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Consumers Energy Launches Wildfire Safety Website for Michigan Communities

As the wildfire season kicks off in Michigan this March, Consumers Energy is taking significant steps to safeguard vulnerable communities by introducing a dedicated Wildfire Safety website. This resource is part of a broader wildfire risk mitigation strategy, which was first launched in 2024, and is a groundbreaking initiative in the Midwest.

The Wildfire Safety website serves as an easily accessible platform, providing essential information about wildfire risks, emergency preparedness measures, and the various mitigation efforts being implemented by Consumers Energy. According to Greg Salisbury, the vice president of electric distribution engineering at Consumers Energy, "Our priority is to protect Michigan communities by strengthening our electric grid and minimizing wildfire risks. This new website equips our neighbors with the necessary tools to stay informed and prepared during wildfire events."

Michigan witnesses approximately 10,000 to 12,000 wildfires annually, most of which are relatively small in scale. However, these fires can still lead to devastating losses, with an estimated 100 homes damaged or destroyed each year. Historically, Michigan has faced significant wildfire challenges, including three of the deadliest fires recorded in the United States. Over the past 12 years, 2,537 wildfires have occurred within Michigan's Lower Peninsula, consuming more than 22,861 acres of land.

As shifting weather patterns contribute to the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires, Consumers Energy is enhancing its wildfire mitigation tactics. This includes refining situational awareness, operational procedures, and vegetation management, all aimed at reducing the likelihood of fire ignitions. Key strategies introduced include:

• - Prioritizing line clearing in high-risk areas to prevent vegetation from making contact with power lines.
• - Implementing advanced monitoring techniques that use weather data and Red Flag Warnings to better predict wildfire risks.
• - Conducting comprehensive wildfire risk assessments to adapt field operations and optimize recloser settings.

Sara Stewart, Senior Manager of Forestry at Consumers Energy, emphasized the organization’s commitment to balancing reliable energy service with the safety of local residents and the environment. She noted, "Our enhanced vegetation management initiatives, like increasing the frequency of line clearing, are critical for reducing wildfire threats and ensuring community safety."

By investing in proactive wildfire mitigation strategies and offering valuable resources to neighbors, Consumers Energy aims to reinforce Michigan's electric grid. These efforts build upon last year's Reliability Roadmap, which successfully reduced the average duration of power outages per customer by over 20 minutes.

As Michigan's largest energy provider, Consumers Energy serves around 6.8 million residents in all 68 counties of the Lower Peninsula. The organization remains committed to ensuring that electricity remains reliable, clean, and affordable for its customers at all times.

For further information about Consumers Energy and its initiatives, visit ConsumersEnergy.com. Additionally, stay connected with Consumers Energy via social media on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.