These projects involve replacing aging infrastructure, some over a century old, to ensure a dependable natural gas supply for future generations.
Consumers Energy has announced a substantial initiative to modernize Michigan's natural gas infrastructure, with 135 miles of major construction projects underway this summer across 15 communities. This ambitious undertaking aims to fortify the state's natural gas system, ensuring safe and reliable service for over 1.8 million customers throughout the year.
The extensive construction work involves replacing existing cast iron and steel pipelines, some of which have been in service for more than a century. These upgrades are crucial for future-proofing Michigan's energy supply, guaranteeing a dependable natural gas system for generations to come. Over 600 Consumers Energy employees and contractors are actively involved in these critical projects, highlighting the scale and importance of the endeavor.
The upgrade projects are strategically distributed across various regions of Michigan, addressing key areas with aging infrastructure. In Southeast Michigan, significant work is being carried out in Livonia (18 miles), Warren (18 miles), Bloomfield (7 miles), Pontiac (6 miles), and Royal Oak (2 miles). The Flint area will see upgrades in Flint (10 miles), Owosso (6 miles), and Fowlerville (2 miles).
Further north, the Saginaw/Bay City region is a focal point with two projects in Bay City spanning 8 and 9 miles respectively, along with 5 miles in Saginaw and 3 miles in Frankenmuth. Other crucial locations include Kalamazoo (12 miles), Lansing (14 miles in Holt), and Midland, which will benefit from projects in St. Louis (10 miles), Ithica (1 mile), and Auburn (3 miles).
These summer projects are in addition to the ongoing Four Cities Metro Pipeline in Southeast Michigan, a significant regional pipeline replacement that is slated to continue throughout the decade. Consumers Energy is also undertaking numerous local pipeline upgrades across the state this year, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to system modernization.
Holly Bowers, Consumers Energy's vice president of natural gas engineering and supply, emphasized the company's commitment to its customers. "These projects are a visible demonstration of Consumers Energy's commitment to delivering natural gas safely, affordably, and reliably to our friends and neighbors who count on us," Bowers stated. She further added, "We focus on work that will have the most impact, ensuring that our natural gas system will be reliable for many more years."
Beyond ensuring reliable energy, the modernization of Michigan's natural gas system is expected to provide economic benefits. By delivering affordable natural gas to homes and businesses, these job-creating construction projects are anticipated to stimulate the state's economy over the next decade.
