Consumers Energy is continuing its around-the-clock push to repair – and in some areas, rebuild – the electric grid in hard-hit northern Michigan counties following this week’s multiple waves of storms.

Hundreds of crews are continuing restoration work in northern Michigan. As of 9 a.m. today, about 10,800 customers remained without power in that region. Fully 95% of northern Michigan customers should see their power restored by the end of today, with the remaining customers to follow Saturday.

“To our friends and neighbors in northern Michigan who’ve gone without power for up to a week, we understand the struggles you’re experiencing, and we thank you for your patience in incredibly difficult conditions,” said Norm Kapala, one of Consumers Energy’s Officers in Charge of restoration. “After multiple severe storms, the damage our crews have encountered is unprecedented, but we’re focused solely on restoring your power as quickly and safely as possible.”

Helped by better weather, Consumers Energy returned power as of 9 a.m. Friday to over 97% of the now over 380,000 customers affected statewide by severe ice and thunderstorms that battered northern and southern portions of Michigan throughout the past week.

Consumers Energy’s work to inform and support northern Michigan residents and communities extended beyond restoration. Measures included providing water to seven community shelters in northern Michigan and hosting a food truck at the Gaylord community shelter that served more than 420 customers. The energy provider also conducted several community storm briefings to keep local and state elected officials, and first responders informed about restoration work.