JACKSON, MI (WTVB) – Consumers Energy announced on Monday that after they made what they called “significant upgrades” to its electric grid and completing over 2,000 electric projects last year, there were nearly 20 percent fewer customer outages in 2022 compared to 2021.
The Jackson-based energy provider also reported they reduced nearly in half the total number of minutes customers were without power compared to the previous year, and more than 96 percent of outages were restored in less than 24 hours.
Consumer’s Vice-President of electric operations Chris Laird said, “Last year we were able to provide more reliable service for our customers because of the work we have been doing to build a more resilient power grid. By trimming trees, investing in our electric grid and using automation and other technology to quickly resolve problems, we will continue to make upgrades to meet our goal of having fewer and shorter power outages for our customers.”
According to a press release issued by Consumers, the company addressed issues after inspecting more than half of its Low-Voltage Distribution system and the entirety of its High-Voltage Distribution system. The company also completed over 7,100 miles of forestry trimming and maintenance around its lines, addressing the number one cause of power outages in Michigan.
Additional work on the Consumers Energy electric system covered areas across the state and included the replacement of 10,000 poles with sturdier material that can withstand higher winds as well as upgrading, rebuilding, and expanding nearly 100 substations.
Last year’s efforts are part of Consumers Energy’s five-year, $5.4 billion Electric Reliability Plan.
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