Approximately 2.9 million advanced meters have been installed in Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Monroe and Washtenaw counties so far, and more than three million DTE Energy customers will have the technology by the end of 2016.
Advanced meters incorporate technology that allows utility meters to be read remotely, and provide a wide range of benefits and services to customers. The new technology allows DTE Energy to:
-Quickly locate and reduce the length of power outages and other problems
-Virtually eliminate estimated bills through advanced meter reading
-Remotely connect and disconnect residential service, which means faster, less intrusive service. In most cases, customers no longer will have to wait for a service technician to visit their home to stop or start service
-Provide real-time energy-use data, which will help customers track, manage and control energy usage and save money in the process. Customers have the ability to view and manage their energy usage through the DTE Insight app for iPhone and Android
"Our advanced metering program provides our customers with the most up-to-date technology that is both safe and secure," said Ron May, DTE Energy executive vice president, Major Enterprise Projects. "We continue to find new ways to use this technology, which allows us to provide the energy usage information our customers want to better manage their bills."
DTE Energy began installations of advanced meters in December in Algonac, Fort Gratiot Township, Marine City, Marysville, Port Huron and St. Clair. Additional installation areas will be announced as implementation nears.
