By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — Library Director Michael McCaffery started a petition July 11 directed at DTE to improve electrical service on the circuit that serves the Caroline Kennedy Library, 24590 George Ave.
The air conditioning at the library cannot run consistently due to the electrical service issue.
McCaffery wrote that DTE has tried things has produced periodic results, but the problem has not been resolved yet. The city does not have control of the repair, he said.
“We need AC so the library can function as a cooling center for residents in need during the summer months,” he wrote in the petition. “Many days the building is unsuitable for kids and seniors and the inconsistent flow quite probably has resulted in damage to our equipment.”
At the July 9 City Council meeting, McCaffery provided an update on the DTE issues at the library and in the area. He said there were good developments and some action as a result of a Michigan Public Service Commission complaint.
McCaffery added that some repairs were made to the circuit to increase the voltage allowing the air conditioning to work, which has been up for a number of days.
“I’m happy about that development,” he said. “However, there is still an issue where I want to make sure I’m still applying a moderate degree of pressure in that the solution that they had was something that they’re kind of patching together to make sure we have electricity in the short-term which is good because you know it requires also an upgrade. So, there’s an equipment upgrade that’s also needed on he circuit.”
“DTE Energy’s engineers and other representatives have been in contact with Mr. McCaffery,” DTE Corporate Communications Manager Randi Berris said in a statement July 12. “We recognize his concerns and apologize for the power quality issues the library has experienced.
“Our crews are installing new equipment today just outside the substation that serves the library and surrounding area. The new equipment is expected to alleviate the load issues and improve the power quality and reliability in the area.”
To sign the petition, go to www.change.org/p/dte-improve-electrical-service-on-circuit-serving-library-and-surrounding-area.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])