Latest news with #ConsumersEnergy.com
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- 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
Malaysian Reserve
23-05-2025
- General
- Malaysian Reserve
Consumers Energy Reminds Michigan Residents to Call 8-1-1 Before Breaking Ground on Seasonal Projects
JACKSON, Mich., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On the eve of the long Memorial Day weekend, Consumers Energy is reminding people to put safety first before digging into spring home projects. Michiganders should call 8-1-1, a free service, to mark underground pipes and wires before putting a shovel into the ground. 'The arrival of warmer weather in the spring and summer is a great reason to get outdoors, but it's critical to know what's underground before starting your gardening or home improvement projects,' said Holly Bowers, Consumers Energy's vice president of gas engineering and supply. 'Calling 8-1-1 not only is the law, but it can prevent you from causing damage that's costly and time-consuming. Just because you can't always see natural gas pipelines or power lines doesn't mean they aren't buried near you.' State law requires Michigan residents to contact MISS DIG 811 before digging by calling 8-1-1 or visit to have underground facilities marked. MISS DIG is a free service that will contact utility companies to have underground lines marked with stakes, flags or paint. Residents should call 8-1-1 at least three days in advance to give utility owners time to mark underground lines. People should call for any project that involves digging, including, but not limited to: Digging fence posts Installing a deck Planting a tree or shrubs Replacing a mailbox post 'Across the country, a utility line is damaged every six minutes because of digging, often because someone didn't locate the line first,' Bowers said. 'We're all eager to get to work on home projects, but we shouldn't rush at the expense of our safety. Stay safe, and enjoy the holiday weekend.' 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. We take seriously our responsibility to provide that gas to millions of customers that need it from us, and that is why we're making our system stronger, safer and more affordable than ever before. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: Instagram:
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Consumers Energy Reminds Michigan Residents to Call 8-1-1 Before Breaking Ground on Seasonal Projects
JACKSON, Mich., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of the long Memorial Day weekend, Consumers Energy is reminding people to put safety first before digging into spring home projects. Michiganders should call 8-1-1, a free service, to mark underground pipes and wires before putting a shovel into the ground. "The arrival of warmer weather in the spring and summer is a great reason to get outdoors, but it's critical to know what's underground before starting your gardening or home improvement projects," said Holly Bowers, Consumers Energy's vice president of gas engineering and supply. "Calling 8-1-1 not only is the law, but it can prevent you from causing damage that's costly and time-consuming. Just because you can't always see natural gas pipelines or power lines doesn't mean they aren't buried near you." State law requires Michigan residents to contact MISS DIG 811 before digging by calling 8-1-1 or visit to have underground facilities marked. MISS DIG is a free service that will contact utility companies to have underground lines marked with stakes, flags or paint. Residents should call 8-1-1 at least three days in advance to give utility owners time to mark underground lines. People should call for any project that involves digging, including, but not limited to: Digging fence posts Installing a deck Planting a tree or shrubs Replacing a mailbox post "Across the country, a utility line is damaged every six minutes because of digging, often because someone didn't locate the line first," Bowers said. "We're all eager to get to work on home projects, but we shouldn't rush at the expense of our safety. Stay safe, and enjoy the holiday weekend." 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. We take seriously our responsibility to provide that gas to millions of customers that need it from us, and that is why we're making our system stronger, safer and more affordable than ever before. 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 Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consumers Energy Expands Zeeland Natural Gas Plant to Grow Michigan's Energy Reliability
JACKSON, Mich., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An expansion of Consumers Energy's Zeeland natural gas plant is underway and anticipated to be complete mid-June prior to the summer peak generation period, reinforcing the company's long-standing commitment to delivering reliable, affordable and flexible energy to Michigan communities. This investment is part of Consumers Energy's broader Reliability Roadmap, a strategic initiative focused on modernizing infrastructure and enhancing grid resilience to prepare for Michigan's energy future. "This expansion of our Zeeland facility is a powerful step forward in our commitment to reliability," said Norm Kapala, vice president of generation operations at Consumers Energy. "As demand for electricity continues to evolve, we're taking proactive measures to ensure our customers continue to receive dependable energy around the clock—especially as our communities grow." The Zeeland plant expansion will increase the generation capacity of the highly efficient natural gas plant through the installation of new technology to improve performance and flexibility. This includes an Advanced Gas Path (AGP) system to boost power output and fuel efficiency, along with an Advanced Fuel System (AFS) to better control how fuel is mixed. These upgrades will allow the turbines to generate more electricity and respond faster to demand, while staying within existing annual emission limits and result in 50 additional megawatts for customers along with a 2.5% improvement in fuel efficiency. "This is not just an investment in power generation—it's an investment in Michigan's future," Kapala added. "We're building a stronger, smarter energy grid that protects our communities and supports our state's economic growth." At Consumers Energy, our priority is to meet the electric needs of our customers. We've invested significantly in infrastructure to ensure reliable energy delivery with dependable, on-demand electricity. This includes maintaining the Jackson Generating Station and expanding our gas-fired facilities such as the recent purchase of the Covert Generating Station and this additional generating capacity at the Zeeland Generating Station. We will also continue the operation of the Karn 3 and 4 combined cycle units. 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 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
