Consumers Energy is beginning a two-month project this week to bury power lines in four Michigan communities
Crews are currently working in Allegan and Allendale, both located in Ottawa County. After that, they will begin work burying overhead power lines in Hillsdale and Saugatuck.
Overall, the energy provider is committed to burying 10 miles of lines this year through its Reliability Roadmap through this $3.7 million pilot program.
“Consumers Energy is delivering on our promise to bury more power lines. This helps make the power grid stronger and, importantly, will help keep the lights on for customers, even during the most intense storms,” Chris Laird, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric operations, said. “This is only the start. We plan to take on more upgrades like this next year and in the years after that.”
Within the next five years, Consumers Energy plans to bury 1,000 miles of power lines as part of this Reliability Roadmap initiative. The initiative also includes increased line clearing, new technology, more durable iron poles and even a robotic dog.