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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Underground Power Line Pilot Program Proves Highly Effective Against Recent Severe Weather
JACKSON, Mich., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Record-breaking severe weather has swept across the state during the first half of 2025. While these storms have left a path of destruction, Consumers Energy is proud to announce early successes from its underground power line pilot program. Initial data shows that areas included in the 9-mile pilot experienced fewer outages and improved overall system reliability compared to overhead-line service areas. Buried power lines are better protected from common outage causes, including lightning, high winds, tornadoes, heavy snow, ice and falling tree limbs. Launched in 2024, the pilot program is a part of Consumers Energy's long-term plans to move more power lines underground, bolstering the company's infrastructure as outlined in the Reliability Roadmap. Key Outcomes So Far in 2025: 100% reduction in storm-related outages to underground pilot areas compared to surrounding neighborhoods with overhead systems. Improved customer satisfaction, with feedback citing increased peace of mind during severe weather events. "We are seeing clear, measurable benefits from this pilot program," said Chris Laird, Consumers Energy's vice president of electric operations. "Not only have we improved reliability for our customers, but we've also reduced emergency repair costs and enhanced public safety." The pilot program targeted circuits that have frequent, lengthy outages and are in areas with dense trees in Genesee, Livingston, Allegan, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Iosco counties. "In order for us to continue growing, we need reliable power," said Allegan County Commissioner Scott Beltman. "Consumers Energy is really stepping up to the plate to make (our county) reliable for our residents to live and prosper here." Underground lines currently make up about 15 percent of all Consumers Energy electric lines, most being in subdivisions and areas with high population density. Burying lines improves reliability by 90% or more. In the next 5 years, the company aims to bury over 1,000 miles of line, subject to regulatory approval. As part of this expansion, Consumers Energy has requested to bury an additional 50 miles of overhead power lines beginning in mid-2026. Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, flexible, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: Instagram: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consumers Energy Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Consumers Energy Debuts All-Electric Bucket Truck, Serving Customers with Zero-Emissions Vehicle
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Showing that electric vehicles come in all shapes and sizes to meet people's needs, Consumers Energy is now serving customers with the company's first all-electric bucket truck. The truck will perform work in Grand Rapids to provide customers with reliable energy, and it represents yet another step in Consumers Energy's commitment to powering Michigan's EV transformation. "We continue to see more EVs take to the road in Michigan, and it's interesting to see how they arrive in different forms, from heavy-duty vehicles to school buses, to meet all sorts of needs," said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience. "We want to provide an example to our customers who are making their own choices about buying EVs." VIDEO: See Consumers Energy's all-electric bucket truck The new bucket truck will soon be hitting the road in Grand Rapids and will be staffed by a specially trained team. Built by International Motors and equipped with an Altec boom, the truck is powered by a fast charger at Consumers Energy's Grand Rapids service center and can travel up to 135 miles when fully charged. Chris Laird, Consumers Energy's vice president of electric operations, said he's excited to see the bucket truck improve electric service to customers. The company's Reliability Roadmap is a plan to reduce the number and length of power outages. "We're excited to see this vehicle help our customers who count on us for reliable, dependable energy," Laird said. "Our traditional mission to serve customers isn't changing, but we are changing the way we do that work. In this case, that means powering a durable vehicle with zero-emissions energy." Consumers Energy provides solutions that support Michigan's EV drivers, including rebates for home and public charging through its PowerMIDrive program and a companion program, PowerMIFleet, that helps businesses electrify their fleets. Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: Instagram: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consumers Energy
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consumers Energy Celebrates Line Worker Appreciation Day
Recognizing the People Powering Reliability and Progress JACKSON, Mich., April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Consumers Energy proudly celebrates Line Worker Appreciation Day, recognizing the highly skilled men and women whose work in the field keeps the power on and our communities connected — often in the face of severe weather, challenging terrain and long hours. Line workers are not only essential to daily service — they are critical to delivering on the company's Reliability Roadmap, a long-term strategy focused on strengthening the grid, reducing outages, and preparing for the energy needs of the future. Their work helped to reduce customers' average time without power by over 20 minutes last year. Chris Laird, vice president of electric operations, brings first-hand experience, formerly working in the electric line organization, and now helps lead the company's operational strategy. "If power lines are the backbone of our electric grid, line workers are the skilled surgeons keeping it responsive and resilient," said Laird. "Having spent time in the field myself, I know the pride, precision and grit it takes to do the job right — and safely. Our Reliability Roadmap depends on their experience and commitment." The day also shines a light on the leaders and mentors shaping the future of the trade — including veteran line worker Scott Shoemaker. After more than three decades in the field, Scott now helps to train apprentices and pass along the knowledge, safety mindset and work ethic that define the role. "I have a lot of experience that I can pass on to the next generation of line workers. I am proud to be a part of their apprenticeships," said Shoemaker. "These individuals are the future of the industry. My goal is that every one of them has the opportunity to be successful and, most importantly, go home safe to their loved ones." Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, flexible and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consumers Energy Sign in to access your portfolio
