Flooding Conditions May Lead to Temporary Power Shutoff in Cheboygan

Flooding Conditions May Lead to Temporary Power Shutoff in Cheboygan

Cheboygan, Mich. Monday, April 13, 2026

Consumers Energy is closely monitoring flooding conditions in and around Cheboygan and is evaluating the potential initiation of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) as a precaution to protect public safety, property and critical infrastructure.

Safety remains Consumers Energy's top priority. Decisions to implement a PSPS are made by Consumers Energy's emergency management and operations teams which continuously assess real-time conditions in coordination with local authorities. If a PSPS is initiated, customers and community leaders will receive regular updates throughout the event and notification when restoration begins. Power will be restored as soon as conditions improve, and crews can safely inspect equipment.

"We understand how difficult it can be to face flooding and the added concern of losing power," said Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energy's president of electric distribution. "Every step we take is grounded in safety, and we'll continue working closely with local officials while doing everything we can to support customers through this."

A PSPS is considered only when severe weather or other extreme conditions create a high risk to people, homes, businesses or essential services. In this situation, flooding and saturated ground conditions may pose safety concerns related to electrical equipment and infrastructure, and a temporary power shutoff in select areas could reduce the risk of electrical hazards.

Consumers Energy understands the challenges power outages may create and is committed to clear communication, strong partnerships with local leaders and support for the community throughout and following any PSPS event. As part of our efforts to reduce the impact to customers, we are taking steps to limit the scope and duration of any outages. This includes moving a mobile substation into the area to help support critical infrastructure, including the local hospital. To safely place this equipment, the mobile substation will be located on the Trails-to-Rails walking path, which will temporarily impact accessibility in that area. We appreciate the community's understanding as we take these steps to support essential services and protect public safety.

Consumers Energy is encouraging customers to sign up for outage alerts at ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts to receive real-time updates and visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter for tips to stay safe and prepare their homes for possible outages.

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 away from flooded areas near electrical equipment. Never walk, drive or wade through floodwaters that may be near power lines, substations, transformers or other electrical infrastructure.
• Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, and report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
• Turn off electricity if it is safe to do so. If flooding is approaching your home and you can safely access the main breaker while standing on dry ground, shut off power. Do not attempt this if water is already present.

• 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, cleanup 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.

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