Consumers Energy calls in crews from out of state to help power restoration efforts

JACKSON, MI — Those 60 mph wind gusts that swept through the state on Monday has Consumer Energy calling in additional crews from across the country to help get the power back on for thousands of customers. Energy work crews from Maryland, Alabama, Texas and even internationally from Canada are in the state to help, according to a press release.  

Northwest and mid-Michigan were hit especially hard in the latest round of storms, the company says. The Clare area has tens of thousands in the dark. two waves of storms – counting last Friday’s ice storm –  – impacted nearly 230,000 customers and our lineworkers’ successful efforts have resulted in the lights back on for almost 90% of customers. Consumers Energy is projecting to have all customers restored including the hardest hit areas by end of day on Wednesday.

Customers can check the status of outages at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter. They can also sign up for outage alerts and restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message, Text ‘REG’ to 232273 or visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts.  

Consumers Energy urges the public to keep other important safety tips in mind:  

·       Be alert to crews working along roadsides. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they can go safely past.  

·       Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.  Consumers Energy reminds people that falsely calling in downed lines actually slows down the restoration process for everyone.