Power Shift Part 2: How to Keep the Lights On During Transition

Michigan is taking steps to make its power companies cleaner and more reliable. Under the MI Healthy Climate Plan, utilities are being urged to reduce their impact on climate change. However, this transition comes with challenges, especially as severe weather events increase, leading to more frequent power outages.

Dan Scripps, the Chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), highlighted the issue: “We have too many outages, and they last too long.” Many customers experience repeated outages month after month. The MPSC is focusing on improving reliability by linking utility earnings to their performance in minimizing outages.

A significant part of the solution is tree trimming. Trees often cause power outages during storms when branches fall on lines. Greg Salisbury from Consumers Energy mentioned the trend of worsening weather, noting that Michigan even saw tornadoes in February this year. This has prompted consumers to trim trees along 7,000 miles of power lines each year. DTE Energy estimates that trees are responsible for about half of all power outages.

Utilities are also focusing on upgrading equipment. With some poles dating back to the 1920s, they need replacement with sturdier materials to withstand current weather patterns. Julie Staveland from the MDNR noted that many existing poles are not robust enough for today’s climate challenges. Newer, larger poles and even some steel replacements are part of this upgrade effort.

Technology is stepping in to help as well. Automation allows for quicker responses to outages. Utilities can now reroute power without waiting for crews to arrive, saving valuable time. Brian Calka from DTE Energy explained how they can isolate problems and redirect power to restore service faster.

This modernization is crucial. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Energy, serious outages have increased by 80% over the past two decades. This is alarming, particularly as surveys show that people view the reliability of their electricity as essential—especially with more people working from home now.

Despite these advancements, funding remains a concern. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was supposed to provide federal money to help upgrade the nation’s grid, but spending has been paused.

As Michigan navigates these challenges, it’s clear that improvements in energy reliability and climate resilience are top priorities for the future.

Check out this related article: 2024 Climate Report: Europe Faces Its Hottest Year on Record with Alarming Weather Extremes