Consumers Energy Clears 9,000 Miles of Lines to Prevent 40% Tree-Related Outages
CMS•Consumers Energy will clear vegetation along more than 9,000 miles of power lines this year to reduce nearly 40% of service interruptions caused by trees and limbs. Since 2017 the company invested over $730,000 to plant 5,500 trees under its Right Tree, Right Place grant program, limiting future outage risks.
1. Expanded Line Clearing
Consumers Energy has deployed forestry crews to clear vegetation along more than 9,000 miles of distribution and transmission lines in Michigan this year, aiming to create safe clearances and reduce outage risk.
2. Preventative Maintenance Impact
Trees and limbs account for nearly 40% of service interruptions, prompting more frequent monitoring to identify growth, health and proximity risks before storms can cause outages or safety hazards.
3. Community Tree Planting Grants
Under its Right Tree, Right Place initiative, the company has invested over $730,000 since 2017 to reimburse municipalities for planting 5,500 appropriate tree species along streets and boulevards to avoid future line interference.
