DTE scores $84M for smart grid; 1,050 jobs

Thursday, May 6, 2010 | Source: metromode
Metro Detroit's transformation to a smart grid got a big boost last week when the U.S. Dept of Energy gave DTE Energy an $84 million grant to improve Metro Detroit's electric grid.

DTE Energy's SmartCurrents initiative is spearheading the smart grid transformation, which involves the development of a high-tech electrical infrastructure to prepare for new technologies that will provide customers with ways to better manage their energy consumption. DTE Energy will match the grant, bringing the initiative's war chest to about $170 million.

That investment is expected to create 1,050 new jobs over the next couple of years, consisting of 700 deployment and construction jobs for IT contractors and overhead linemen and 350 permanent supplier positions.

"It will begin shortly," says Scott Simons, a spokesman for DTE Energy, adding that it will take 6-8 years to make the switch to a smart grid.

Part of the smart grid switch will include installing 600,000 new smart meters in parts of Wayne, Oakland, Livingston, Lapeer, Ingham, and Tuscola counties. These meters allow for easier access to energy usage information through wireless communications. This and other technologies are expected to improve electrical service reliability and give better control of energy consumption and costs.

Source: Scott Simons, a spokesman for DTE Energy
Writer: Jon Zemke
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Energy, Government, Oakland County, Wayne County, Wireless Technology 

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