Massive Ice Storm Restoration Efforts Continue

Onaway, Michigan (April 3, 2025) The recent ice storm has caused significant damage throughout our service territory, leaving many of our customers without power. Our crews have been working around the clock to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.

Status Update

Out of 35,000 total customers in our service area, over 7,700 now have power, and approximately 27,000 currently remain without power.

The number of broken poles continues to rise, with a total of 450 confirmed broken poles so far (270 added yesterday and 180 the day before). We estimate that number could climb to 1,500 or more before restoration is complete.

MECA (Michigan Electric Cooperative Association) has provided a helicopter to fly over our service territory, helping us assess damages and evaluate our restoration needs.

Crews Deployed

We have at least 114 crews on the system today, which will increase to as many as 144 tomorrow. Altogether, these teams include over 400 individual workers dedicated to restoring power and ensuring public safety.

Safety Reminders

Downed Power Lines: Always assume any downed or low-hanging line is energized. Keep a safe distance and report it immediately to our dispatch center or local emergency services.

Generator Safety: If you are using a generator, please place it in a well-ventilated outdoor area away from windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Make sure it is installed correctly to avoid back-feeding electricity into power lines, which can endanger line workers and the public.

CEO Message & Acknowledgments

“We are actively working with many levels of government including local, state, and federal, and we remain in constant communication about any help and assistance we may need to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Our governmental leaders understand the severity of the damage and I applaud their efforts to provide emergency support. That support conversation is still ongoing, and resources are continually being discussed and coordinated.”

Allan Berg – CEO

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the following groups and individuals who have been instrumental in the ongoing restoration efforts and emergency response:

  • Federal, state, and local government offices for their proactive support and collaboration.
  • EMS, Fire Departments, Police, and other emergency service personnel who have provided critical assistance and ensured public safety.
  • The local Road Commissions and County administration for their support, which has been invaluable in helping our crews access the affected areas and work to restore power as efficiently as possible.
  • Our own dedicated staff, line workers and their families who continue to work long hours in adverse conditions to restore power as safely and quickly as possible.
  • The community for their patience, understanding, and generous support shown to our crews during this difficult time.

For updates, visit https://pieg.com/outage-center/ and https://www.facebook.com/PIEGCooperative. To report an outage, call 1-800-423-6634 or 989-733-8515.