Thousands still without power in Ann Arbor area
Related story: Extreme weather around Ann Arbor: How are you coping with storms, power outages, record temps?
More than 8,000 DTE Energy customers in Washtenaw County remain without electricity Friday morning, one day after a storm rolled through Southeast Michigan and caused damage to power lines.
Tree branches fell on a power line Thursday near South Main and West Eisenhower in Ann Arbor.
Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com
This story was updated at 9:30 a.m.
The Ann Arbor area still has 7,367 homes without power, including 4,257 in the 48103 ZIP code. Affected areas still include the South Industrial corridor; the area near North Maple and Wagner south of Miller; and the area bordered by Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Scio Church and Wagner.
Another 1,280 customers are affected in the Ypsilanti area. Many of them are just south of I-94, with another concentration of more than 500 homes south of Ypsilanti near Whittaker and Willis roads.
Dexter and Chelsea each has about 200 customers without power.
DTE officials estimated on Thursday afternoon that power would be restored by 9 p.m. Saturday, and that estimate remains in effect.
Some AnnArbor.com readers reported that their power went out seemingly on its own long after the storm. DTE Spokeswoman Eileen Dixon said this is a normal occurrence after a strong storm.
“One frequent cause of these power outages is that the storm does a lot of damage to the trees that isn’t immediately apparent,” she said. “You frequently see limbs falling well after the fact because they’ve been damaged in the storm.”
Dixon said that while it might seem that power is lost out of the blue, it is not DTE turning off the energy.
More than 200,000 DTE customers in Metro Detroit were affected by the storm.
DTE Energy said its crews were working 16-hour shifts and that workers who were sent to other states following storms along the East Coast have been called back. The utility said 325,000 of its customers were without power at the peak of the outages. DTE said Friday morning that about 105,000 of its customers were without power.
Most of those without electricity lost service after storms late Wednesday and Thursday, with more than 1,000 of its power lines down. Reports of downed wires were still coming in Thursday night, DTE spokesman Alejandro Bodipo-Memba said.
"Everybody is being hit throughout the Midwest and East," Bodipo-Memba said. "We don't expect to get any reciprocating help at this time because everybody is hit and struggling.
"If you have available manpower, that's when you're able to help."
Friday's forecast calls for a chance of more thunderstorms and a high of 102.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Comments
southsiderez
Sat, Jul 7, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
Our power was thankfully restored yesterday afternoon. Lessons learned: 1) DTE estimates mean nothing. Ours came back two days earlier than their estimate. 2) those advising use of generators may not have had the experience of trying to sleep with the windows wide open while your neighbors's generator is running. So loud--worse than an early morning lawn mower. Can u imagine if everyone went out and bought generators. Nightmare. Stay cool everyone!
jcj
Sat, Jul 7, 2012 : 2:23 a.m.
DTE at least has an easy to find outage map. Consumers does not yet have one that I can find.
Phil Iott
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.
Dte is saying my power is back on in the Ravines but I'm out of town. Can anyone confirm?
Dexter Bear
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 5:49 p.m.
My den lost power Thurs morn around 5:30, then it was out until 10pm or so, and at around 1:30 last night it started flashing on and off before dying. Around 11 this morning, it started flashing again, just enough to recharge my water pump, woo hoo, but then it went down again and is still off. GRRRRRRRRR! Estimate for tomorrow night (Saturday) for it to be back. I am one grouchy bear! My den is currently near Madden Road in Dexter Township.
Madeleine Borthwick
Sat, Jul 7, 2012 : 5:37 p.m.
Dexter Bear, I can't blame you! you have my sympathy. hang in there.
brimble
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:46 p.m.
Is the Comcast cable / internet outage related in cause or merely coincidental? The two outages have overlapping, but not exactly parallel service disruptions.
ummsw
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:57 p.m.
I would like to know the answer to that question myself.. I have power but I lost Comcast service 5 times in the last 24 hours
4mytown
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 3:37 p.m.
Hey Tru2Blu76 - I assume you are being sarcastic/facetious about the need for an all Republican civilization - take a look at North Carolina where the legislature is considering to ignore the findings of their scientific board when it comes to projections about rising sea levels. Apparently the real estate people and the legislators are more concerned about depressed housing prices than potential for flooding!
leaguebus
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.
Knowledge-Based Education – We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs that are simply a relabeling of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) (mastery learning) which focus on behavior modification and have the purpose of challenging the student's fixed beliefs and undermining parental authority. The above quote is from the Texas Republican Party's current platform. This is not a joke. The American Taliban is at it again.
Cash
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.
I called for elderly neighbors who are out since Wednesday (no storm).....and DTE told me the power had been restored last night, to check circuit breakers etc.....which I did and called back again to tell them that in fact the power was NOT restored! Even though it had been reported since Wednesday they now have a NEW report and have to wait to even get a restore time. DTE provides the worse service ever. I saw another post above that was told that their service was restored when it wasn't. Must be a new ploy by DTE to put people off longer.
Cash
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.
Johnny, why so bitter? :-) These elderly neighbors CALLED on Wednesday as did the others on the street, were on the map and then this morning magically removed from the map as restored. Now thy must wait until Monday at midnight at the earliest. If Krogers makes an error , they attempt to make amends. When DTE makes an error, they don't care. And further, DTE CAN make more profits by keeping personnel costs low. Thus as you talk to workers ask them what has happened to DTE manpower. It's an eye opener. By the way Johnny....I have a grip. But thanks for your concern. :-)
johnnya2
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 3:08 p.m.
Yes because as a company that sells power, they can make a LOT of moeny by not allowwing people to purchase it. And when you go to Kroger and they tell you they are out of an item, they really have thousands of them in the back because NOT selling stuff makes them money. Get a grip.
rm1
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:42 p.m.
Why on earth doesn't Annarbor.com include a link to the DTE power outage map in every story about the power outage??? If you click around to other linked articles you can stumble onto it, but does no one at AA.com think it might be useful to have it more handy? I knew to look for it because I'd noticed it in an earlier article. It's probably easier to Google for DTE and find the map, in a pretty straightforward way, on that site. We got our power back overnight, probably about 1:30 am (judging from the restarted digital clocks), north and west of M-14 and Newport Road. Total outage about 21 hours. And if you get a generator, you might make sure your wireless access point or other internet router is on it. Comcast TV and internet were out only from midday to early evening yesterday. (Probably you can't put central AC on the generator. AC takes a lot of power, but maybe you could have a window AC for the bedroom.)
Epengar
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
My neighborhood lost power yesterday early afternoon. Last night they were still saying no power until Sunday, but this morning revised to say that it would be on tonight, by 11:30. You can view their outage map from any computer connected to the web. The background map loads quickly, but the layer that shows the outages sometimes loads slowly, so you have to be wait, and wait again if you zoom in. Click on an outage area to see more information, including estimated restoration time: http://dteenergy.com/map/outage.html If you have a smartphone or other mobile device that can access web pages, you can report outages to DTE Energy, and get updates on repairs, here: mobile.dteenergy.com If you have an Android phone or iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch, they offer a free app that lets you report and check status, and also view their map of outages: http://www.dteenergy.com/residentialCustomers/problemsSafety/outageCenter/mobile.html
bunnyabbot
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.
luckily the power did not go out for me yesterday. But I did have the generator as back up if it did, it can keep the freezer chest and fridge going and some lights. However I don't keep the a/c running on the generator. Having a generator is part of an emergency kit/home prepardness. It is an expense up front, but a freezer and fridge full of food thrown out a couple times would pay for it. I've never had to use the fire extinguisher and never had the smoke or CO2 detectors go off to tell me to get out of the house, yet I keep them up to date with batteries. We also invested in a battery backup for the sump pump. Which can recharge if we need to using the generator. Some expenses are just worth it to not have water or sewage back up into the basement!
bunnyabbot
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
bertie, we have a sump pump in our basement because the city installed one after we suffered sewage backup many times over the years (due to the cities infrastructures problems, grr) We fought for and were reimbursed for the battery backup from the city. Our basement is unfinished, we basically use it for projects and storage, everything is stacked at least a foot off the floor. After multiple times of water and or raw sewage backing up, trashing our property and creating really big clean up jobs for us, you don't know wax on wax off until you have sponge bleached your entire basement and then repainting with kilz, we just decided to keep the next clean up job less complicated by stacking everything in tubs or on top of tubs. Honestly, there is no point of having a sump pump if you don't have a battery backup.
bunnyabbot
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
Bertie, I didn't do the decision making on purchasing it. I will tell you that a quick search online using "sump pump battery backup" led to several sites with info and options for sale, they also have them at lowes and home depot. I do know that it is constantly plugged in charging, can run the pump for 8 hours if needed and I do know that we specifically got one that sounds an alarm if it is not charging or failing, so you have a warning before you have a big mess in your basement. We got one of the following: http://www.basementwatchdog.com/battery_backup_sump_pump.htm they are available at lowes, if you do a search for "lowes moving coupon" you will be directed to a site that will email/mail you a 10% off coupon for lowes after you sign up :)
Bertha Venation
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
Hi Bunny, I'd like to know more about the back up for the sump pump. I have two and the power has been out and I've been concerned. Thanks, Bertie
justcurious
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:19 p.m.
Buy a generator. It is not necessary to buy a whole house generator. A portable generator can easily run your chest freezer, your refrigerator, your lights and maybe your ac. Country folks, like us, know this.
Madeleine Borthwick
Sat, Jul 7, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
hi justcurious, a generator is a good investment, hardly obnoxious, especially when you have a freezer full of food that is in danger of going bad!!
greg, too
Sat, Jul 7, 2012 : 4:28 a.m.
Why not just go solar and whatever and go off of the grid since our local energy companies fail way too often? It cost multiple thousands to get a generator that can run a full house electrical, so why not pay more, make up the money over time, and cut our the middle man?
Cash
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
That is not an easy operation for the elderly to do, specially those living alone.
southsiderez
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
I would just appreciate accurate info. Even Detroit Free Press is saying power will be restored for homes by Saturday, and Paula above writes some outages extending "into Sunday." 11:30 at night on Sunday, the estimate on DTE interactive map, is almost into Monday. So what happened, a transformer blew and now we on south side are in que behind power lines to be restored by Saturday into. Sunday? It would be nice to know what's going on and have newspapers report that DTE is having some customers wait until Sunday night.
southsiderez
Sat, Jul 7, 2012 : 3:23 p.m.
Generators are obnoxious.
johnnya2
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 3:06 p.m.
Yes, your blown transformer goes behind downed power lines. DTE gives estimates that are usually on the long side. There can never be total accuracy because until they start the work nobody knows the extent of the damage. If it is such an issue, pack up the family and go somewhere there is power, or buy yourself a generator.
MRunner73
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
The continued outages well after the storm is an extremely rare event by itself. Power came on around 1:00 PM Thursday along the Ann Arbor-Saline Rd and Main Street area. It remained on since then. The traffic lights are out at the corner of Packard and Stadium where there is no power to the businesses on each corner of that intersection but a few blocks west, closer to downtown, power was on. No storms are expected today, just blazing hot but DTE should make good progress in restoring power.
einy
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
It seems my sub loses power for every gust of wind, but we've been very fortunate this year. I'm sorry for those of you without power, that really sucks! :(
jfrey1
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.
Does Mr. Stadium have power?
nickcarraweigh
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 1:16 p.m.
While my power remains uninterrupted, I empathize with the commenters since I experienced godawfully frequent blackouts until two years ago, when DTE built a new substation or invoked the dreaded Volcker Rule or called up the ghost of Nicola Tesla. Whatever. It worked. But going without power for three-day stretches and re-buying a freezer full of food a couple times a year is sure enough to spark daydreams of pitchforks, flaming torches and a fog-shrouded nighttime march on DTE HQ.
Madeleine Borthwick
Sat, Jul 7, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.
hey Nick, i'll provide the hot tar/feathers....
Bluefire
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 8:58 p.m.
Nick, I already have the flaming torches and am willing to buy the pitchforks. Just let me know day and time, and I'll be there!
djacks24
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:32 p.m.
It would be nice if they actually updated the infrastructure along with the power grid. I'm sure that would solve a lot of these storm related power outages. I live in a newer neighborhood (built in the mid 90s) where all the lines are underground. I've maybe lost power once or twice in the almost 4 years I've lived there. And even the times I recall losing power, I seen the trucks stationed by a nearby neighborhood that still had above ground lines. So I must be connected to them in some way?
Cash
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
Nick, thank you...you made me laugh!!!!! That is a great post, especially the pitchforks and flaming torches!
fjord
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 1:03 p.m.
As frustrated as I am, it hasn't even been a full day yet without power. I have friends on the east coast who didn't have power for nearly a week. Still, it sucks when it's happening to you, no matter how long it's been ... and we're supposed to get 100° today. Spending thousands to get a permanent generator installed no longer seems like such a silly idea.
Townie
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 6:23 p.m.
Buying a generator is a great solution for DTE (versus their spending money to actually strengthen a weak infrastructure) and a lousy one for consumers. DTE would like to avoid infrastructure spending (hurts profits) so you're helping them avoid doing the right thing. And don't think that by letting them avoid infrastructure costs they won't up your rates on top of your investment in your own 'infrastructure'. I'm thinking solar personally -- and anticipating how DTE will fight having to buy my extra wattage even though they need it (of course part of their problem is moving the wattage too).
pb
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 4:57 p.m.
After numerous outages over the past several years, we finally bit the bullet last summer and paid the bucks for a standby. Believe me, even without the A/C as part of it (would have been another $2,500.00), we can say that, having gone through several extended electricity down times since then, the purchase was as far from a silly idea as can be. And, given the constant broken promises and poor infrastructure strategies at DTE, I expect to continue being grateful that we made the investment.
JoeA2
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:54 p.m.
I live on the west side and my power went out Wednesday night. I got the same blanket estimate everyone else did about not getting power back until Saturday evening so I unloaded my refrigerator and fled the scene. According to DTE, my power was restored Thursday night, so my gf took my food back to my place as I went to work only to find that my power was still out. They are prioritizing outages and should be able to give more accurate estimates as to who is getting power back first, and they should also not be giving false information back to their customers. I realize there has been some inclement weather, but there are issues with their system and this is awful customer service.
southsiderez
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.
Why is A2 News insisting power will be restored Saturday when DTE is showing us on the map that Lake Forest and Stonebridge neighborhoods won't be back until 9:30--11:30 Sunday? Why exactly did we lose power at 5 Thursday when there was no storm? Does DTE have a public relations person you can talk to? We would appreciate more accurate and thorough reporting---this is a big story to residents facing a 100 degree day and three more days without power. Thank you.
Paula Gardner
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.
DTE is saying Saturday, even as some estimates do go into Sunday. Some power already has been restored in the county. We heard reports of new power lines down all day yesterday - it seemed like branches weakened in the storm kept breaking off. There also are power outages from transformers etc pretty constantly in the county even without major storms. One, for example, recently hit part of the Georgetown neighborhood. The extreme nature of this week's storm and high number of outages are both affected the pace of DTE repairs. We can ask for more detail on the nature of the outages, but do believe that if crews weren't restoring power to 200k homes in Metro Detroit, things could be moving more quickly for non-storm related outages.
towncryer
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.
Townie, I agree with you. When there is an issue with water, they let people know to conserve more/don't use sprinkler, etc... I think they would be surprised how many people would cooperate if they were just given a head's up.
Townie
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 5:53 p.m.
Paula - How about looking at this with truly open eyes and asking yourself if DTE's infrastructure is overstressed and inadequate for the conditions. Yes, there are storm damage incidents contributing but I believe a lot of this is infrastructure. I was quite surprised there was so little on the news about the high energy demands and impact on the system. I didn't hear anything from anyone about asking everyone to try and dial down temps and turn things off so we could avoid these outages. I wonder if Costco coming on-line had anything to do with the failure of the electrical infrastructure. You won't get DTE to admit to that and that's where good reporting comes in -- there are people who could tell you a different story than this one sided piece.
seldon
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 5:17 p.m.
Jared: it sure does. I've done the same math.
Jared Mauch
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
Our outage was estimated to be restored Friday night. They restored power last night around 5:30pm. I was quite happy to find them exceed their estimate. Aside: I have regularly "run the numbers" on doing Solar/Battery/Generator setup and the power outage yesterday gave me a few to re-run the numbers. It could easily be 10-30k for me to have enough power to survive in the heat and run my geothermal pump (AC/Heat in the winter). That pays for a lot of hotel rooms.
mike gatti
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 1:35 p.m.
Please look at the DTE map. The giant brown area says Sunday for restoration. Also your post reads as if you are carrying water for DTE. I don't know anything about the news business but aren't you to report what they say and then confirm it? If there was a system outage then it might make it into the piece. though in fairness I'm sure DTE isn't making much available info-wise.
mike gatti
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:19 p.m.
Why was I able to reach someone at DTE and have them tell me that the giant outage in Southwest Ann Arbor has nothing to do with the storm but is from overhead boxes blowing but annarbor.com doesn't report that? Also the estimate DTE is giving for my neighborhood (both via automated answer and via person) is Sunday July 8 between 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. not Saturday.
David Barsan
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:41 p.m.
I'm in the Dicken neighborhood and we're still out this morning. System overloaded yesterday and they told me Sunday, too...hope it is sooner than that!
Phil Iott
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 12:23 p.m.
Same here! We heard the transformers blow. Would sure like to know if it will be Saturday or Sunday. Fled town with the food in coolers.
mike gatti
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 10:44 a.m.
Our power went out at 5:00 p.m. or thereabouts. Not the storm. No storm at 5:00 p.m. on July 5, 2012. You can look it up.
thecompound
Fri, Jul 6, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.
Same here! Ironically they were able to call me to try & sell me something that afternoon before the power/phone went out!