MICHIGAN – On Monday, Consumers Energy reported in a press release that crews, equipment, and support resources were in place across Northern Michigan as communities recover from severe weather over the weekend.

As of Monday, high winds were expected to continue and the company anticipated additional outages. Crews were actively working to secure the electric grid, assess damage, and continue restoration, while additional resources were being deployed to strengthen the response.

Mobile storm units carrying equipment for lineworkers were pre-staged in northern Michigan and were on their way to Houghton Lake and Alcona County, according to the release. These two areas were affected by severe weather which caused power outages.

Additionally, Consumers Energy stated that it had staged over 540 crews with additional crews on the way to Michigan to restore power in the region and across the Lower Peninsula as high winds continued to impact the state throughout Monday.

“We know Michiganders stand tall against severe weather, and we’re working 24/7 to help our friends and neighbors withstand this ongoing storm,” Jean Kang, Consumers Energy officer, said in the release. “We want our friends and neighbors to know we’re here for them today and this week. Our teams are already in the field securing the grid and we will not finish until the lights are back on for everyone.”

According to the release, Consumers Energy crews and equipment were already working in some of the hardest‒hit communities, focusing first on securing the grid, preventing further damage, and restoring power as quickly and safely as possible. Lineworkers were expected to work around the clock in 16-hour shifts to respond to outages in Northern Michigan and statewide.

Consumers Energy emphasized in the release that safety remains the number one priority for customers, communities, and crews.

“Work will be carried out carefully amid challenging conditions statewide, including downed trees, damaged equipment, and today’s high winds,” Consumers Energy stated.

Amid these conditions, Consumers Energy urged the public to keep important safety tips in mind: 

– Be alert to crews working along roads. 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. 

– Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio, or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. 

– Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, cleanup of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners. 

– In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.