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14Jan 24

Consumers Energy Battles Hazardous Winds, Bitter Cold to Restore Customers’ Power

(January 14, 2024 11:32 AM ET) Consumers Energy lineworkers and contractors from as far away as New Brunswick, Canada braved high winds, lake effect snow and treacherous road conditions overnight Saturday to restore power to thousands of customers affected by a winter storm that struck the state Jan. 12. The hazardous winter weather downed tree limbs and more than 2,500 power lines across several regions.

More than 500 crews – including out-of-state contractors – worked around the clock to reduce the number of customers from over 170,000 without power to about 25,000 as of 9 a.m. Sunday, despite constant widespread wind gusts that made line work challenging and caused more outages. The crews are supported by a team of over 150 dedicated storm restoration staff and volunteers across the state who are committed to enabling crews to restore heat and light to the people of Michigan.

“Safety for our co-workers and our customers remains our top priority as we work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” said Melissa Gleespen, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge of restoration. “Despite bitter cold and high winds, crews continue to make significant progress, and our aim is to have the majority of customers restored by this evening. We’re deeply grateful to the lineworkers and crews who are moving so quickly, and our customers for their continued patience and understanding.”

Though the storm caused damage and outages throughout Michigan, communities throughout northeast Lower Peninsula were hit hardest, including Midland, Bay, Iosco, Ogemaw and Alcona counties.

In Jackson County, less than 100 customers remain without power as of Sunday morning.

Customers can continue to check the status of outages at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter. They can also sign up to get outage alerts and restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message, Text ‘REG’ to 232273 or visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts.

Photos courtesy Consumers Energy.
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