Consumers Energy Crews Working Extended Hours to Strengthen Reliability

JACKSON, Mich., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is increasing efforts to enhance the reliability of electric service in the final stretch of the year. Crews and contractors are already working in neighborhoods during extended hours — including evenings, and weekends — as part of an accelerated maintenance and infrastructure improvement program.

"Our customers count on us for safe, reliable service year-round," said Chris Fultz, Consumers Energy's vice president of low voltage distribution. "As we enter the final months of the year, we're extending work hours so we can complete critical reliability projects ahead of cold temperatures."

To support this ramp-up, Consumers Energy is also increasing resources and working hours, allowing more hands on deck to complete essential upgrades faster and more efficiently.

The work includes:

• Upgrading poles, lines, and transformers.
• Proactive tree trimming near power lines.
• Replacing equipment nearing the end of its service life.
• Installing smart grid technology to reduce outage times.

While crews are on site, traffic may be briefly affected and residents may hear work-related noise outside of typical business hours. All workers and contractors will have clearly marked vehicles and identification.

The expanded schedule will allow more projects to be completed in less time, helping to prevent outages and service disruptions during the harshest months of the year.

"We appreciate our customers' patience as we work to strengthen the system," said Fultz. "Completing this work now ensures we're well-positioned to deliver reliable service through the end of the year and beyond."

In 2024, Consumers Energy carried out over 1,350 major upgrades and cleared trees, limbs and branches along 7,000 miles of electric lines last year. With the increased efforts in the last part of the year, we are on track to surpass last year's numbers.

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, flexible, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.  

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

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SOURCE Consumers Energy