On National 811 Day, Consumers Energy Reminds Customers of Their Role in Natural Gas Safety

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Consumers Energy (NYSE:CMS) is highlighting important natural gas safety measures on National 811 Day. The company emphasizes two critical safety protocols: calling 811 before digging and following the "3Rs" (Recognize, React, Report) when detecting potential gas leaks. The utility provider, which serves 6.8 million residents across Michigan's Lower Peninsula, adds mercaptan to naturally odorless gas to give it a distinctive rotten egg smell for easier leak detection.

Vice President Holly Bowers stresses the importance of public participation in safety measures, reminding customers to contact MISS DIG for free underground utility marking before any digging projects and to call emergency services immediately if they smell natural gas.

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JACKSON, Mich., Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Notice a strong rotten egg smell at your home or business? Planning to do some digging in your backyard? On National 811 Day, Consumers Energy is reminding customers of the steps they can take -- every day – to make sure everyone stays safe around natural gas in Michigan.

"Consumers Energy is committed to the public's safety, and we want people to understand the important role they play," said Holly Bowers, Consumers Energy's vice president of gas engineering, planning and supply. "People should never hesitate to call for immediate help if they smell natural gas and to contact 8-1-1 if they plan to dig below the surface."

National 811 Day – named for Aug. 11, or 8-11 – reminds the public to call 8-1-1, a free service, to mark underground pipes and wires before putting a shovel into the ground. State law requires Michigan residents to contact MISS DIG, a free service that will contact utility companies to mark underground lines with stakes, flags or paint.

Read more: How to Dig Safely

Bowers said the day is also a good time to highlight a concern that doesn't involve planning ahead – what to do when you smell natural gas. While natural gas is colorless, tasteless and odorless on its own, Consumers Energy and other gas providers add a gas called mercaptan to provide that rotten egg smell. That makes it easier to sniff out a potential leak. 

If you do suspect a leak, use the 3Rs – and your 5 senses. 

Recognize 

• Rotten egg smell
• Blowing or hissing sounds
• Dying or discolored plants in an otherwise healthy area
• Dirt or dust blowing from a hole in the ground
• Bubbling in wet areas
• Fire, if a gas leak has ignited

React 

• Get to a safe place outside as soon as possible.
• Don't start your car or use electronics including light switches, doorbells, garage door openers or your cell phone. Doing so has the potential to ignite gas in the air. Wait to use your cell phone until you are safely outside.
• Don't try to locate the source of the leak.
• Don't try to shut off natural gas valves.
• Don't go back inside or return to the area until a Consumers employee says it's safe.

Report 

• Make sure you are in a safe location and call 9-1-1.
• Then call Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. We'll respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no charge.

"We at Consumers Energy work to ensure our coworkers and customers are safe every day, but we can't do that without the help of the people we serve across Michigan," Bowers said. "We will work with anyone who wants to learn more and understand how they can take steps that protect themselves and everyone around them."

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. We take seriously our responsibility to provide that gas to millions of customers that need it from us, and that is why we're making our system stronger, safer and more affordable than ever before.

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

 

FAQ

What is National 811 Day and why is it important for Consumers Energy customers?

National 811 Day (August 11) reminds customers to call 811 before digging to have underground utilities marked for free through MISS DIG service, preventing potential accidents with gas lines.

What should Consumers Energy customers do if they smell natural gas?

Customers should follow the 3Rs: Recognize the signs (rotten egg smell, hissing sounds), React by leaving the area without using electronics, and Report by calling 911 and then Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.

How many customers does Consumers Energy (NYSE:CMS) serve 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 are the signs of a natural gas leak according to Consumers Energy?

Signs include a rotten egg smell, blowing/hissing sounds, dying plants, dirt/dust blowing from holes, bubbling in wet areas, and fire if gas has ignited.

Why does Consumers Energy add mercaptan to natural gas?

Consumers Energy adds mercaptan to give naturally colorless, odorless gas a distinctive rotten egg smell to make it easier to detect potential gas leaks.