FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

90% Restoration Complete – Electric and Fiber Work Underway Following Ice Storm

ONAWAY, Mich. – Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-Op (PIE&G) is proud to announce that restoration efforts following the unprecedented ice storm have reached the 90% mark. At the start of the event, 100% of PIE&G’s focus was on quickly and safely restoring electricity to its members. To achieve this, the Co-Op mobilized over 400 specialized crews and more than 1,400 qualified personnel who worked diligently around energized systems to re-establish service.

Restoration Progress as of Monday, April 15, 2025:

  • Over 90% of the service area restored
    • 32,400 members with power restored
    • 408 field crews deployed
    • 1,426 personnel in the field
    • 1,477 broken poles replaced

While the electric crews made significant progress, the fiber team was simultaneously performing a detailed remote analysis to identify damage to the cable systems. Because maintaining a safe work environment is paramount, fiber restoration was initially conducted from the office to ensure that extra personnel on the circuits would not compromise the safety of the electrical teams. Now that critical areas, such as substations and specific geographic zones, are safely re-energized, PIE&G is beginning to deploy its fiber contractors to repair the identified lines.

In response to customer inquiries regarding debris left on PIE&G poles and wires, the Co-Op emphasizes that its priority remains restoring service safely and efficiently. With power restoration well underway, crews will soon be mobilized to address and clear the storm debris. Customers are kindly asked to refrain from disturbing any debris as PIE&G finalizes its cleanup plans for this unprecedented ice storm.

“We have made significant progress, but our work is not done,” said Allan Berg, PIE&G CEO. “We remain fully committed to reconnecting the remaining members, restoring fiber to every area, and implementing a comprehensive debris cleanup plan. Our mission continues until every home and business is fully restored.”

For more updates and detailed progress reports, please visit pieg.com/spring-2025-storm-updates

###