Consumers Energy proposes pilot to underground more power lines
Inspired by results from other states and energy providers, and looking for ways to reduce power outages, Consumers Energy proposed an undergrounding pilot program to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) this week.
The pilot would allow Consumers to study real-world resiliency improvements stemming from buried power lines and compare and contrast them to other approaches to improve electric service in Michigan. Cost-effectiveness is a major push here, but so too are finding ways to improve the grid and simultaneously reduce outages. After all, buried power lines are shielded from some of the most common outage causes, such as lightning, wind, tornadoes and feeling tree limbs.
“We know burying power lines will help make the grid stronger, especially during violent storms that are hitting Michigan more frequently,” Greg Salisbury, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric distribution engineering, said. “Historically the costs to bury lines have been too expensive, but we have driven down the cost per mile to be equivalent to above-ground hardening costs. This pilot will help us learn even more about how to bury lines in ways that keep costs as low as possible, allowing us to bury additional lines in the future.”
The pilot program would target circuits in Allegan, Genesee, Iosco, Livingston, Ottawa, and Montcalm counties. Each area has had its struggles with outages, often spurred by the dense trees on site. Looking ahead, Consumers estimated that it could improve resiliency along circuits with buried lines by 90 percent, based on results in other states and by other companies. On top of that, buried lines would help reduce accidental electrocutions from downed wires, fire hazards, vehicle collisions and the risk of falling poles.
However, Salisbury emphasized that undergrounding efforts aren’t possible in all areas.
“We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we prepare for more extreme storms,” Chris Laird, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric operations. “Burying the lines is just one tool we can use in our growing toolbox to prevent outages from impacting our customers. We are committed to delivering more reliable, resilient energy for every customer.”
Currently, about 15 percent of Consumers Energy’s lines are underground. Going forward, the company intends to underground approximately 400 miles of lines per year.
