Is DTE's ad $$$ influencing local media coverage of power outages?

[MWmetalhead]

Only about 5/8ths of those who lost power about 72 hours ago have seen their power restored, yet the Freep and Detroit News seemingly stopped reporting on the big number of remaining outages a day ago, and Loco 4 no longer is reporting on the situation (at least not in an easy to find manner) on its web site, either.

Despite great weather today and "3,000 people working in the field" (I don't believe that number for a split second), power restoration seems behind DTE's own schedule.

This makes me wonder - is the lack of negative press due to DTE's copious ad spending at area media outlets?

Channel 7 is the only outlet who seems to be putting significant attention on the matter today.

[edj]

They're buying loads of ads on WJR. Haven't heard much from their local hosts.

[MotorCityRadioFreak]

Only about 5/8ths of those who lost power about 72 hours ago have seen their power restored, yet the Freep and Detroit News seemingly stopped reporting on the big number of remaining outages a day ago, and Loco 4 no longer is reporting on the situation (at least not in an easy to find manner) on its web site, either.

Despite great weather today and "3,000 people working in the field" (I don't believe that number for a split second), power restoration seems behind DTE's own schedule.

This makes me wonder - is the lack of negative press due to DTE's copious ad spending at area media outlets?

Channel 7 is the only outlet who seems to be putting significant attention on the matter today.

They have out of state crews in. I do believe the number, having worked there in the past. We had several micro bursts on Monday in metro Detroit. You could almost draw a line down 8 Mile from Southfield Rd to Schoenherr with 95% of the corridor losing power.

[km1125]

I wonder if they poured all that money they use for advertising into plant maintenance and improvements if it'd be a bit more robust.

They're a utility... What do they really need to advertise for anyways?

[Rate This]

I wonder if they poured all that money they use for advertising into plant maintenance and improvements if it'd be a bit more robust.

They're a utility... What do they really need to advertise for anyways?

PR and such. They want major grid improvements funded by a rate hike. The Michigan Public Service Commission is considering their proposal now but it has garnered some public opposition. We probably need the improvements badly at this point.

[MotorCityRadioFreak]

No, DTE advertises to keep Consumers from expanding into their territory. About 30 years ago, Consumers wanted to expand and take Ann Arbor for its coverage area for both electric and gas. It's a cold war between Consumers and DTE. I worked there from 2009 to 2013(also left on bad terms but that's a long story for a different day. I had a conversation with a supervisor who was about to retire and originally from Ann Arbor.

As far as the storm outages, there were 300K total affected by the storm on Monday. DTE said 80% of the people would be restored by midnight Thursday night and Friday morning. Currently, there are 59,800 out. Does anyone know what 80% of 300K is? 60K. Well done, DTE.

Now, if we want to talk rates and burn them at the stake for that, I am all for it.

[MasterB]

Put the power lines underground so you don't lose power during these types of storms. I didn't lose power where I lived not a flicker either hardly heard thunder I went in the utility room when I was watching Wood TV when they said the storm was going to be on top at 3:53PM with 10 minute lead time. I thought that Consumers & DTE were the best of pals and helped each other out when storms hit like on Monday why is there bad blood between them both?

[MotorCityRadioFreak]

Put the power lines underground so you don't lose power during these types of storms. I didn't lose power where I lived not a flicker either hardly heard thunder I went in the utility room when I was watching Wood TV when they said the storm was going to be on top at 3:53PM with 10 minute lead time. I thought that Consumers & DTE were the best of pals and helped each other out when storms hit like on Monday why is there bad blood between them both?

Market share, market share, market share....But trust me, Consumers did want to take DTE's electric business in Ann Arbor.

[tivoking]

I believe we are #1 or #2 for the frequency of power outages in the US. This was from an article earlier this year. That's why people are upset. It shouldn't go out every single time there's a storm with winds over 20 MPH.

[Herm]

Maybe they could find some money by trimming the salaries and benefits of their executive board. I don’t know how those people sleep at night.

[audiophile]

DTE staff admitted me that one line tripped out during the storm, and it took them 3 days to verify there was nothing wrong with the line and to reenergize it.

Wow! That's mismanagement.

[km1125]

DTE staff admitted me that one line tripped out during the storm, and it took them 3 days to verify there was nothing wrong with the line and to reenergize it.

Wow! That's mismanagement.

I don't know that's really mismanagement. Perhaps an "overabundance of caution".

IIRC, someone re-energized a section in Roseville the other day but there was a downed line on someone's house. Burned the house to the ground.

[MotorCityRadioFreak]

DTE staff admitted me that one line tripped out during the storm, and it took them 3 days to verify there was nothing wrong with the line and to reenergize it.

Wow! That's mismanagement.

There were at 300K out, Mr. A. They are working 16 hour days. Give 'em a break!

Maybe they could find some money by trimming the salaries and benefits of their executive board. I don’t know how those people sleep at night.

True, but that isn't how corporate America works.

[Rate This]

DTE staff admitted me that one line tripped out during the storm, and it took them 3 days to verify there was nothing wrong with the line and to reenergize it.

Wow! That's mismanagement.

There were at 300K out, Mr. A. They are working 16 hour days. Give 'em a break!

Maybe they could find some money by trimming the salaries and benefits of their executive board. I don’t know how those people sleep at night.

True, but that isn't how corporate America works.

It also takes hours to get this right and make it all work. I watched them outside my house on Wednesday… man it took forever.

[MotorCityRadioFreak]

DTE staff admitted me that one line tripped out during the storm, and it took them 3 days to verify there was nothing wrong with the line and to reenergize it.

Wow! That's mismanagement.

There were at 300K out, Mr. A. They are working 16 hour days. Give 'em a break!

Maybe they could find some money by trimming the salaries and benefits of their executive board. I don’t know how those people sleep at night.

True, but that isn't how corporate America works.

It also takes hours to get this right and make it all work. I watched them outside my house on Wednesday… man it took forever.

It does for sure.