Consumers Energy Crews Working Extended Hours to Strengthen Reliability

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy (NYSE:CMS) is intensifying its electric service reliability enhancement efforts for the remainder of 2025. The company has implemented extended working hours, including evenings and weekends, to accelerate its maintenance and infrastructure improvement program.

The initiative encompasses upgrading poles, lines, and transformers, conducting proactive tree trimming, replacing aging equipment, and installing smart grid technology. In 2024, the company completed over 1,350 major upgrades and cleared trees along 7,000 miles of electric lines, with plans to exceed these numbers in 2025.

As Michigan's largest energy provider, Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million residents across 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Positive

• Extended working hours and increased resources to complete critical reliability projects faster
• Comprehensive system upgrades including smart grid technology implementation
• Track record of over 1,350 major upgrades and 7,000 miles of tree clearing in 2024
• Proactive maintenance approach to prevent winter service disruptions

Negative

• Potential temporary traffic disruptions and noise outside business hours
• System requires significant infrastructure improvements indicating aging equipment

JACKSON, Mich., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is increasing efforts to enhance the reliability of electric service in the final stretch of the year. Crews and contractors are already working in neighborhoods during extended hours — including evenings, and weekends — as part of an accelerated maintenance and infrastructure improvement program.

"Our customers count on us for safe, reliable service year-round," said Chris Fultz, Consumers Energy's vice president of low voltage distribution. "As we enter the final months of the year, we're extending work hours so we can complete critical reliability projects ahead of cold temperatures."

To support this ramp-up, Consumers Energy is also increasing resources and working hours, allowing more hands on deck to complete essential upgrades faster and more efficiently.

The work includes:

• Upgrading poles, lines, and transformers.
• Proactive tree trimming near power lines.
• Replacing equipment nearing the end of its service life.
• Installing smart grid technology to reduce outage times.

While crews are on site, traffic may be briefly affected and residents may hear work-related noise outside of typical business hours. All workers and contractors will have clearly marked vehicles and identification.

The expanded schedule will allow more projects to be completed in less time, helping to prevent outages and service disruptions during the harshest months of the year.

"We appreciate our customers' patience as we work to strengthen the system," said Fultz. "Completing this work now ensures we're well-positioned to deliver reliable service through the end of the year and beyond."

In 2024, Consumers Energy carried out over 1,350 major upgrades and cleared trees, limbs and branches along 7,000 miles of electric lines last year. With the increased efforts in the last part of the year, we are on track to surpass last year's numbers.

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.

 

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

What reliability improvements is Consumers Energy (CMS) implementing in 2025?

Consumers Energy is implementing extended working hours for crews to upgrade poles, lines, and transformers, conduct tree trimming, replace aging equipment, and install smart grid technology to enhance service reliability.

How many customers does Consumers Energy serve in Michigan?

Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents across all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

What was Consumers Energy's infrastructure improvement track record in 2024?

In 2024, Consumers Energy completed over 1,350 major upgrades and cleared trees along 7,000 miles of electric lines.

How will Consumers Energy's extended work hours affect residents?

Residents may experience brief traffic disruptions and work-related noise outside typical business hours, but crews will be clearly identifiable with marked vehicles and identification.

When will Consumers Energy complete these reliability improvements?

The company is accelerating work through the final months of 2025 to complete critical reliability projects before cold temperatures arrive.