Consumers Energy Crews Work to Restore Power Today to Muskegon, Ottawa Counties After Heavy Snow

Muskegon, Mich. Wednesday, November 01, 2023

Hundreds of Consumers Energy employees and contractors are working to restore power to customers in Muskegon and Ottawa counties today after an unusual fall snowstorm blanketed the Lakeshore region. Consumers Energy is working to restore power to all 43,000 affected customers by the end of the day today.

“While few people expect to see major snowfall on Halloween, our crews are prepared and converging on West Michigan today. We know it’s important to get the lights back on quickly,” said Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energy’s officer in charge for this storm. “Our coworkers and contractors will be working in the region, and they will not stop until power is back on for everyone.”

Consumers Energy will have about 200 crews working today after heavy, wet snow mixed with leaves still on the trees brought down over 900 wires. The outages were concentrated in Muskegon County, although crews also are working today in Ottawa and Kent counties, plus other affected areas.

Crews will prioritize public safety hazards such as downed wires, then restore power first to critical customers such as hospitals, fire and police departments and senior living facilities. (Learn more: Video: How we restore power)

People can visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter to view the online outage map, report an outage and sign up to receive power restoration updates.

Consumers Energy also urges the public to review and follow these important storm safety tips:

• Stay at least 25 feet away from downed wires, keep children or pets away, and report the issue by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
• A portable generator should be placed at least 25 feet away from any doors, windows or fresh air intakes. Never operate a generator inside your home, garage, basement or enclosed area. Proper ventilation is critical.
• Be alert to crews working along roads. It is important that drivers slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they can safely go past workers on roadsides.

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Media Contacts: Brian Wheeler, 517-740-1545, or Tracy Wimmer, 517-539-4465