DTE Gas to invest $1.4bn in natural gas pipeline infrastructure in the US

US-based utility DTE Gas has announced plans to invest $1.4bn in its natural gas pipeline infrastructure in Michigan.

The latest investment, which will be made over the next five years, aims to maintain safety of the company’s natural gas system.

Initially, DTE will upgrade its cast iron and steel main pipelines and install new service lines to homes and businesses.

The company plans to replace more than 100 miles of gas main lines. In 2015, 80 miles of gas main lines were replaced.

DTE Gas president Mark Stiers said: “Replacing older gas lines with the latest in pipeline material ensures that our natural gas system remains safe for our customers.

“The key to maintaining a safe pipeline system is our regular inspections and maintenance of the lines.”

Under the gas main upgrade work, the company will shift natural gas metres from inside homes and businesses and replace them with new metres on the outside.

DTE will also modernise compressor stations in a bid to ensure the continued and uninterrupted delivery to all customers.

Natural gas can be pushed into underground storage reservoirs using compressors and can be withdrawn based on customer needs.

Stiers added that a fall in natural gas costs, combined with operational efficiencies, will enable the company to continue to offer better prices for its customers.