Consumers Energy has received $100 million in funding from the Department of Energy to help strengthen Michigan’s electric grid. The funding represents a significant step in bolstering the company’s recently announced Reliability Roadmap for reducing the number and length of power outages in the state.
Specifically, Consumers Energy will use the federal funding to strengthen its electric system in disadvantaged communities where the most investment is needed to limit outages. The company will replace poles and equipment and add the latest technology to detect and respond to outages.
The funding will come through the Grid Resilience Utility and Industry Grants, which supports the modernization of the electric grid to reduce the impact of extreme weather. Consumers Energy allows plans to match the funding with another $100 million once the grant is finalized and work begins.
"Building a stronger grid to withstand Michigan's fiercest weather is our top priority. We are thrilled the Department of Energy recognizes and is willing to support our plan to keep the lights on 24/7 for our nearly 2 million customers," said Tonya Berry, Consumers Energy's Senior Vice President of Transformation and Engineering. "We consider this a $100 million down payment on our Reliability Roadmap."
The Reliability Roadmap is Consumers Energy’s blueprint for strengthening Michigan’s electric grid. It includes two long-term goals:
- No customer will be without power for more than 24 hours.
- No outage will affect more than 100,000 customers.
The new federal funding will support Consumers Energy by helping accelerate its long-term plan while reducing costs for consumers.
"Consumers Energy has made a commitment that all communities will experience the benefits of our work to better serve Michigan and participate in the clean energy transformation," Berry added. "We are excited to communicate with leaders and stakeholders in communities that will most directly see the results of our efforts."
