MIDLAND, Michigan (WNEM) – As the weather continues to be hot, Consumers Energy is making grid improvements in Central Michigan.
Representatives from Consumers Energy and Midland met at the Wackerly substation on Wednesday afternoon, August 14, to discuss the $8 million investment in the substation. This comes after the utility struggled with high winds and heavy rainstorms throughout the summer that caused numerous power outages.
Improvements to the substation include a new transformer, new circuit breakers and some automation features that will enable consumers to respond more quickly in the event of a power interruption.
Consumers Energy President and CEO Garrick Rochow said upgrading the grid could help keep power on for thousands of people.
“This substation behind me serves 16,500 customers in the Midland area. It serves the hospital and two large companies. So we need to make sure it’s reliable, not just today but for the long term,” he said.
He added that the company is still looking for ways to improve the grid so customers aren’t cut off from power. Rochow said consumers already have some ideas in mind.
“Instead of having towers designed for 40 mph winds, we’ve put in 80 mph ones with half-inch ice loaders, so again, a stronger system for the future. And then we’re going even further and putting a lot of underground lines in critical areas. We’ve started a pilot project in that area and we’re looking to expand it over time,” he said.
Investments in the power grid amount to over 7 billion dollars.
Subscribe to the TV5 Newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather reports directly to your email every day.
All rights reserved.
