Consumers Energy Prepares for Second Wave of Severe Weather, Restoration Efforts Continue Across the State

News Release

Following a powerful round of storms, Mother Nature is prepared to deliver another blow to Michigan as Consumers Energy prepares for a second wave of turbulent weather.

A new round of widespread storms is expected to impact Michigan, bringing a chance for severe thunderstorms, flooding, hail and the potential for tornados. High wind gusts, in excess of 70 mph, are also forecast across the state, creating the possibility for additional widespread outages.

"We would like to thank our customers for their continued support and patience as we work to restore power to each customer," said Jean Kang, one of Consumers Energy's officers in charge for restoration. "Mother Nature is not letting up, but neither are our crews and we will continue to work safely and efficiently around the clock until every customer is restored."

Through the first 24 hours of the restoration, crews restored power to more than 115,000 customers following Wednesday's bout of severe weather. Today, more than 700 crews are staged across the state to access damage, repair infrastructure and restore power to homes and businesses.

Customers are encouraged to practice extreme caution when on the roads and to be aware of downed power lines, flooding, and broken tree limbs.

Consumers Energy is encouraging customers to visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter for tips to stay safe and prepare their homes for possible outages. 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.