- Consumers Energy's underground power line pilot program shows a 100% reduction in storm-related outages.
- The company plans to expand underground lines by over 1,000 miles in the next 5 years.
- Underground lines improve reliability by 90% or more, enhancing public safety and customer satisfaction.
Consumers Energy (CMS, Financial), Michigan's largest energy provider, has announced the success of its underground power line pilot program. Launched in 2024, the pilot program covered a 9-mile circuit across six Michigan counties—Genesee, Livingston, Allegan, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Iosco. The program demonstrated a 100% reduction in storm-related outages compared to areas that still use overhead systems.
Currently, 15% of Consumers Energy's electric lines are underground. These buried lines, which protect against common outage causes such as severe weather, falling trees, and ice, improve reliability by 90% or more. The company plans to bury an additional 1,000 miles of power lines over the next 5 years, pending regulatory approval. To further this initiative, Consumers Energy has sought permission to bury 50 more miles starting in mid-2026.
Chris Laird, Vice President of Electric Operations at Consumers Energy, stated, "We have not only improved reliability for our customers but also reduced emergency repair costs and enhanced public safety." The company, which serves 6.8 million residents across Michigan's Lower Peninsula, aims to continue expanding its underground infrastructure to bolster reliability and customer satisfaction.
