Utilities Archives • Outlier Media

Three people in purple uniforms and face masks sit behind a black table typing on laptops. Their uniforms have circular logos that say “WM.” Behind them, a TV says, “DWSD Lifeline Plan. Detroit’s First Affordability Plan. Detroit Water & Sewerage Department.” In front, three people sit in folding chairs, and one of them is filling out a form.

Detroit’s water affordability program gets additional funds, will go through 2025

by Malak Silmi October 3, 2023September 28, 2023

Detroit’s water affordability plan will be able to continue to serve Detroiters for an additional year and a half after finding new funding.

A map of Michgian where DTE power outages are represented by orange shapes and Consumers Energy by orange shapes. There is a black line separating the two service areas and storm cells are represented by blue lines.

The power outage data that DTE Energy doesn’t make easy to track

by Sarah Alvarez August 30, 2023August 30, 2023

Image of person scrolling a redacted DTE bill on a cell phone.

DTE is asking to hike electric rates again. What Michigan customers need to know.

by Sarah Alvarez March 6, 2023March 16, 2023

Three people sitting at a conference table in front of several TV screens and a small audience in an ornate, wood-paneled meeting room.

Detroit’s water affordability plan is not yet fully funded, despite official’s claims

by Malak Silmi February 28, 2023March 17, 2023

Image of person scrolling a redacted DTE bill on a cell phone.

DTE Energy pushes to raise rates while shut-offs increase

by Sarah Alvarez and Emily Hopkins, ProPublica November 17, 2022March 17, 2023

hands with painted nails holding card showing canceled service for water and sewer line protection program.

Claims piling up for Detroit’s new low-cost water and sewer line insurance

by Malak Silmi August 25, 2022March 15, 2023

A woman looks at a piece of paper in a darkened kitchen

She didn’t know she still owed money to her utility. Then 25% of her paycheck was gone.

by Sarah Alvarez and Emily Hopkins, ProPublica August 19, 2022March 17, 2023

Illustration showing residential homes, some with lights out, and DTE Energy building

Detroit City Council calls on Michigan’s largest utility to pause shut-offs, explain its high electricity rates

by Sarah Alvarez April 14, 2022March 17, 2023

Explainer: The magnitude of DTE Energy shut-offs in Detroit

by Kate Abbey-Lambertz March 24, 2022March 15, 2023

Illustration showing residential homes, some with lights out, and DTE Energy building

Detroit’s heavy burden: High electric rates, tens of thousands of shut-offs and a looming price hike

by Sarah Alvarez and Data analysis by Agnel Philip, ProPublica March 18, 2022March 17, 2023