Grand Rapids Power Outage: Thousands affected after high winds hit. Consumers Energy working to restore. Get updates on outage map. Prepare for future outages with emergency kit & tips.
Grand Rapids Power Outage
Consumer’s Energy reports thousands are without power in Grand Rapids after Saturday’s high winds caused extensive power outages, and crews are working to restore it as soon as possible.
Michigan’s aging grid isn’t in great shape even on normal days, but extreme weather compounds the problem further. Doug Tribou spoke to a state senator who is campaigning for changes to utility regulations and practices.
What Caused the Outage?
Consumers Energy reported thousands lost power at ArtPrize 9, Pulaski Days and other events held downtown Grand Rapids over the last weekend of ArtPrize 9, Pulaski Days, Division Avenue Street Festivities and other activities, which resulted in outages primarily centered on two spots within Grand Rapids – one near North I-196/West US-131 near Richmond Street NW to Covell Avenue NW; another in near downtown along Market Avenue SW/Wealthy Streets south of Fulton Street/East Division Avenue. At first, Consumers Energy didn’t release an official cause but later blamed high winds.
The outage map displays current planned and unplanned outages, with estimated restoration times provided by field crews upon arriving on site. On occasion, crews may encounter conditions requiring reassessment of original estimates, as indicated by yellow indicators on the map. Once complete, updated estimated restoration times will be provided once further details are provided by crews; though power restoration should take place as quickly as possible regardless of circumstances; in certain instances longer restoration times may result from additional investigation required of field crews.
What Can I Do to Prevent Another Outage?
Prepare for a power outage with the proper supplies by creating an emergency disaster supplies kit containing food, water and first aid items in a plastic bin or duffel bag that should contain enough for each family member for 72 hours of no power.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed during a power outage to help preserve food supplies, using blankets or newspapers as insulation in the freezer. Also keep bottled water, canned goods and nonperishable foods like crackers cereal powdered milk instant coffee handy as back up.
Preparing for a bad storm means unplugging all devices containing electronic components and placing them on surge protectors when the power goes out. This will protect them from an abrupt voltage surge when power returns while simultaneously decreasing demand on your electricity supplier’s system.
Avoid areas that contain downed lines if construction work is taking place nearby, particularly if excavation projects involve digging. Most construction companies conduct surveys before digging begins, but accidents still happen occasionally. If you see a line down, call your electric company immediately to report it and save lives and prevent power outages.
How Long Will It Take to Restore Power?
Consumers Energy customers were left without power Tuesday afternoon due to an equipment issue at one of their substations, with over 10,000 experiencing power outage as a result. 13 ON YOUR SIDE has learned this outage will continue for some time and blames Consumers Energy’s work towards its restoration as the reason.
Under severe storm conditions, it can take hours to locate and make necessary repairs for power outages caused by massive storms. Furthermore, how long it takes will depend upon how many people were impacted and their severity of symptoms.
Once I was young and still living at home when the power would go out during a storm, it would take hours for crews to locate and fix the source of power outage, reset fuses or trip devices on poles that detect overloads/shorts to shut them off; these trips may remain open if no overloads/shorts exist); with modern technology, this task may now often take only minutes!
Consumers Energy announced on Friday evening that around-the-clock work has started on restoring power to Michigan communities, with crews anticipated to work through the weekend to assess damage and make repairs. Workers from other states have also come in to help in areas with the greatest needs – more updates as we receive them can be found via our outage map on 13 ON YOUR SIDE app or online.
FAQs about Grand Rapids Power Outage
Q: What caused the outage in Grand Rapids?
A: The power outage in Grand Rapids was primarily caused by high winds during the weekend events such as ArtPrize 9, Pulaski Days, and Division Avenue Street Festivities. Consumers Energy reported thousands lost power at various locations downtown and attributed it to the impact of the strong winds.
Q: How long will it take to restore power?
A: The restoration time for power outage can vary depending on factors such as the extent of damage and the number of people affected. Under severe storm conditions, it may take several hours or even days to locate and repair the issues causing the outage. Consumers Energy has deployed crews around-the-clock to assess damage and make necessary repairs, with additional support from workers from other states.
Q: What can I do to prevent another outage?
A: While it’s difficult to prevent power outages caused by external factors such as severe weather, you can take some measures to minimize the impact. Prepare an emergency disaster supplies kit containing essential items like food, water, and first aid supplies. During a power outage, keep your refrigerator and freezer closed to preserve food, and have alternative food sources like canned goods and nonperishable items available. Additionally, unplug electronic devices during storms and use surge protectors to prevent damage from voltage surges when power is restored.
Q: How can I help during a power outage?
A: If you encounter downed power lines or other hazards during a power outage, it’s important to stay away from them and report the issue to your electric company immediately. Avoid areas with downed lines, especially if construction work is taking place nearby. By reporting hazards promptly, you can help prevent accidents, save lives, and expedite the restoration process.
Q: Where can I get updates on the restoration process?
A: Consumers Energy provides updates on power outages and restoration efforts through their outage map, which can be accessed via the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app or online. You can check the map for current outage information, estimated restoration times, and any updates from field crews working to restore power.