JACKSON, Mich. — Consumers Energy crews are putting in extra hours to strengthen Michigan’s power grid as colder months approach.

The company says crews and contractors are now working evenings and weekends to complete critical upgrades faster and more efficiently. That work includes replacing poles, lines, and transformers, trimming trees near power lines, and installing smart grid technology to help reduce outage times.

Chris Fultz, vice president of low voltage distribution, says the goal is to finish key reliability projects before winter sets in. He adds that while residents may notice extra activity and noise in neighborhoods, workers will be clearly identified.

In 2024, Consumers Energy completed more than 1,300 major upgrades and cleared trees along 7,000 miles of power lines. The company expects to exceed that pace this year.

Consumers Energy provides natural gas and electricity to more than two-thirds of Michigan residents and says keeping the lights on remains job number one.