Consumers Energy Invests $440M to Enhance Safety, Reliability of Natural Gas Systems

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Jackson-based energy provider Consumers Energy today announced $440 million in investments to modernize its natural gas system through upgrade projects including infrastructure replacement, growth, and pipeline integrity.

A total of $75 million will be spent to complete 40 improvement projects and replace 67 miles of pipeline with plastic and steel. The projects are scheduled across Michigan and will include: 11 projects in Royal Oak, six projects in Jackson, Lansing, and Adrian, six projects in Macomb Township, and four projects each in Flint, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Midland, and Alma, and Plymouth Township, Auburn, and Waterford Township.

Additionally, Consumers Energy is working in conjunction with state, county, and municipal officials to relocate or replace natural gas infrastructure, including replacing approximately 8,500 service lines leading to homes and businesses. The company is also investing $60 million in roadway and civic improvement projects this year.

More than $120 million will also be invested in Consumers Energy’s natural gas system to keep up with Michigan’s energy demands, including:

•$35 million in expansions and improvements to serve a projected nearly 8,000 new business customers.

•$33 million to construct 190 miles of distribution main to serve customers in areas currently without natural gas service. More than 2,500 new residential customers will be reached through the energy company’s Customer Attachment Program.

•$27 million for the first two project phases to augment the delivery systems and increase natural gas supply to meet growth in the Caledonia and Lowell areas.

•$25 million to increase the capacity of regulation facilities where natural gas pressures are reduced and odorant is added for safety, including a city gate upgrade associated with the Caledonia-Lowell system upgrade.

Consumers Energy will also be investing $183 million in pipeline integrity to help ensure the continued safety of natural gas delivery. The upgrades include $63 million to inspect and assess more than 600 miles of its transmission and distribution system, and $120 million on the first phase of construction of the Saginaw Trail Pipeline, a five-year, $610 million project that will modernize 78 miles of transmission pipeline in Saginaw, Genesee, and Oakland counties.

Consumers Energy currently provides natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.