Over 1,000 Iron Poles to be Installed this
Year
JACKSON,
Mich., April 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers
Energy is introducing yet another new strategy to improve the
reliability of the electric grid in Michigan. The energy provider has purchased
1,200 iron utility poles – a $3.5
million investment – to withstand the forces of mother
nature and keep overhead power lines securely in place.
These poles are stronger, lighter and longer lasting than their
traditional wooden counterparts. They are engineered to resist fire
and the effects of Michigan's
harsh weather, and they are not vulnerable to wood decay,
woodpeckers, insects or other wildlife.
Iron poles are expected to last upwards of 80 years, which is
approximately double the lifespan of a wood pole. This longer
lifecycle, combined with recent shortages and increasing prices of
wood, led Consumers Energy to move ahead with sourcing and
installing iron poles this year.
"These new iron poles will fortify our infrastructure, reducing
the number of times that homes and businesses lose power," said
Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energy's
vice president of electric distribution engineering. "Their ability
to withstand the elements will protect the power lines and help to
reduce customer outages in the future."
"Installing these initial iron poles is another meaningful step
toward modernizing the grid and improving reliability for our
customers," said Chris Laird,
Consumers Energy's vice president of electric operations. "When the
weather is good, you'll see our crews busy at work this year
installing poles safely and quickly to make sure we're ready for
storms."
Consumers Energy is delivering the first iron poles to the
Kalamazoo, Greenville, and Tawas areas. They will
initially be installed at selected new construction sites that are
accessible to bucket trucks, which are essential to reach and
perform work on iron pole tops. Following this first phase of
implementation, installations will expand to other areas and
replace existing wooden poles throughout the Consumers Energy
service territory.
The introduction of iron poles is the latest tactic to be
deployed as part of the Reliability Roadmap, Consumers Energy's
plan for a smarter and stronger electric grid. The plan includes
investments in smart technology and automation, forestry work, and
infrastructure upgrades like this one. It is a blueprint for
serving Michigan today while
investing and innovating to meet the challenges of
tomorrow.
Consumers Energy is Michigan's
largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity
to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower
Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job No. 1 is to keep the
lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable,
clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.
For more information about Consumers Energy, go to
ConsumersEnergy.com.
Check out Consumers Energy on Social
Media
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SOURCE Consumers Energy