ONAWAY, Mich. — Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op (PIE&G) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially obligated $14.7 million toward the cooperative’s Category A debris removal costs from the historic March 2025 ice storm.
The news marks the first FEMA funding approved for PIE&G’s recovery efforts. While the cooperative has not yet received any of these funds, the obligation represents an important milestone in the federal reimbursement process.
To date, PIE&G has submitted approximately $145 million in eligible storm recovery costs to FEMA following the catastrophic ice storm that caused more than $150 million in damage across its electric system.
“This is an exciting day for our cooperative and our members,” said Allan Berg, President and CEO of PIE&G. “While these funds have not yet been received, the obligation of our first $14.7 million is an encouraging sign that the reimbursement process is moving forward. We’ve submitted approximately $145 million in recovery costs, so we hope this is the first of many obligations to come.”
Berg said any FEMA reimbursement received will be applied toward reducing the emergency line of credit the cooperative secured to restore service after the storm.
He also thanked PIE&G’s members and elected officials for their continued support.
“Our members have shown incredible patience and resilience throughout this recovery, and we are deeply grateful for their support,” Berg said. “We’re also thankful for the bipartisan advocacy from our local, state, and federal leaders who have worked to keep Northern Michigan’s recovery a priority. Today’s announcement is an important first step, and we remain committed to securing every eligible dollar on behalf of our members.”
The $20 monthly storm recovery fee that members are contributing toward the $8.5M annual interest on the cooperative’s $150+ million emergency line of credit will remain in place until PIE&G receives confirmation on final reimbursement expenses from FEMA.
PIE&G has established a page on its website on ice storm recovery efforts and will continue to provide updates as additional FEMA obligations are approved and reimbursement funds are received.
