Consumers Energy in Jackson on Monday announced new plans to continue modernizing and strengthening its natural gas system that heats more than 1.8 million Michigan homes and businesses.
Upcoming investments will replace up to 10,000 decades-old natural gas service lines that directly serve customers, plus put valves on major pipelines that can be remotely operated to respond to emergencies.
“This month’s cold weather provides a real-life reminder of the need for a strong natural gas system that keeps our friends and neighbors warm,” says Holly Bowers, vice president of gas engineering and supply at Consumers Energy. “Our Natural Gas Delivery Plan is ensuring our system remains safe in all weather, while continuing to get cleaner for Michigan’s environment and costing the typical household less than $3 a day.”
With the recently completed Mid-Michigan Pipeline, Consumers Energy has now upgraded hundreds of miles of the transmission pipeline system that carries natural gas across the state.
Installing remote control valves in our transmission system to quickly isolate the system when unexpected conditions occur. This work should be complete by the mid-2030s.
Consumers Energy also plans to modernize gas delivery hubs called “city gates” and pressure regulation facilities to ensure gas flows safely and reliably to customers. These major facilities should be fully modernized in the next decade, the company predicts.
To continue making these improvements, Consumers Energy today is filing a $248 million natural gas rate request with the Michigan Public Service Commission. The request will be reviewed, and, if approved, there would be no impact on customers’ bills until late 2025.
In Other Consumers Energy News: The utility announced renewable energy projects in 2024 that will bring 691 megawatts of clean energy and energy storage online in the coming years. The projects include wind, solar, and renewable natural gas facilities (RNG) as well as battery storage capacity to harness the energy generated.
“We know that clean energy is the future in Michigan, helping to protect our planet and reduce costs for our customers,” says David Hicks, vice president of renewables development for Consumers Energy. “Not only are these projects necessary to achieving our ambitious clean energy goals, but they represent the future of energy innovation and ensure that Consumers Energy continues its long tradition of deploying cutting-edge technology that provides the most affordable and reliable energy possible to our customers.”
