Consumers Energy’s automated technology minimizes outages, delivering stronger grid reliability and faster restoration times.
Smart Technology Minimizes Michigan Power Outages
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, has utilized cutting-edge technology to prevent power outages for over 72,000 customers in 2024. The deployment of Automatic Transfer Reclosers (ATRs), which act like “traffic lights” for electricity, limited the extent of outages and saved customers more than 350,000 hours of potential downtime.
“ATRs are revolutionizing the way we manage outages,” said Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric distribution engineering. “These tools are part of our broader plan to build a stronger, smarter grid.”
ATRs: Smarter Solutions for a Reliable Grid
ATRs detect outages remotely and automatically reroute power to minimize disruptions. As part of Consumers Energy’s Reliability Roadmap, over 100 new ATRs were installed this year, bringing the total to nearly 550 statewide. The company’s proactive approach ensures fewer customers are affected when outages occur and power is restored more efficiently.
Aiming for Faster Restorations and Fewer Outages
Consumers Energy’s long-term goals include:
- Limiting power losses to no more than 100,000 customers during severe storms.
- Restoring service within 24 hours for all customers.
Complementing ATR technology, the company’s strategy includes increased vegetation management, advanced infrared cameras for line inspections, durable iron poles, underground power lines, and even robotic dogs for on-site evaluations.
Enhancing Customer Reliability
Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million residents across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, providing electricity and natural gas to 68 counties. The company’s investment in grid technology reflects its commitment to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy. Salisbury emphasized, “We’re here to serve Michiganders 24/7/365, and innovations like ATRs are paving the way for a more reliable future.”
For more information on the Reliability Roadmap, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/reliable.
Related Context: Michigan’s Push for Energy Resilience
The upgrades come as Michigan faces increasingly severe weather patterns that strain infrastructure. Consumers Energy’s efforts align with state-wide initiatives to modernize utilities and prioritize resilience against outages.
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