Underground power line pilot cuts storm outages to zero in Michigan counties
(UI) — Severe weather has battered Michigan in early 2025, with record-breaking storms causing widespread damage. But in select areas, one utility’s infrastructure held strong: Consumers Energy reports that its underground power line pilot program has significantly improved reliability in communities where the new system has been tested.
Launched in 2024, the 9-mile pilot is part of Consumers Energy’s long-term Reliability Roadmap strategy to strengthen electric infrastructure by burying more power lines. The early results are promising.
So far in 2025, pilot areas have experienced a 100% reduction in storm-related outages compared to surrounding neighborhoods served by overhead lines. In addition to better reliability, the utility has received positive feedback from residents citing greater peace of mind during high-impact weather events.
“We are seeing clear, measurable benefits from this pilot program,” said Chris Laird, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric operations. “Not only have we improved reliability for our customers, but we've also reduced emergency repair costs and enhanced public safety.”
The pilot program was deployed in locations prone to frequent and lengthy outages, particularly areas with dense tree coverage in Genesee, Livingston, Allegan, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Iosco counties.
“In order for us to continue growing, we need reliable power,” said Allegan County Commissioner Scott Beltman. “Consumers Energy is really stepping up to the plate to make (our county) reliable for our residents to live and prosper here.”
Currently, about 15% of Consumers Energy’s electric lines are underground, primarily in subdivisions and densely populated areas. According to the utility, buried lines improve reliability by 90% or more.
Consumers Energy now plans to expand its undergrounding efforts. Pending regulatory approval, the company aims to bury more than 1,000 miles of power lines over the next five years. A request has already been submitted to begin burying an additional 50 miles of overhead lines starting in mid-2026.
Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, delivering natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents across all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
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