DTE: 11,000 still without power in metro Detroit

Utilities working to get power back on before Christmas

DETROIT – DTE Energy said mid-day Thursday that 11,000 of its customers in metro Detroit residents remain without power after a weekend ice storm blacked out close to a half-million homes and businesses across the state.

The wintry blast hit Saturday night.

Images: DTE crews at work in Columbiaville

DTE estimates the vast majority of customers impacted will be restored sometime Thursday. Most of the remaining power outages are in Lapeer County. DTE Energy expects the last of its customers to be restored by late Friday night, but that could be later because of additional power outages that have occurred.

Frigid temperatures, snow and higher velocity winds today are making restoration work more challenging, and new power outages have occurred as ice continues to put weight on power lines and tree branches. Windy conditions today is causing ice fall and breakage, slowing the restoration work and making it even more challenging. Even getting to job sites is difficult with icy roads and yards. 

More than 1,500 DTE employees and contractors are in the field today, working around the clock, to rebuild portions of the electric system section by section. Damage is extensive and customers will see portions of their neighborhoods restored, rather than entire neighborhoods restored all at once, as work is completed.

More than 500 linemen from utilities in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio are assisting with restoration efforts. In addition, more than 400 tree trimmers are helping to clear power lines of fallen tree branches.

DTE continues to work with the American Red Cross to provide a warming shelter, food, blankets and water to customers in Lapeer County, one of the hardest hit areas. The Red Cross asks customers seeking assistance to contact their Disaster Relief Team at 810-348-3653.

Using a generator? Watch out for carbon monoxide poisoning

Check: School closings in metro Detroit

View: Traffic maps

How to report a power outage

Report any outages or downed wires to Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050 or DTE Energy at 1-800-477-4747.

View outage maps:

ConsumersEnergy.com/outagemap

dteenergy.com/map/outage.html 

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