- Consumers Energy (CMS, Financial) is undertaking a 135-mile natural gas infrastructure upgrade across 15 Michigan communities.
- The project involves over 600 employees and contractors and aims to enhance system reliability for 1.8 million customers.
- The initiative is part of the Natural Gas Delivery Plan, costing typical households less than $3 per day.
Consumers Energy (CMS) has announced a major infrastructure upgrade to modernize Michigan's natural gas system. The initiative involves constructing 135 miles of new gas pipelines across 15 communities, aiming to replace century-old cast iron and steel pipelines with modern materials. This project is designed to improve reliability and safety for the utility's 1.8 million customers.
The broad geographic scope includes significant upgrades in regions such as Southeast Michigan (51 miles), Flint (18 miles), Saginaw/Bay City (25 miles), Kalamazoo (12 miles), Lansing (14 miles), and Midland (14 miles). Over 600 Consumers Energy employees and contractors are involved in this extensive work, which is part of the company's Natural Gas Delivery Plan. This strategic investment is intended to serve Michigan's natural gas needs for generations.
Consumers Energy's ongoing Four Cities Metro Pipeline project in Southeast Michigan complements this initiative, marking a continued commitment to infrastructure renewal. The company highlights that these essential upgrades come with an affordable cost structure, maintaining household expenses at less than $3 per day. Drivers are advised to be mindful of crews working along roads with occasional lane closures during the construction period.
This upgrade not only strengthens the state's energy infrastructure but also boosts the local economy by creating significant employment opportunities. Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, remains committed to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas to its vast customer base.
