#United States #Jackson #Consumers Energy #Energy Reliability #Michigan Jobs

Consumers Energy Expands Workforce for a Reliable Tomorrow

In an effort to enhance the reliability of energy services in Michigan, Consumers Energy has committed to cultivating the next generation of skilled workers. This initiative is vital not only for maintaining the energy grid but also for stimulating the local economy by creating good-paying jobs.

Located in Jackson, Michigan, Consumers Energy has announced that over the past year, it has onboarded or promoted more than 100 employees within its Journey Worker Electric Lines team. Craig Wright, president of the Michigan State Utility Workers Union, highlights this growth by stating, “Consumers Energy's job growth and training opportunities strengthen our talent pipeline while supporting a more reliable energy future for everyone.” This investment in human resources signifies a focused effort to ensure that the utility’s workforce is adequately equipped with the necessary skills to build and maintain a robust and reliable energy grid.

The company’s commitment extends to its apprenticeship and training programs, which include the innovative joint School to Work initiative, the in-house Marshall Training Center, and Power 4 America programs. Currently, 289 apprentices are actively engaged in the company’s electric lines program, receiving hands-on training aimed at preparing them for high-demand roles in their field. Chris Laird, Consumers Energy's vice president of electric operations, emphasizes the program’s importance, explaining, “We are not just investing in our people and infrastructure; we are developing the next generation of highly skilled workers who will power our state for decades to come.”

As part of its broader strategy, Consumers Energy is expanding its workforce to support the Reliability Roadmap initiatives, which include crucial projects related to substations and underground electric lines. This growth will be achieved by internal transitions as well as external hires, ensuring that employees receive tailored training in their specialties. This preparation guarantees they acquire the essential knowledge and experience needed to provide dependable service to customers.

The Reliability Roadmap, announced in 2023, is Consumers Energy's strategic plan for developing a smarter and more resilient energy grid. One of its long-term objectives entails minimizing the impact of outages, ensuring that no single outage affects over 100,000 customers, and striving for power restoration within a 24-hour timeframe.

In reviewing past performance, Customers Energy revealed that in 2024, the average time customers spent without power was reduced by over 20 minutes. Additionally, the company successfully restored power for its customers within a day, achieving this feat 93% of the time. This progress serves as a benchmark for the continuous improvement that the company aims to achieve.

As the largest energy provider in Michigan, Consumers Energy plays a significant role in the day-to-day lives of 6.8 million residents, nearly 70% of the state’s population. The utility’s unwavering commitment is evident in its mission to deliver reliable, clean, and affordable energy around the clock.

Through its focus on workforce development and improved reliability of energy services, Consumers Energy is not just ensuring the lights stay on for its customers but is also laying the groundwork for a prosperous energy future in Michigan. For those looking for more information about Consumers Energy’s initiatives and offerings, the company provides additional resources on their website at ConsumersEnergy.com. Those interested can also engage with Consumers Energy through their various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

In conclusion, Consumers Energy's proactive approach to workforce expansion and commitment to a reliable energy framework reaffirms its role as a vital partner in Michigan’s economic and infrastructural landscape.