#United States #Detroit #Consumers Energy #Royal Oak #Metro Pipeline

Consumers Energy's Commitment to Natural Gas Reliability in Detroit Area

This spring and summer, Consumers Energy is set to embark on an ambitious project in Oakland and Macomb counties aimed at ensuring the reliable delivery of natural gas to residents and businesses in the Detroit region. The Four Cities Metro Pipeline initiative symbolizes a monumental investment, amounting to $182 million, directly benefiting the communities of Royal Oak, Clawson, Madison Heights, and Warren.

The pipeline replacement and upgrade project kicked off this year with work beginning at four critical intersections within the metro area. Over the course of the project, which is expected to unfold through 2029, an impressive eight miles of new 24-inch pipeline will be laid down. This considerable upgrade comes as part of Consumers Energy's ongoing commitment to providing stable and dependable service to its customers.

Holly Bowers, Vice President of Natural Gas Engineering and Supply at Consumers Energy, underscores the importance of this undertaking. "Replacing and modernizing this large-scale pipeline means people in metro Detroit will continue to have safe and reliable service," she stated. "This project forms an essential part of our work to deliver natural gas around the clock, ensuring warmth for homes and businesses not just today but into the future."

In collaboration with city engineers and community leaders, Consumers Energy has carefully devised plans for the pipeline, which will involve rerouting sections of an existing pipeline that dates back to the 1950s. This meticulous planning process aims to minimize disruptions while enhancing the infrastructure to meet modern standards. It is also projected that the pipeline project will yield approximately 100 construction jobs each year, boosting local employment in the region.

As construction progresses, Consumers Energy emphasizes its commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with customers residing in affected areas. Chris Fultz, Vice President of Natural Gas Operations, remarked, "We serve over 750,000 homes and businesses in Oakland and Macomb counties, and we're dedicated to providing them with natural gas that is safe, affordable, and reliable. We appreciate our customers' patience during the execution of this important work and assure them that we will closely address any questions or concerns that may arise."

Moreover, Consumers Energy stands as Michigan's largest energy provider, servicing approximately 6.8 million residents across all 68 counties in the Lower Peninsula. The organization recognizes and takes to heart its responsibility to deliver natural resources to millions of customers, which drives their initiative to enhance system resilience, safety, and affordability.

For individuals interested in finding out more about Consumers Energy and its initiatives, detailed information can be accessed on their official website at ConsumersEnergy.com. The company is also active on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, allowing customers to stay updated on the latest developments and engage with the organization directly.

This metro pipeline project not only signifies a substantial investment in infrastructure but also reflects Consumers Energy's long-term vision and commitment to serving the energy needs of Michigan's residents efficiently, safely, and sustainably.