Consumers Energy Expands Crew Response to over 600 as High Winds Persist

Consumers Energy Expands Crew Response to over 600 as High Winds Persist

Jackson, Mich. Monday, March 16, 2026

Consumers Energy is bringing in nearly 100 additional crews to our all-hands-on-deck response to ice, snow and heavy winds that have devastated Southern and Northern Michigan over the last 24 hours. As high winds continue across much of the state, the company's immediate focus remains on protecting public safety and securing electrical hazards.

The 100 additional crews will join over 500 Michigan crews that are already responding to power outages. Consumers Energy has shifted resources that were already pre-staged up north to the hardest hit areas localizing heavy-duty equipment to secure the electric grid, assess damage and continue restoration. Consumers Energy will continue working around the clock until power is restored across the state, even as ice and snow have hindered travel throughout Northern Michigan.

"Our responsibility in moments like this starts with safety," said Jean Kang, one of Consumers Energy's officers in charge for this storm response. "High winds and icy conditions create serious hazards, and our crews are working to secure the grid and protect the public. Our customers can count on us to do this work safely and reliably, even when conditions make it challenging."

To support this effort, Consumers Energy pre-staged mobile command centers and an emergency response unit in Northern Michigan and they are now in Cadillac, Houghton Lake and Alcona County. Consumers Energy crews are working in some of the hardest-hit communities, focusing on securing the grid, preventing further damage and restoring power as quickly and safely as possible. Lineworkers will work around the clock in 16-hour shifts to respond to outages in Northern Michigan and statewide.

At the same time, high winds are continuing throughout the Lower Peninsula and should taper off tonight.

Consumers Energy urges people in hard-hit communities to pay attention to travel advisories this week and limit travel when possible. Electric lineworkers and trucks will be working along roads, as will police and fire departments and other first responders.

Customers can continue to check the status of outages at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter. They can also sign up to get outage alerts and restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message, Text 'REG' to 232273 or visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts.

Consumers Energy urges 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. Read more guidance on safe generator use here.

• Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, cleanup ofdebris 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.

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Members of the media are reminded to call 1-800-557-4625 to reach a Consumers Energy Media Relations representative 24/7.