DTE Energy faces inspection backlog in Michigan audit findings

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) recently commissioned an audit to assess the reliability of utility companies in Michigan, specifically focusing on DTE Energy and Consumers Energy. The audit revealed that both companies have significant areas needing improvement, particularly in their response to outages and overall safety measures. DTE Energy was found to have an extensive backlog of inspections, particularly concerning transformers, and substantial operational issues related to manhole covers. Additionally, the company has been criticized for its slow response to downed power lines after storms, which poses safety risks to the public. Consumers Energy also faced scrutiny, with the audit highlighting poor response times to downed power lines and a lack of effective communication with customers during outages. These findings have raised alarms among community members, who are increasingly concerned about the reliability of their utility services, especially in light of rising utility bills and the overall cost of living. Attendees at the MPSC meeting expressed frustration over the disconnect between the companies' spending habits and the reliability of their services. Some community members pointed out that while utility companies report record profits, they continue to request more funding from consumers, raising questions about their financial priorities. The audit's findings have prompted DTE and Consumers Energy to prepare responses by mid-November, as the public and regulators alike await concrete plans for addressing these critical issues.