Underground Power Line Pilot Program Proves Highly Effective Against Recent Severe Weather

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy (CMS) reported significant success from its underground power line pilot program launched in 2024, demonstrating 100% reduction in storm-related outages compared to areas with overhead systems. The 9-mile pilot program, targeting circuits with frequent outages in six Michigan counties, has shown improved reliability and customer satisfaction. Currently, 15% of Consumers Energy's electric lines are underground, with plans to bury over 1,000 miles of additional lines in the next 5 years, pending regulatory approval. The company has also requested approval to bury 50 more miles starting mid-2026. Underground lines improve reliability by 90% or more by protecting against common outage causes like severe weather, falling trees, and ice. Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, serves 6.8 million residents across 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Positive

• 100% reduction in storm-related outages in pilot areas compared to overhead systems
• Plans to expand underground lines by over 1,000 miles in next 5 years
• 90% or greater improvement in reliability with underground lines
• Reduced emergency repair costs and enhanced public safety
• Strong customer satisfaction and local government support

Negative

• Only 15% of current electric lines are underground
• Implementation subject to regulatory approval
• Limited current pilot scope of 9 miles

Insights

Utility Infrastructure Analyst

Consumers Energy's underground line pilot shows 100% outage reduction, promising significant reliability improvements as they plan 1,000+ mile expansion.

The 9-mile underground power line pilot by Consumers Energy demonstrates compelling evidence for infrastructure hardening against extreme weather. The 100% reduction in storm-related outages in pilot areas represents a significant operational achievement in the utility sector, where reliability metrics directly impact regulatory standing and customer satisfaction.

The economics of this initiative deserve attention. While underground lines typically cost 2-3x more than overhead installations, the company is highlighting reduced emergency repair costs that partially offset this premium. This creates a more favorable total cost of ownership calculation, especially in high-outage areas. The 90% reliability improvement cited for buried lines is consistent with industry standards and represents substantial operational efficiency.

Most notable is the scale of planned expansion - over 1,000 miles in 5 years represents a major capital program, subject to regulatory approval. Currently, only 15% of Consumers Energy's lines are underground, creating significant runway for this hardening strategy. The targeted approach focusing on frequently-affected circuits in specific counties demonstrates strategic capital allocation rather than blanket deployment.

For Consumers Energy, serving 6.8 million residents across Michigan's Lower Peninsula, this infrastructure modernization addresses mounting climate resilience challenges while potentially improving both operational metrics and customer relationships - crucial factors for a regulated utility.

JACKSON, Mich., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Record-breaking severe weather has swept across the state during the first half of 2025. While these storms have left a path of destruction, Consumers Energy is proud to announce early successes from its underground power line pilot program. Initial data shows that areas included in the 9-mile pilot experienced fewer outages and improved overall system reliability compared to overhead-line service areas.

Buried power lines are better protected from common outage causes, including lightning, high winds, tornadoes, heavy snow, ice and falling tree limbs. Launched in 2024, the pilot program is a part of Consumers Energy's long-term plans to move more power lines underground, bolstering the company's infrastructure as outlined in the Reliability Roadmap.

Key Outcomes So Far in 2025:

• 100% reduction in storm-related outages to underground pilot areas compared to surrounding neighborhoods with overhead systems.
• Improved customer satisfaction, with feedback citing increased peace of mind during severe weather events.

"We are seeing clear, measurable benefits from this pilot program," said Chris Laird, Consumers Energy's vice president of electric operations. "Not only have we improved reliability for our customers, but we've also reduced emergency repair costs and enhanced public safety."

The pilot program targeted circuits that have frequent, lengthy outages and are in areas with dense trees in Genesee, Livingston, Allegan, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Iosco counties.

"In order for us to continue growing, we need reliable power," said Allegan County Commissioner Scott Beltman. "Consumers Energy is really stepping up to the plate to make (our county) reliable for our residents to live and prosper here."

Underground lines currently make up about 15 percent of all Consumers Energy electric lines, most being in subdivisions and areas with high population density. Burying lines improves reliability by 90% or more. In the next 5 years, the company aims to bury over 1,000 miles of line, subject to regulatory approval. As part of this expansion, Consumers Energy has requested to bury an additional 50 miles of overhead power lines beginning in mid-2026.

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 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/underground-power-line-pilot-program-proves-highly-effective-against-recent-severe-weather-302475791.html

SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

What results has CMS's underground power line pilot program shown?

The program has demonstrated a 100% reduction in storm-related outages in pilot areas compared to surrounding neighborhoods with overhead systems

How many miles of underground lines does Consumers Energy plan to add?

The company plans to bury over 1,000 miles of line in the next 5 years, plus an additional 50 miles starting mid-2026, subject to regulatory approval

What percentage of Consumers Energy's lines are currently underground?

Currently, 15% of Consumers Energy's electric lines are underground, mostly in subdivisions and high population density areas

Which counties are included in CMS's underground power line pilot program?

The pilot program operates in Genesee, Livingston, Allegan, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Iosco counties

How much does underground power line installation improve reliability?

Underground lines improve reliability by 90% or more by protecting against weather events, falling trees, and other common outage causes