DTE Energy Develops Solution for Thumb Schools Wind Energy Project

DETROIT, Oct. 2  /PRNewswire/ -- Detroit Edison has developed solutions to restart a wind energy project in the Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker Schools in the Thumb area.

The utility's engineering team has expedited an analysis needed to determine the best way to install wind generators for interconnection with Detroit Edison's electric grid that meets the needs of the school district as well as the safety of children attending school where the project will generate electricity.

The schools utilized a $265,000 grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) for the project, but began operating the generators before completion of an engineering and safety study from Detroit Edison for the interconnection. Detroit Edison advised the school district to shut down the generators to comply with MPSC until the study could be completed to ensure the generators can safely and compatibly interconnect with the school's electrical system.

"Detroit Edison is fully supportive of renewable energy programs and we have been working with the school district to accommodate its wind power project," said Vince Dow, Detroit Edison vice president. "We have expedited the time it would normally take for such an engineering study and believe we've developed a solution, which will expedite a safe start-up of the project. We intend to present the study to the district as soon as we can schedule a meeting.

"It is extremely complex to connect large wind generators to the electric grid and we needed to ensure that the right protective equipment is in place to ensure the safety of the children at the school, as well as the reliability of the electrical system," Dow added. 

DATASOURCE: DTE Energy



CONTACT:  Scott Simons, [phone], or Lorie N. Kessler,

[phone], both of DTE Energy



Web site:  http://www.dteenergy.com/ 

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