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Consumers Energy

All articles tagged with #consumers energy

energy1 year ago

West Michigan's 'Free Gas' Faces Uncertain Future After 70 Years

In West Michigan, a conflict has arisen between Consumers Energy and residents who have long received free natural gas from storage fields on their land. This arrangement, dating back to the 1950s, is under threat as Consumers Energy cites safety and reliability concerns to decommission old gas wells. Residents argue that the utility is unfairly ending their "contract gas" service without adequate compensation, while Consumers insists it is following federal safety regulations. The dispute highlights broader tensions over energy infrastructure and landowner rights in Michigan.

weather1 year ago

"Widespread Power Outages Hit West Michigan as Strong Winds Sweep Through State"

Strong wind gusts in West Michigan caused tens of thousands of Consumers Energy customers to lose power, with Calhoun and Muskegon counties being hit the hardest. An apparent electrical substation fire in Calhoun County and a downed tree on southbound US-131 in Kalamazoo County contributed to the outages and traffic disruptions. Crews are working to restore power, but many customers may not have service back until Saturday. Wind gusts reached as high as 55 mph, prompting a wind advisory until 2 a.m. Saturday, and Consumers Energy warned of potential downed wires.

weather2 years ago

"Michigan Winter Storm: Power Outages, Snowfall Totals, and Road Crew Battles"

After a winter storm walloped Michigan, about 11,000 homes and businesses remain without power as more extreme weather arrives, with Consumers Energy working to restore power to affected areas. The storm caused significant outages in several counties, and emergency warming shelters have opened as arctic air blasts Michigan. DTE Energy also reports about 7,500 remaining outages in Southeast Michigan, with the utility expecting to restore power to 95% of affected customers by the end of Sunday and the rest by the end of day Monday.

energy2 years ago

"Consumers Energy Embraces Renewable Energy with Utility-Scale Solar Field"

Consumers Energy plans to replace its old coal-burning power plant with an 85-megawatt solar array at the former Karn 1 and 2 coal facilities in Michigan. The project is part of the company's clean energy transition and aims to generate enough electricity for about 20,000 homes. Consumers Energy has state-approved plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, shift away from fossil fuels, and increase renewable energy sources. The utility intends to end its use of coal by 2025 and generate more than half of its electric capacity from renewables by 2040.

energy2 years ago

Consumers Energy's New Plan: Reliable Power and Faster Restoration

Consumers Energy, a Michigan-based electric utility company, has unveiled a five-year plan to enhance the reliability of its electric grid and reduce power outage durations and frequency. The plan includes trimming trees near power lines, replacing outdated electric poles, burying more power lines underground, and automating parts of the grid. The company aims to seek approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission for the plan, which could involve an investment of approximately $9 billion and the burial of an estimated 5,000 miles of low-voltage power lines. Consumers Energy intends to ensure that no customer goes without power for more than 24 hours and that no outage affects more than 100,000 customers.

energy2 years ago

Consumers Energy Granted $95M Rate Hike for Natural Gas Customers

Consumers Energy has been granted approval to raise its rates by $95 million, starting from October 1st. The increase will fund infrastructure improvements, technology investments, operational efficiency, and higher financing costs. The company plans to allocate the funds towards its Enhanced Infrastructure Replacement Program, reducing methane emissions, and making the natural gas system safer, more reliable, affordable, and cleaner. This rate increase follows a previous approval of a $170 million increase in July last year.

energy2 years ago

Power Restoration Efforts Continue in Michigan as Thousands Remain Without Electricity

Consumers Energy is working to restore power to the areas hardest hit by a recent storm in Michigan, including Kent, Ionia, Ingham, Eaton, Jackson, and Livingston counties, by the end of Monday. Around 85% of the nearly 200,000 customers who lost power have already had their power restored. Crews from six states are working around the clock to clean up the storm damage and restore power. An EF1 tornado with winds up to 110 mph touched down during the storm. Drivers are advised to slow down and go around power crews, and to stay away from downed power lines and report them to 911 and Consumers Energy.

natural-disasters2 years ago

Branches Keep Piling Up: Crews Work Around the Clock

Crews are working tirelessly to clean up debris and restore power after a severe storm. Consumers Energy has postponed power restoration efforts and aims to restore power in the worst-hit areas by Monday. Residents in affected neighborhoods are facing extensive damage, including fallen trees and smashed property. Crews are actively clearing debris, but some areas still have uprooted trees. Consumers Energy is working to restore power to tens of thousands of customers, with the hardest-hit areas experiencing unprecedented damage. Customers may qualify for a credit if they have been without power for 96 hours in a catastrophic condition.

natural-disasters2 years ago

Restoration of Services for Hardest-Hit Consumers Set for Monday

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest electric utility, announced that power restoration to most customers affected by Thursday night's tornadoes and thunderstorms would be completed by the end of Sunday. However, the hardest-hit communities, including Kent County, Ionia County, Ingham County, Eaton County, Jackson County, and Livingston County, will have their power restored by the end of Monday. The utility is also working to restore power to schools and is providing outage alerts and restoration times to customers.

natural-disasters2 years ago

"Massive Power Outages Leave 150,000 Customers in the Dark"

Over 150,000 customers of DTE Energy and Consumers Energy in Michigan are still without power after severe thunderstorms and tornadoes caused widespread outages. Both companies are working to restore power, with DTE expecting to have all outages restored by the end of Sunday and Consumers Energy aiming to do the same with the help of crews from other states. Customers are urged to stay away from downed power lines and report any hazards to the authorities.

energy2 years ago

"Consumers Energy to Offload 13 Hydroelectric Dams in Sale Bid"

Consumers Energy, a subsidiary of CMS Energy Corp., plans to sell all 13 of its hydroelectric dams in Michigan. The company wants to exit the hydroelectric business due to the higher cost of producing hydroelectric energy compared to other sources. The dams, located in five rivers in the state, have licenses expiring in 2034. Consumers Energy has issued a request for proposals to identify potential buyers, considering community feedback that favors maintaining the dams for economic and recreational purposes. The utility is open to selling all 13 dams to one buyer or exploring alternative options.

environment2 years ago

"Michigan's Future at Stake: Consumers' Decision on 13 Dams Threatens Rivers and Towns"

Consumers Energy is considering selling its 13 hydropower dams in Michigan due to high maintenance costs and low electricity output. The fate of these dams could have significant consequences for local economies and the environment. The dams generate less than 1 percent of the power used by Consumers' customers and produce electricity at a higher cost compared to other sources. Options being considered include relicensing, selling to a new owner, removing the dam to restore a free-flowing river, or building a new barrier without power generation. The decision will impact property values, towns, electric ratepayers, and environmental restoration efforts. Consumers Energy will issue a request for proposals to explore possible dam sales and will hold public meetings to discuss the dams' future.