Mon Dec 29 05:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article:

Summary:

Consumers Energy is bracing for potential power outages across West Michigan due to strong winds forecast for Monday morning. High winds, following heavy rains and dropping temperatures, could cause trees and branches to fall onto power lines. While outages are already reported in mid-Michigan, Consumers Energy has nearly 500 crews ready to respond and restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Safety is the priority and work will halt if wind gusts exceed safe levels for bucket truck operation. Customers are urged to report downed power lines to 911 and stay at least 25 feet away. They should also sign up for outage alerts and report any outages not shown on the Consumers Energy map.

News Article:

West Michigan Braces for Power Outages as High Winds Threaten Grid

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — West Michigan is bracing for potential widespread power outages as Consumers Energy prepares for strong winds expected to hit the region Monday morning. Following heavy rains Sunday and a drop in temperatures, sustained winds with gusts exceeding 50 mph are anticipated, raising concerns about damage to the power grid.

“Our biggest concern going into Monday is going to be the winds,” said Brian Wheeler, a Consumers Energy spokesperson. “High wind speeds like this take down trees, limbs, branches and can cause a host of problems.”

As of early Monday, significant outages were already impacting areas of mid-Michigan, with nearly 23,000 customers in Mecosta, Osceola, and Clare counties without power. Several West Michigan counties were also reporting over 100 outages each.

Consumers Energy has mobilized nearly 500 crews, including both company employees and contractors, ready to respond to outages. Crews are prepared to work extended 16-hour shifts.

“Our foremost concern is going to be mobilizing and getting our crews ready so that we can respond quickly if we do see power outages,” Wheeler stated.

However, Wheeler emphasized safety as a top priority. Restoration efforts will be temporarily suspended if wind gusts are too high for crews to safely operate bucket trucks. “We have to stay on the ground. We don’t go up in bucket trucks until winds subside to a level where it’s really safest enough for people to be doing their work,” Wheeler explained.

Consumers Energy urges residents to report downed power lines to 911 and maintain a distance of at least 25 feet. Customers are also encouraged to sign up for outage alerts via text, email, or the Consumers Energy app. If your power is out and not reflected on the outage map, contact Consumers Energy directly at 800.477.5050.

“We’re not stopping until we get power back on for everybody,” Wheeler assured.

Read More