A severe winter storm has recently impacted Michigan, causing significant power outages. As of the afternoon of December 28, 2023, over 30,000 electric customers were reported without power due to an ice storm that struck the state.
Details of the Outage
According to PowerOutage.com, a total of 30,826 customers were affected, primarily in mid-Michigan. Most of these outages, approximately 21,444, were Customers Energy clients. The outages were concentrated in areas between Saginaw Bay, Cadillac, and Big Rapids.
Cause of Power Outages
The trouble began on December 26, 2023, when an ice storm coated the region with up to 0.16 inches of ice. Consumers Energy reported that about 90,000 customers faced disruptions in service due to the storm. To address the outages, approximately 500 crews were dispatched for power restoration efforts.
Weather Prediction and Impact
Following the initial storm, another snowstorm was expected to hit Michigan on December 28. This storm could deliver snowfall totals of up to 2 feet in certain regions of the Upper Peninsula. Wind gusts were predicted to reach up to 50 mph, with the National Weather Service highlighting that gusts could occasionally exceed 55 mph.
Geographic Impact of Outages
The most significantly impacted counties include:
- Mecosta County: 8,267 Consumers Energy customers without power, which is 33% of the county’s subscribers.
- DTE Energy: 5,655 customers out, with significant numbers reporting issues in Oakland County.
- HomeWorks Tri-County Electric: 3,680 customers affected, equating to 13.3% of their service area.
Areas still experiencing outages from the previous ice storm include places west of Clare and regions south of U.S. 10, with several communities in Mecosta, Midland, Osceola, Clare, Isabella, Wexford, and Gladwin counties also affected by smaller outages.
Power Restoration Efforts
Consumers Energy has mobilized additional crews in anticipation of the new storm. Restoration times remain unclear as the situation evolves.
How to Report Outages
Michigan residents can report power outages or downed lines using the following resources:
- Consumers Energy: Call 800-477-5050 or visit their outage map.
- DTE Energy: Access their outage map or report issues directly through the website.
- Indiana Michigan Power: Call 800-311-4634 for assistance.
- Great Lakes Power: Report outages by calling 888-485-2537.
- Midwest Energy Cooperative: Contact at 800-492-5989.
- Lansing Board of Water and Light: Report issues by calling 877-295-5001.
- Wisconsin Electric Power Company: Use 800-662-4797 for outages in the Upper Peninsula.
Residents are reminded to stay safe by keeping a distance of at least 25 feet from any downed power lines, as they can be hazardous.
