Gov. Whitmer has ordered a statewide review of energy infrastructure after the fire at a Consumers Energy facility in Macomb County.
Whitmer is asking the Michigan Public Service Commission to review natural gas, electricity and propane supplies and how they are delivered. She wants new contingency plans by July 1.
The order by the governor is in the wake of a fire at the Consumers Energy facility at Omo Road and 32 Mile in Armada Twp. which prompted the possibility of a gas cutoff during the severe cold. The company and the governor requested customers dial down to conserve gas.
Poppe says she welcomes the review.
Poppe says we came extraordinarily close to cutting off natural gas to customers on Wednesday night. Poppe says Consumers has spent millions of dollars in upgrades to the Macomb County facility.
Sally Talberg, chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission, tells WJR the panel will comply with Whitmer’s request. Talberg says Michigan is undergoing a comprehensive change in the sources of energy, with the reduction of coal as a fuel and the rise of renewable sources.
“This assessment is very timely,” Talberg says. “It will help us understand when we have severe weather events whether our supplies and infrastructure are adequate and what can be improved.”