FLINT, MI – Consumers Energy is making a substantial investment in smart technology, aiming to enhance the reliability of its power grid and fulfill its commitment to restore power within 24 hours or less.
The $24 million investment will introduce advanced technology to Flint, Saginaw, and other areas across the Lower Peninsula.
“Everything we do as part of the plan adds up to that point where even in the worst storms, even when tornadoes strike or major ice storms in the future, we want the power back on 24 hours at the very most because we know people are depending on so much for their livelihood, for their businesses,” said Brian Wheeler, spokesperson for Consumers Energy.
One of the key technologies Consumers Energy is deploying includes automatic transfer reclosers (ATRs), which function similarly to traffic signals.
“They allow power to flow or, when there’s a problem like a tree on a power line, they essentially put a red light that stops the flow of electricity,” explained Wheeler.
This helps limit the impact of power outages, reducing the number of affected customers.
In addition to ATRs, Consumers Energy will be adding nearly 3,000 power sensors this year.
These sensors will help the utility detect problems and respond more quickly. “When those sensors detect problems, they can alert us and allow us to get crews out to a situation,” said Wheeler.
Consumers Energy’s efforts to minimize power outages include replacing old poles with newer ones and implementing system upgrades.
With the severe weather Michigan has faced and is expected to face in the future, the expectations for Consumers Energy are higher.
“Michigan depends on a good power supply to attract businesses, to keep businesses open, to serve families in their houses every day. So, this is a vital important issue for our customers, and it is for us at Consumers Energy,” Wheeler stated.
For more information on their new smart technology visit their official website.