September 2017, Vol. 244, No. 9

Features

DTE Energy Finds Communication a Key in Replacement Effort

When it comes to huge long-term infrastructure replacement programs, few equal that of DTE Energy’s ongoing effort in Michigan. Not only is the service territory  massive – 20,000 square miles spread across the state – there is also the not-so simple matter of trying to upgrade 20,000 copper gas meters annually. “Many of the meters we are changing are still located within the home or business and are being moved to an exterior wall of the building,” said Joi Harris, vice president of gas operations at DTE told P&GJ in a recent interview. “The work inside takes two to three hours, so we have to arrange for someone who is an adult to be inside during that time.” In addition, DTE Energy,