Consumers Energy sees big results from underground power line pilot
MASON, Mich. (WILX) — After a year of record-breaking storms across Michigan, Consumers Energy says its pilot program to bury power lines is paying off, delivering zero storm-related outages where the lines were installed underground.
The nine-mile pilot, launched in 2024, spans six counties: Genesee, Livingston, Allegan, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Iosco. It targets neighborhoods that have historically suffered from frequent, prolonged outages, especially in tree-dense areas. So far in 2025, the utility reports a 100% reduction in storm outages within the pilot zones compared to nearby overhead systems.
“We’ve seen a lot of excitement, and really, it’s because fuel power outages are good; it’s a quality of life issue. People not having to worry about a tree falling on a power line gives them that comfort of mind, that presence of mind, that things are going to be okay even in severe weather,” said Brian Wheeler, Consumers Energy spokesperson.
The company says burying lines protects them from common outage causes like high winds, lightning, falling trees, and ice. It also gives residents added peace of mind during severe weather. Allegan County Commissioner Scott Beltman told WILX the change is a major step forward for economic growth: “Our residents and businesses need reliable power to live and prosper in Allegan County.”
Consumers Energy’s long-term Reliability Roadmap includes plans to bury over 1,000 miles of power lines over the next five years, pending regulatory approval. As part of that expansion, the utility is seeking permission to bury an additional 50 miles beginning in mid-2026.
Currently, about 15% of Consumers Energy’s electric lines are underground, mostly in subdivisions and densely populated areas.
“With the reliability and safety, I hope that the cost can be justified and we can keep doing more and more of this type of work in our community as well as throughout the state,” said Wheeler.
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