local
Voices: Detroit’s DTE shutoff crisis has a face, and it looks like mine
By Amani Sawari at Planet Detroit
· June 27, 2026
· 4 min read
Editor’s note: Amani Sawari is an energy justice strategist at the Detroit nonprofit We Want Green Too, which is an intervener in DTE Gas Co.’s rate case.
The day my power was shut off, I wanted to scream, and I wanted to hide.
That tension is the part of this crisis that people rarely de...
Key takeaway The day my power was shut off, I wanted to scream, and I wanted to hide.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The staggering number of DTE shutoffs in Detroit, nearly 48,000 in 2025, has a disproportionate impact on the city's low-income and minority communities. With 88.9% of Detroit's population identifying as BIPOC, the shutoff crisis exacerbates existing social and economic inequalities. The fact that Detroit accounts for only 16.8% of DTE's gas customers but suffered 62% of the total shutoffs across the utility's service territory suggests a systemic issue that demands attention from city officials and regulators. As the data shows, neighboring cities like Ypsilanti and Dearborn experienced significantly fewer shutoffs, highlighting the unique challenges faced by Detroiters. The prolonged duration of shutoffs, averaging 38 days, further compounds the hardship, leaving many without access to basic necessities like heat and hot water. This crisis requires a comprehensive response that addresses the root causes of energy insecurity in Detroit.
About this story
Original reporting by Planet Detroit . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Planet Detroit . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: Planet Detroit ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Editor’s note: Amani Sawari is an energy justice strategist at the Detroit nonprofit We Want Green Too, which is an intervener in DTE Gas Co.’s rate case.
The day my power was shut off, I wanted to scream, and I wanted to hide.
That tension is the part of this crisis that people rarely de...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by Planet Detroit and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amani Sawari at Planet Detroit. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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