Monthly Archives: March 2017

JTV Photo by Rachel Kurowski Consumers Energy employees, contractors and mutual assistance crews from six states worked steadily throughout the night to restore electric service to customers who lost power as a result of destructive wind storms that occurred earlier this week. The vast majority of customers without electric service should have power restored by midnight Saturday. In some of the hardest areas, including portions of Genesee, Kent and Kalamazoo counties, restoration work will continue into Sunday. As of 4 a.m., approximately 100,000 customers remained without power. “The sheer devastation this storm brought to our state makes this a multi-day restoration effort, and our crews will be working day and night so that all customers have service again,” said Guy Packard, vice president of electric operations. “Until that is accomplished we encourage customers to look out for family, friends and neighbors who are currently without power, particularly the elderly or infirmed. Those who need a warming shelter or other assistance should call 2-1-1 to be connected to services.” Because of power outages, the following school districts are closed on Friday: Addison  Columbia  Jackson Christian  (Elementary only closed) Lumen Christi Catholic School Napoleon  -- daycare is open Paragon Charter Academy T.A…

Consumers Energy crews at work in the Brooklyn area replacing lines ripped down by strong winds.  Photo:  Teague Gerweck, JTV Consumers Energy crews have since Tuesday restored more than 160,000 customers left without electric service by damaging winds that ripped across Michigan Tuesday and Wednesday. That edges the recovery work past the halfway point of the 319,000 customers served by the energy provider affected by this catastrophic event, which took down nearly 8,200 wires and broke more than 1,100 poles. Because of the storm’s duration and statewide impact, some customers in the worst impacted areas may not have power restored until Sunday. “Our workforce is in full motion and includes mutual assistance restoration crews from six different states, and we will continue our momentum until every customer affected by this week’s damaging winds has their power restored,” said Guy Packard, vice president of energy operations. “We work hard and safely in our customers’ cities, villages, towns and neighborhoods to show our commitment to providing hometown service and to show our appreciation for their continued patience.” From lineworkers to damage assessors, wire guards and customer service representatives, more than 2,000 people are engaged in the electric restoration effort. An additional 181…