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Consumers Energy's 1,350 Projects for Enhanced Reliability

As 2024 approaches its end, Consumers Energy, the largest energy provider in Michigan, is finalizing an impressive tally of 1,350 projects aimed at enhancing power reliability across the state. With an investment exceeding $1 billion, this initiative is a cornerstone of the company’s Reliability Roadmap, dedicated to ensuring that the power supply remains uninterrupted for nearly 2 million homes and businesses.

Greg Salisbury, the vice president of electric grid design at Consumers Energy, emphasized the company’s commitment to fortifying its electric grid. “Our friends and neighbors expect more from us, and we are delivering on that promise by upgrading our systems to provide fewer and shorter power outages,” he noted.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

The scale of the endeavor is significant. Here’s a breakdown of some key statistics that highlight the magnitude of the work being undertaken:

• - 25,800 miles of overhead low-voltage power lines inspected.
• - 7,000 miles of power lines have been cleared of trees and branches to prevent outages.
• - Inspections conducted via helicopters have helped 177,000 customers avoid power outages.
• - 100 new Automatic Transfer Reclosers (ATRs) have been installed, similar to traffic lights for electricity, to help minimize outages.
• - The company is also burying 10 miles of overhead electric lines, further protecting them from severe weather conditions.

In 2025, Consumers Energy plans to bury an additional 35 miles of lines to enhance reliability even further. Chris Laird, vice president of electric distribution, remarked, “We are constructing a resilient grid that can withstand severe weather, ensuring dependable power for all our customers.”

Innovative Technologies at Work

The Reliability Roadmap encompasses innovative technologies and tactics to improve service. This includes infrared cameras for better inspections, installation of more durable iron poles, and even the use of robotic dogs in specific operational tasks. Such advancements not only assist in maintenance but also prevent potential outages before they occur.

Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million residents across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, consistently ranking as a leading utility provider. Their dedication is not just to meet current demands, but to anticipate the future needs of their customers.

Commitment to Customers

The mission is clear: Consumers Energy is entirely focused on delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to its customers around the clock. As Greg Salisbury summarized, “Keeping the lights on is our number one job.” With the projects nearing completion, the company is dedicated to continuing this vital work well into the future, with a vision that includes restoring power to affected customers in less than 24 hours whenever possible.

For more information about Consumers Energy and their ongoing projects, visit ConsumersEnergy.com. Keep up with them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for updates and insights into their efforts to strengthen Michigan’s energy infrastructure.