FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2025
CONTACT: David Eiben, [email protected], 989-515-1328
PIE&G Responds to FEMA Category F Appeal Decision for March 2025 Ice Storm; Continues Pursuit of Federal Assistance
Onaway, MI — Presque Isle Electric & Gas Cooperative (PIE&G) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has denied the cooperative’s Category F appeal related to the March 2025 Ice Storm, which caused by far the most damaging event in the cooperative’s history. The decision was formally issued on October 23, 2025.
Although disappointed in FEMA’s decision, PIE&G remains committed to working with federal and state officials to pursue alternative forms of assistance through other FEMA categories and recovery programs.
“FEMA’s decision is disappointing and difficult to understand, said Allan Berg, Chief Executive Officer of Presque Isle Electric & Gas Cooperative. “The March ice storm was by far the most damaging event our co-op has ever faced — costing us well over $150 million in restoration, repair, and cleanup. Our crews worked around the clock to restore power to thousands of members under extremely difficult conditions. We’ll continue working with FEMA and other partners to identify every possible avenue for federal support to help offset restoration costs.”
PIE&G’s Category F request sought reimbursement for permanent repair work to infrastructure damaged by the March 2025 Ice Storm, which brought heavy freezing rain, downed lines, and widespread outages throughout northern Michigan. According to the cooperative, the storm damaged or required replacement of thousands of utility poles, transformers and miles of lines — and the total cost of restoration and recovery has climbed toward $150 million.
While FEMA’s denial limits funding under Category F (Utilities-Permanent Work), PIE&G is actively collaborating with federal agencies to explore other categories of assistance, including emergency response, debris removal, and initiatives aimed at improving future storm resilience.
“We’re proud of our team’s dedication and the cooperation we saw from our members and communities during that storm,” added Berg. “Even without Category F funding, we are eligible for some costs under the other categories and we remain steadfast in our mission to rebuild stronger and continue delivering safe, reliable energy to the people we serve.”
PIE&G will continue to provide updates on its recovery efforts and funding discussions at www.pieg.com/news.
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