PIE&G line-crews started early this morning to continue restoration efforts after gale-force winds on Thursday caused historic numbers of power outages across the state. Approximately 22,000 services on PIE&G’s system were out at some point. Although PIE&G has restored about 18,000 services as of this morning, approximately 3,800 services are still out. Most of the current outages are in Montmorency and Cheboygan counties. With the winds finally subsiding, a PIE&G crew was able to ferry to Bois Blanc Island this morning, and restorations there are currently underway.
Of the 22 broken poles found so far, crews have replaced fifteen, and the others still need repairs or replacement. PIE&G has extra crews and equipment from Kent Power, Wolverine Power, Campbell Electric, and Thumb Electric Cooperative, which started at 7 a.m. this morning. The wind damage extends across PIE&G’s nine-county service area, so some individual service repairs will continue into Sunday.
PIE&G and contract crews will be working diligently all weekend to get as many services restored as safely and quickly as possible. PIE&G appreciates its members for their patience and understanding during this catastrophic storm.
PIE&G members should contact PIE&G immediately at (800) 423-6634 to report their power outage or any downed power lines. Stay at least 25 feet away from any downed wires, assume they are energized, and report them immediately to PIE&G or local law enforcement (911).
