JACKSON, MI, April 28, 2026 – As crews continue restoring power, Consumers Energy is emphasizing the importance of safety for coworkers and the public across Michigan this morning.

“We’re working quickly to get the lights back on, but we want people to know our #1 priority is for everyone we serve to stay safe,” said Jean Kang, one of Consumers Energy’s officers in charge for restoration. “It’s critical that people slow down when they’re on the road, operate generators safely and watch for hazards like downed wires.”

Consumers Energy has mobilized over 500 crews and aims to restore power to most customers by midnight. Crews have restored power to half of about 86,000 homes and businesses affected by Monday’s strong windstorm.

Kang also reminded people to treat any fallen power lines as dangerous and to stay at least 25 feet away. People should immediately report unguarded downed lines by calling 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. 

Consumers Energy encourages people to limit their travel in areas hit hard by the storm, if possible, and to watch for hazards like fallen trees and other debris. Keep an eye out for crews working along roadsides. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they can go safely past.

Consumers Energy customers can check the status of outages at ConsumersEnergy.com/Outage. They can also sign up to get outage alerts and restoration times sent via phone, email or text. Text ‘REG’ to 232273 or visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts. 

Kang encouraged people to keep other safety tips in mind: 

• Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Read more guidance on safe generator use here. 

• Consumers Energy will trim or remove trees interfering with electric restoration activities. Once safe to do so, cleanup of debris from tree trimming or removal during a storm emergency is the responsibility of individual property owners. 

• In some cases, the mast that holds the electric service wires to a home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable. 
• Learn more: ConsumersEnergy.com/safety.