Consumers Energy Proposes Ambitious New Upgrades to Improve Reliability

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy has proposed a new Reliability Roadmap aimed at enhancing the electric grid's resilience and reliability. The plan includes burying 35 miles of power lines, upgrading infrastructure, and implementing grid automation. Additionally, a new wildfire risk mitigation strategy will include prioritized tree trimming and equipment upgrades. This proposal aims to reduce power outages and improve service reliability while supporting union jobs. The company will file the proposal with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Friday.

Positive

• Burying 35 miles of additional power lines to protect from natural hazards.
• Infrastructure upgrades aimed at proactive maintenance to reduce grid issues.
• New wildfire risk mitigation plan, the first in the Midwest, to protect against increased wildfire risks.
• Support for union jobs across the service territory.
• Preventative measures are 40% less expensive compared to reactive fixes.
• Plan aims to reduce the number and duration of customer power outages.

Negative

• No specific financial figures or funding details provided.
• Potential increased costs for consumers if the plan leads to higher utility rates.
• Risks associated with implementation timelines and project execution.

Proposal aims to bury more power lines, strengthen grid and reduce wildfire risk

JACKSON, Mich., May 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy today announced its proposal to begin implementing the Reliability Roadmap, the company's ambitious plan for a smarter and stronger electric grid. The proposal, which the company will file with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Friday, includes more buried power lines, infrastructure upgrades and grid automation efforts to reduce the number and length of customer power outages all while supporting union jobs across our service territory. 

Also included is a new wildfire risk mitigation plan, the first such plan by an energy provider in the Midwest, which will protect customers from increased wildfire risk if the National Weather Service issues a "red flag warning." The plan includes prioritized tree trimming, equipment upgrades in wildfire risk areas and more effective monitoring. 

"Wildfire risk in Michigan has grown in recent years, due to changing weather patterns that result in longer than usual dry periods throughout the state," said Greg Salisbury, vice president of electric distribution engineering. "Our new plan aims to provide more reliable service to our customers while strengthening and protecting the grid against destructive wildfire risk throughout Consumers Energy's service territory."  

The proposed plan also includes tactics to expand Consumers Energy's goal to create a modern, stronger and more resilient power grid: 

• Burying 35 miles of additional power lines to provide better protection from common outage causes, including lightning, high winds, tornadoes, heavy snow, ice and falling tree limbs. 
• Infrastructure upgrades and proactive maintenance planning to find, fix and prevent issues to help the grid's reliability and lower costs. 

"This proposal shows our strong commitment to delivering more reliable, resilient energy for every customer," said Chris Laird, vice president of electric operations. "We will not let up until our grid is stronger and smarter, and we'll do it in a way that keeps costs down – preventative measures are 40 percent less expensive to fix than responding to problems. We look forward to working with the Michigan Public Service Commission and others to move ahead with our plan." 

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. Consumers Energy knows job No. 1 is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. 

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy

 

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

What is the new proposal by Consumers Energy about?

Consumers Energy has proposed the Reliability Roadmap to enhance the electric grid's resilience, including burying power lines, upgrading infrastructure, and implementing grid automation.

When will Consumers Energy file the proposal?

Consumers Energy will file the proposal with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Friday.

What does the wildfire risk mitigation plan include?

The wildfire risk mitigation plan includes prioritized tree trimming, equipment upgrades, and more effective monitoring.

How many miles of power lines will be buried under the new plan?

The plan proposes burying 35 miles of additional power lines.

What are the expected benefits of the new Reliability Roadmap?

The plan aims to reduce power outages, improve grid reliability, and support union jobs while implementing cost-effective preventive measures.