable customers in cooperation with our non-profit and faith-based community partners. The company encourages individuals to check on friends and neighbors who may still be without power.
We’ve had many questions from our customers throughout the restoration process. Click here for the list of common concerns and DTE’s response: http://empoweringmichigan.com/storm-questions-answered/
DTE Energy shares the following safety tips for residents:
* For those running a generator:
o Never operate a generator inside your home or in other enclosed or partially-enclosed spaces, including garages.
o The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends generators be positioned at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents to prevent carbon monoxide from entering the home.
* Customers should stay at least 20 feet away from all power lines and anything they may contact, and consider them live. Do not cross yellow caution tape, which indicates there is a downed power line in the area. Customers can call DTE at 800.477.4747 or use the DTE Energy Mobile app to report downed lines.
* We are working with community and municipal partners, religious organizations, and the Red Cross and have identified dozens of warming centers across the state for customers affected by this unprecedented wind storm. Those without power can access an interactive map to locate a local warming center on empoweringmichigan.com.
* For those with medical needs:
o Call 9-1-1 if it is urgent or life-threatening.
o Call United Way's 2-1-1 crisis hotline, which will help you find local resources, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
* As the temperature drops, here are some tips to protect your home:
o Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
o All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside.
o Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
o Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children.
o To drain pipes, locate your home's main water shut-off valve. Turn to the off position. Turn on every water fixture in the house until the water stops running. Open all faucets and flush all toilets in the house, starting with the top floor and working your way down.
