Consumers Energy has implemented a new Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) policy designed to reduce the risk of utility‑related wildfires during extreme weather conditions. The policy allows the company to temporarily disconnect power in high‑risk areas when conditions such as high winds, dry vegetation, or Red Flag warnings create a significant wildfire threat.
Under the new policy, customers will receive advance notifications 48 to 24 hours before a scheduled shutoff. Alerts are sent via phone, email, text, and posted on the company’s website and mobile app. The company also provides a dedicated hotline for customers with medical or other critical needs to request special assistance or alternative power arrangements.
Outages resulting from a PSPS event can last from several hours to multiple days, depending on the severity of the conditions and the time required for crews to assess and restore service. After the event, utility crews conduct line inspections and repairs before restoring power, ensuring that safety is prioritized over speed.
Consumers Energy has established a Medical Baseline program to protect customers who rely on electricity for medical equipment. The program offers priority restoration and alternative power options for qualifying households, and the company works closely with local emergency management agencies to coordinate support for vulnerable populations.
The PSPS policy is part of Consumers Energy’s broader Reliability Roadmap, which includes infrastructure upgrades, line burying, and enhanced wildfire risk modeling. The policy was developed in collaboration with the Michigan Public Service Commission and emergency management partners, and it applies to high‑risk zones across the company’s service territory of 68 Lower Peninsula counties. The initiative reflects a proactive approach to risk management amid increasing extreme weather events in Michigan.
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