When most people think about natural gas, heating your home in the winter is the first thing that comes to mind. But natural gas plays an important role in your daily life all year long, even when there isn’t snow in Detroit’s forecast. While you may not be using your furnace in the summer, natural gas powers many of the things you and your family rely on every day. Water heaters continue warming up water for showers and baths, dishwashers and laundry. Gas-powered dryers help your family keep up with laundry after outdoor adventures and summer activities. And natural gas stoves and ovens help keep your family fed, no matter the season.
For more than 175 years, DTE has provided Detroit with safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service that powers these everyday moments. Throughout the year, DTE plans ahead to make sure enough natural gas is available for their 1.4 million customers. DTE buys gas from all over the country and stores it in Michigan’s unique underground reservoirs. This lets DTE purchase natural gas up to three years before it’s needed, and buy when gas demand is lower, like during the summer. This also means DTE can secure the most abundant and price-stable supply for their customers, and protect you from price changes when you use more gas in the winter.
DTE also continues to invest in the safety and reliability of our natural gas system. DTE maintains more than 23,000 miles of pipeline across the state and regularly check it for needed repairs and improvements. A key part of this effort is their Gas Renewal Program, a long-term investment in the city of Detroit and elsewhere to replace older pipes with newer, corrosion-resistant materials. These upgrades enhance safety, reduce emissions and prevent leaks from aging infrastructure.
Even in the summer, this work continues in your neighborhood and across ther gas service territory, helping to ensure the gas system stays reliable for future generations. It also helps to ensure that your family has natural gas service you can depend on through every season.
