NORTHERN MICHIGAN — Consumers Energy is working to restore power to customers as high winds and snow continue a late-December surge of severe weather across Michigan. The energy provider is prioritizing assistance to customers in the region from Big Rapids to Midland, where a blanket of ice caused extensive damage Sunday.
Nearly 500 crews will be mobilized starting at 10 p.m. to respond as conditions worsen. Consumers Energy urges drivers to use caution around crews and reminds residents to stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines.
“Michigan is facing a variety of weather challenges in the last few days, from ice to wind and snow. We are grateful for the resilience and strength of our customers, and we will work around the clock to get the lights back on for everyone we serve,” said Norm Kapala, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge for restoration.
Consumers Energy is deploying more than 400 crews today as part of an all-hands-on-deck response to help communities statewide. The forecast calls for wind gusts above 50 mph and snow, following rounds of ice that affected 90,000 customers Friday and Saturday, and again Sunday.
Consumers Energy will delay providing immediate restoration projections for part of the day as crews assess the initial impact of winds expected to continue until this evening. Customers can check outage status at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter. They can also sign up for outage alerts and estimated restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message by texting “REG” to 232273 or visiting www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts.
“We understand the frustration that comes with back-to-back storms,” Kapala said. “It’s still important for the public to remain focused on being safe, just as our lineworkers will do as they work around the clock to restore power safely and efficiently.”
