Extensive Damage in Dunes Firelanes As we work to complete restoration efforts throughout the Michigan service territory, line crews are facing significant challenges in restoring service to a pocket of customers living near Lake Michigan. Of the 15,000 Michigan customers who were without power as a result of the storm, all but 133 will be restored by Sunday evening. The customers affected are located on fire lanes, between Blue Star Highway on the east, Lake Michigan on the west, Hagar Shore Road on the south and County Road 378 on the north. Restoring power to the remaining 133 customers is challenging. They are located in an environmentally sensitive area on the shore of Lake Michigan and the damage in this area is extensive. A significant number of structures and several miles of wire were destroyed by the storm and crews will have to repair and replace a large portion of the circuit. The lanes, many of which are very narrow, winding gravel roads, are in the critical dunes area, which is regulated by the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. Many of the poles and lines go across the terrain rather than along the fire lanes. Environmental regulations prohibit our crews from driving their trucks into the dunes beyond the existing roads. Instead, linemen must physically carry in the supplies and equipment needed to restore the electricity to this area. We is working to restore customers as quickly as possible while maintaining its commitment to protecting the environment and keeping this area beautiful. We are working to balance the speed of restoration with the sensitive environmental concerns in this area. As power is restored to the rest of Michigan, we will continue to move crews to this area to maximize the total manpower. Current estimates indicate that it will take more than a week to have these customers restored fully. We have attempted to personally contact all residents in this area. If you are affected and have questions or concerns, please call our Customer Solutions Center at 800-311-6424.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 01:13:28 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015