Consumers Energy Celebrates Line Worker Appreciation Day

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy (CMS) is celebrating Line Worker Appreciation Day, highlighting the important role of their line workers in maintaining power reliability and implementing the company's Reliability Roadmap strategy. The company reported that line workers helped reduce customers' average outage time by over 20 minutes last year.

Chris Laird, vice president of electric operations and former line worker, emphasized the importance of line workers' precision and safety in maintaining the electric grid. Veteran line worker Scott Shoemaker, with over 30 years of experience, now focuses on training apprentices and passing on important safety knowledge.

As Michigan's largest energy provider, Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million residents across 68 Lower Peninsula counties, providing both natural gas and electricity services. The company's Reliability Roadmap focuses on strengthening the grid, reducing outages, and preparing for future energy needs.

Recognizing the People Powering Reliability and Progress

JACKSON, Mich., April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Consumers Energy proudly celebrates Line Worker Appreciation Day, recognizing the highly skilled men and women whose work in the field keeps the power on and our communities connected — often in the face of severe weather, challenging terrain and long hours.

Line workers are not only essential to daily service — they are critical to delivering on the company's Reliability Roadmap, a long-term strategy focused on strengthening the grid, reducing outages, and preparing for the energy needs of the future. Their work helped to reduce customers' average time without power by over 20 minutes last year.

Chris Laird, vice president of electric operations, brings first-hand experience, formerly working in the electric line organization, and now helps lead the company's operational strategy.

"If power lines are the backbone of our electric grid, line workers are the skilled surgeons keeping it responsive and resilient," said Laird. "Having spent time in the field myself, I know the pride, precision and grit it takes to do the job right — and safely. Our Reliability Roadmap depends on their experience and commitment."

The day also shines a light on the leaders and mentors shaping the future of the trade — including veteran line worker Scott Shoemaker. After more than three decades in the field, Scott now helps to train apprentices and pass along the knowledge, safety mindset and work ethic that define the role.

"I have a lot of experience that I can pass on to the next generation of line workers. I am proud to be a part of their apprenticeships," said Shoemaker. "These individuals are the future of the industry. My goal is that every one of them has the opportunity to be successful and, most importantly, go home safe to their loved ones."

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, flexible 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

How much did Consumers Energy (CMS) improve power reliability in 2024?

Consumers Energy reduced customers' average time without power by over 20 minutes in 2024 through their line workers' efforts and Reliability Roadmap implementation.

What is Consumers Energy's (CMS) current service coverage in Michigan?

Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents across all 68 Lower Peninsula counties with natural gas and/or electricity services.

What is the main focus of Consumers Energy's (CMS) Reliability Roadmap?

The Reliability Roadmap focuses on strengthening the grid, reducing outages, and preparing for future energy needs through strategic infrastructure improvements.

How is Consumers Energy (CMS) addressing workforce development in line working?

The company employs veteran line workers like Scott Shoemaker to train apprentices, focusing on safety, knowledge transfer, and developing the next generation of skilled workers.

What improvements has Consumers Energy (CMS) made to its electric operations leadership?

Chris Laird, a former line worker, now serves as vice president of electric operations, bringing practical field experience to the company's operational strategy.