PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) were used for decades by electrical utilities as a fire retardant in the insulating oil in electrical equipment.

Detroit Edison ceased purchasing any new PCB-containing equipment in 1976, before the passage of a law defining this substance as “toxic.” We also removed all PCB-containing equipment from public access areas in July of 1984 – four years ahead of the federal deadline.

We’ll continue phasing out PCB-containing equipment by retiring or replacing affected equipment as part of our participation in a voluntary EPA program.