Learn about our Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program

Advanced Metering involves the installation of state-of-the-art metering technology for all of our residential and commercial electric and gas customers. It will take several years to replace or modify, the nearly four million DTE Energy customer meters.

Once fully implemented, this technology, as part of our SmartCurrents program, will provide you with the information necessary to make cost-saving choices on your energy use. Advanced Metering is paving the way for smart grid technology.

How AMI works

Mouse over each component in the illustration below to learn more about each feature.

Meter upgrades

To implement this program, your current electric meter will be replaced with a digital meter that can be managed remotely at no cost to you.  The meters are extremely safe and highly accurate. They use secure, low-power radio-transmissions to send your usage information to us instead of having a meter reader read your meter

Your new Detroit Edison electric meter will be the same size as your current meter. It will have a digital display instead of dials and a blue and white label on the front. 

Your MichCon natural-gas meter will have a radio-frequency transmitter installed behind the existing meter face, so your natural gas meter will not look any different.

We have partnered with Itron to provide the equipment and help implement the program in Southeastern Michigan. A vendor has not yet been selected for advanced metering implementation in other areas of Michigan.

Advanced metering benefits you

The installation of your new meter enables us to provide the following benefits:

• Nearly eliminating the need for us to enter your yard or business for meter reading, except for occasional maintenance.
• Fewer estimated bills
• Increased meter reading process efficiency
• Automatic power-outage detection
• Access to your daily energy usage information via the Internet to better manage your energy costs (once fully implemented as part of the SmartCurrents program)

Need more information? Read our Frequently Asked Questions or this EEI white paper on Smart Meters and Smart Meter Systems*, or the Michigan Public Service Commission website - Smart Grid and FAQs.

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