Consumers Energy Mobilizing in Communities Hardest Hit by First Round of Storms

Consumers Energy Mobilizing in Communities Hardest Hit by First Round of Storms

Jackson, Mich. Thursday, June 11, 2026

Severe weather continues to impact Michigan, and Consumers Energy crews are working around the clock to restore power while preparing for another round of storms expected later today.

Since Wednesday's storms brought heavy rain, strong winds and flooding, more than 700 crews have been deployed across the state, restoring service to over 70,000 customers so far. Crews made significant progress overnight and are now focused on being on the ground across impacted communities, working to restore power before the next wave of storms arrive.

One of the hardest-hit areas is Plainwell, where Consumers Energy will meet with community leaders later today to provide updates and coordinate ongoing restoration efforts. To support crews in the field, Consumers Energy has deployed mobile command centers and storm trailers in Plainwell, pictured above, Ionia, and Jenison. These units provide critical resources that help crews work safely, stay hydrated and restore power as efficiently as possible.

Consumers Energy will also host a statewide virtual news conference at 2 p.m. today to provide an update on restoration efforts and the evolving weather forecast. Media members are required to register using this link.

"We're grateful for our customers' patience as we continue restoration efforts across Michigan," said Jean Kang, one of Consumers Energy's officers in charge of restoration. "Safety remains our top priority - for both our crews and the public. With high temperatures adding to challenging conditions, we're taking extra steps to keep our teams safe, hydrated and supported as they work."

With additional severe weather in the forecast, including the potential for damaging storms and tornadoes, crews are being positioned strategically to respond as conditions evolve.

Customers are urged to stay alert and use caution, especially around downed power lines, flooded areas and debris. Consumers Energy also encourages customers to take steps to stay cool and hydrated during high temperatures.

For tips to stay safe and prepare for possible outages, customers are encouraged to visit ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter. Customers can also sign up for outage alerts at ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts and receive real-time updates.

Customers can prepare their homes with these tips in mind:

• Charge all critical electronics including medical devices. It's advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available. Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, canned food and blankets. Be prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet food if applicable. A battery-operated radio is also a good idea.
• Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.

As safety remains a top priority for the company, customers are asked to remain safe and follow these safety tips:

• 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.
• 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, clean-up 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.

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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. We are committed to delivering reliable and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.

Learn more atConsumersEnergy.com.

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