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DTE ordered to explain improper power shutoffs

A major energy company will face a state commission about its improper shutoffs. The Michigan Public Service Commission will hold an evidentiary hearing against DTE Energy.

DTE experienced some problems recently when it transitioned to a new billing system. About 5-thousand people had their service shut off without proper notice. DTE says as soon as it realized the error, it restored power to all customers cut during that time period – just to be safe.

   But now the company will have to explain what went wrong.

Nick Assendelft is a spokesperson for the state agency that houses the commission. He says the commission could fine DTE or have them change certain practices.

“What might be at stake here is depending on if there were determined to be any kind of violations what that might mean for DTE itself.”

   The evidentiary hearing doesn’t have a date scheduled yet.