450 Consumers Energy Crews Mobilize as Aggressive Weather Returns

450 Consumers Energy Crews Mobilize as Aggressive Weather Returns

Jackson, Mich. Thursday, March 12, 2026

After unleashingsevere storms across Michigan earlier this week, Mother Nature is striking again with another round of turbulent weather aimed at the lower peninsula, expected to begin Friday and continue through the weekend.

This new system comes just days after strong thunderstorms, high winds and rain moved across Michigan causing power outages for some customers. Now,as this next wave of hostile weather gathers strength,Consumers Energy is preparing for more potential outages as inclement weather ramps up tomorrow and into the weekend. Approximately 450 crews are being strategically staged statewide, ready to battle back and restore power wherever the storm attempts to disrupt service.

"First, we want to thank our customers for their patience. We are closely monitoring the forecast and positioning crews for the possibility of more outages as these next rounds of high wind and the potential for freezing rain moves across the state," said Chris Fultz, Consumers Energy's vice president of low voltage distribution. "Victory favors the prepared, and after the major weather events we faced last year, our teams are battle tested. We know what to do, we know how to respond, and we're taking every step necessary so we can restore power as quickly and safely as possible."

The incoming system is expected to make its first move on Friday, delivering three to six inches of snow north of U.S. 10 and one to two inches to the south, accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 65 mph. The storm's assault continues Sunday, with the threat of freezing rain north of I-96 paired with powerful southeast and northeast gusts up to 45 mph. Monday may bring yet another round of chaos, with a mix of rain, freezing rain, and sleet all pushed by winds that could again reach 65 mph.

For storm preparation, Consumers Energy is encouraging customers to visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenterfor tips to stay safe and prepare their homes for possible outages. Customers can also sign up for outage alerts at ConsumersEnergy.com/alertsand receive real-time updates.

Customers can prepare their homes with these tips in mind:

• Charge all critical electronics including medical devices. It's advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available.
• Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, canned food and blankets. Be prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet food if applicable. A battery-operated radio is also a good idea.
• Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off.

As safety remains a top priority for the company, customers are asked to practice extreme caution and follow these safety tips:

• Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, and to report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas.Read more guidance on safe generator use here.
• Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, clean-up of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners.
• In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.

###

Members of the media are reminded to call 1-800-557-4625 to reach a Consumers Energy Media Relations representative 24/7.