Scheduled Outages
No one wants to be without power, but sometimes, upgrades to our electric system are needed. No matter the why, we’re always working to deliver energy you can depend on.
In order to deliver energy you can depend on, we may have to interrupt service to perform equipment repairs or maintenance. Learn what it takes to have reliable energy and how to stay safe and prepared during a scheduled outage.
Types of Scheduled Outages
When We Plan Ahead
Just like an aging car, sometimes you can see the need for replacement will be soon, and you aim to do it before it’s too late. Whether in person doing a routine check or monitoring remotely, there are times where we can anticipate the need for an update. When this happens, we may have to interrupt service intentionally. This is so our crews can perform equipment repairs and maintenance safely.
When the Unexpected Occurs
High winds, snow and ice – Michigan weather is a big cause of outages. Tree branches fall during storms and blue-sky days and knock out power lines. Despite special gates, pole wraps, and other wildlife mitigation techniques – critters really like to check out our equipment. Our crews may delay scheduled maintenance work to restore power to those impacted by the unexpected.
When Tech Works for You
Have you experienced a brief loss of power lasting seconds or minutes? New technology brings new opportunities. These brief power outages are devices within our system automatically restoring or rerouting your power. This frees up our crews to be available for any unexpected and proactive upgrades.
Preparing for Your Scheduled Outage
Before an Outage
First, confirm your contact information and then sign up for alerts – it’s the best way to stay informed. Always have an emergency kit ready.
During an Outage
Use the Outage Map to see the most up-to-date estimates. Use generators safely – outside and away from doors, windows and fresh air intakes.
After an Outage
The upside to every outage is stronger equipment with every repair. Count on new industry materials, like more durable poles and new technology, to provide the power you need.
Outage Communications and Resources
We do our best to inform you of scheduled outage work through various platforms. But when the unexpected happens, our crews must move quickly to impacted areas. Our Outage Map is your next best resource for updates.
How to Stay Informed
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Advanced Notice for Scheduled Work.
Prior to the scheduled outage, we will send you a postcard with an estimated date and time for when you will be without power. We will also include an estimated duration for the power outage.
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Updates to the Plan.
We’ll send another postcard with new dates as soon we can. If you do not receive another postcard, we may have already completed the scheduled work and there’s no longer a need for another outage.
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Estimating the Time.
Data driven estimates on postcards and the Outage Map are based on scenarios similar to work we’ve done in the past. When the unexpected happens, the estimated time of restoration is recalculated. Once crews arrive, they update computer generated estimates based on what they see, and the time may update again.
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Confirming Power Restored.
The best way to receive notice that your power is restored is to sign up for alerts. The Outage Map will also display a status of “Power Restored” for up to 24 hours after the outage is over. So, if you’re away from home, regularly checking the map is another way that you can confirm the outage is complete.
Keep Up with Reliability Upgrades Across Michigan
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