JACKSON, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — As of 9 p.m. Friday, December 17, Consumers Energy crews have restored power to more than 130,000 customers affected by severe winds that ripped through Michigan Wednesday night and Thursday last week.
Nearly 500 crews, including some from Canada, Ohio and Indiana, worked together help restore power in the aftermath of the storm that packed gusts up to 75 miles per hour, knocked down trees and more than 2,400 power lines and also snapped 170 poles.
“We’ve made great progress today, and expect favorable weather conditions and continued momentum overnight,” said Guy Packard, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge for the storm event. “We thank our customers for their continued patience as we work safely – around the clock – to fully restore all customers as quickly as possible.”
Packard urged the public to exercise caution around downed wires. Guidance includes watching for downed wires while traveling, staying at least 25 feet away from downed wires, and reporting downed wire issues by first calling 9-1-1 and then calling Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
Consumers Energy asks the public to keep a safe distance from crews given health precautions and to enable them to complete their work.
In total, more than 191,000 customers lost power.