Consumers Energy has reported that as of March 16, 2026, a significant winter storm has left 1,021 customers without power across Northern Michigan. The storm, which began on March 15, has particularly affected areas from Cadillac to Alpena, with heavy snowfall and gusting winds causing widespread outages.
In Leelanau County alone, 339 customers are currently without power. Meanwhile, Cherryland Electric Cooperative has reported no outages in Leelanau County, but approximately 370 outages in nearby Manistee County. Great Lakes Energy has also noted 137 active outages affecting 8,032 customers.
As of 10 a.m. on Monday, Consumers Energy had 874 outages impacting 92,628 residents. The company has mobilized over 480 crews to work on restoring power throughout the affected areas, ensuring that resources are in place to address the situation promptly.
Brian Wheeler, a spokesperson for Consumers Energy, stated, “We project we’ll restore power by 7:30 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday).” This commitment highlights the urgency of the restoration efforts as the company works around the clock to resolve the outages.
Jean Kang, another representative, emphasized the resilience of Michiganders, saying, “We know Michiganders stand tall against severe weather, and we’re working 24/7 to help our friends and neighbors withstand this ongoing storm.” This sentiment reflects the community’s spirit during challenging times.
Emergency crews and road commission teams have been working continuously overnight to clear primary routes, as noted by Jeremy Runstrom. Their efforts are crucial in facilitating access for restoration teams and ensuring public safety amid the storm’s aftermath.
As the situation develops, Consumers Energy continues to monitor the conditions and provide updates through their outage map. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and report any outages they experience.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage caused by the storm, but the response from utility companies and emergency services is ongoing as they strive to restore power to affected customers.
