HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Twice so far this month, Ottawa County Sheriff’s deputies have been dispatched to investigate reports of people trespassing on Consumers Energy property. In one instance, a trespasser appeared to be hunting wildlife with a gun. In the other, people were riding all-terrain vehicles on the property.
Consumers spokesman Roger Morgenstern said the utility is one of Michigan’s largest landowners, with thousands of acres of property, and more than 98,000 miles of rights of way, across the state.
Fences surround some property, such as service centers, generating plants and some electric and natural gas distribution facilities. In areas without fencing, such as corridors for electric and natural gas distribution, Consumers posts “no trespassing” signs every few hundred feet.
The utility uses a variety of security measures — which Morgenstern said will not be made public, for obvious reasons — to keep trespassers in check. So far this year, though, Consumers has reported 44 incidents in total, about on par with last year’s total of 49 incidents.
“The number of incidents isn’t really high,” Morgenstern said. “But we know that this time of the year, especially when hunting seasons are beginning, it’s just a good reminder that hunting and trespassing in general are not allowed on our property.”
Anyone convicted of trespassing is guilty of a misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $250.
In cases where property is damaged, he said, Consumers will pursue reimbursement for repairs for damages and equipment replacement.
Morgenstern encourages people to call (800) 760-3295 to report suspicious activity.
