JACKSON, MI (WTVB) – Consumers Energy reported at midday on Thursday they have restored more than 21,000 customers after an ice storm caused extensive damage across the state Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
The energy provider continues to evaluate the damage this morning as more than 300 crews mobilized to restore power.
Melissa Gleespen, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge for the event, says “We are responding to the damage caused by this storm with an all-hands-on-deck effort to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. We understand how frustrating a power outage can be, and we are grateful for our customers’ patience and understanding as our crews work deliberately to get the lights back on.”
About a half-inch of ice, equivalent to the weight of a baby grand piano, covered Michigan’s southern counties, resulting in more than 5,700 downed wires and more than 215,000 outages.
Just like when the last major storm went through Branch County in August of 2021, it could be early next week before everyone is back on line.
Residents are reminded to stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, keep children and pets away, and report the issue by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
Consumers Energy also asks the public to keep a safe distance from crews working along Michigan roads.
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