DTE Energy
DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) of Detroit, Michigan faces the same problems which large electric utility operators deal with on a daily basis; managing and monitoring the physical integrity of an underground network of cables and equipment that provides electricity to thousands of downtown businesses and residential customers. This responsibility, combined with the occasional debris being dumped into manholes by dumpers, and theft of manhole covers and underground cables by scrap metal bandits often proves to be a daunting task.
When it was announced that Detroit would be the host city for 2006 SuperBowl XL NFL football Championships, DTE was given the task to secure its critical infrastructure in the “red zone” which was defined by Department of Homeland Security Officials and City of Detroit Security Departments. The red zone encompassed the newly built Ford Field, Home of the Detroit Lions football team, and Comerica Park, Home of the Detroit Tigers baseball team. These two facilities have a combined cost of $600 million. The proximity of the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit/Windsor Tunnel required additional security requirements, as Detroit is the 2nd largest Foreign Trade Zone in the USA.
An initial presentation of the Stabiloc™ manhole locking system was made to the Underground Distribution Systems Manager at the Trombly Service Center in Detroit. During a follow-up demonstration for Lines Engineering, Safety and Security, System Engineering, and Human Resources (asked to participate due to its involvement with workers’ compensation claims connected to manhole cover-related injuries), the security and functionality of the Stabiloc™ locking system was found to be worthy of installation.