Consumers Energy Uses Infrared Cameras to Detect, Fix Issues on Michigan's Electric Grid

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy has implemented infrared camera technology across its electric grid, resulting in a significant reduction in power outages. The cameras, used to inspect nearly 1,100 electric substations throughout Michigan, helped avoid 19.9 million minutes of customer outages last year, reducing average outage time by 10 minutes per customer. This initiative is part of the company's Reliability Roadmap, which includes other measures such as line clearing, iron poles installation, and underground power lines. The technology enables workers to detect potential issues through thermal imaging before they cause outages, allowing for proactive repairs.

Positive

• Reduced power outages by 19.9 million minutes in the previous year
• Decreased average outage time by 10 minutes per customer
• Implemented proactive maintenance system across 1,100 substations

Negative

• None.

Cameras Last Year Reduced Potential Outages by Nearly 20 Million Minutes

JACKSON, Mich., Oct. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is putting technology to work on its electric grid, using infrared cameras that reduced power outages for its nearly 2 million by an average of 10 minutes last year.

The handheld infrared cameras detect problems inside nearly 1,100 large electric substations throughout Michigan and allow Consumers Energy to make repairs before they affect the public. The approach is another part of Consumers Energy's Reliability Roadmap – our commitment to reduce the number and length of power outages.

"Consumers Energy is working to reduce the number of power outages and make sure we always get the lights back on in 24 hours. Infrared cameras are a great example of how technology helps us every day to find and fix problems," said Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energy's vice president of electric distribution engineering.

WATCH: Detective work – Finding problems before they affect customers

The use of infrared cameras helped Consumers Energy avoid 19.9 million minutes of customer outages, part of a broader effort to track and reduce the amount of time people are without power. The cameras allow Consumers Energy workers to scan substation equipment looking for hot spots that aren't visible with the naked eye. Crews then can make repairs before those issues lead to an outage.

"We're all about getting results through the infrared program so we can quickly address whatever issues there may be at the substation," said Kurtiss "Scott" Koons, a program analyst. "Taking this proactive approach to handle the little things prevents the bigger things from happening."

Other tactics in the Reliability Roadmap include increased line clearing, new technology, more durable iron poles, burying power lines and even a robotic dog.

Learn more: ConsumersEnergy.com/reliable.

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 number one 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  
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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

How many minutes of outages did Consumers Energy prevent with infrared cameras in 2023?

Consumers Energy prevented 19.9 million minutes of customer outages using infrared cameras in their substations during the previous year.

How many electric substations does Consumers Energy monitor with infrared cameras?

Consumers Energy uses infrared cameras to monitor nearly 1,100 large electric substations throughout Michigan.

What is the average reduction in outage time per customer achieved by Consumers Energy's infrared camera system?

The infrared camera system reduced power outages for customers by an average of 10 minutes per customer last year.