Indiana Michigan Power continues to restore electric service to those who lost it in overnight storms. It now says the New Buffalo, Lakeside and Three Oaks areas should be restored by 10 p.m. Tuesday, while remaining customers in the Bridgman area are expected to be restored by Wednesday afternoon. I&M has released the following:
A swath of Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) employees and contractors are working in the extreme heat to restore power to customers affected by overnight storms, especially in the hard-hit Southwest Michigan area that caused power outages for more than 17,000 customers at the peak of the storm.
We were able to restore power to nearly 4,000 customers. However, more than 12,000 customers remain without power after heavy rain submerged a substation in Bridgman. The flooding at the substation impacted three other area nearby substations. A substation is a hub for electricity where the voltage changes, enabling electricity to flow on to homes and businesses. It is essential in ensuring the delivery of electricity to customers.
I&M and the city of Bridgman worked together to quickly drain floodwaters, enabling crew access. Once inside, crews discovered the substation control room was submerged in more than 2 feet of water. The unprecedented flooding inside the substation damaged equipment and created substantial challenges. As a result, crews have spent the majority of today constructing a new power line connection to bypass the flooded substation, to restore power to three affected substations in the area. They are also installing a mobile substation to restore power to those served by the damaged station. Crews also patrolled 375 miles of power lines connecting to each substation to identify hazards and repair downed wires.
Below are estimated times of restoration for customers:
Customers in the New Buffalo, Lakeside and Three Oaks areas are expected to be restored by 10 p.m. tonight.
All remaining customers in the Bridgman area are expected to be restored by tomorrow afternoon.
I&M is in direct contact with customers regarding restoration times. I&M encourages customers to use the Indiana Michigan Power app to monitor the status of any outage affecting your home or business.
Crews are working as quickly and as safely as possible to restore service in these high heat conditions and extraordinary circumstances. However, another round of storms are set to roll through I&M’s service area tonight, which may cause additional outages.
Indiana Michigan Power crews worked the majority of Tuesday connecting high voltage lines to circumvent the flood-damaged Bridgman Substation in Bridgman, MI.
OUTAGE UPDATE
8-10-2021 | 7:00 p.m.
I&M apologizes for the inconvenience of being without power and appreciates the patience from customers as we work to restore service following the unprecedented flooding.
SAFETY INFO:
Along with inclement weather expected and excessive temperatures, there are numerous safety hazards to keep in mind. Below are just a few hazards:
Stay away from any downed wires and report them to I&M. You can contact I&M by calling 1-800- 311-4634, report on our app or website, or call 911.
Use caution around debris and fences. Fallen limbs and other debris can hide downed power lines, and a downed line may be contacting a fence out of line of sight. Look around carefully.
Avoid standing water, especially if a downed wire is near. Electricity can travel through water.
Don’t use gas-powered generators in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, like inside a garage or a home. Keep gas-powered generators away from open windows, so deadly exhaust does not enter anyone’s home.
Look up as trees could fall at any moment.
Use caution as traffic lights may not be working and be mindful of first responders and utility workers on the roadways.
Take frequent breaks if working outside or cleaning up due to the high heat index set for today. Make sure you are hydrating and taking all precautions when in the sun.
I&M employees and contractors will be working alongside the road and in neighborhoods. We urge the public not to approach our crews.
STAY INFORMED:
I&M encourages customers to use the Indiana Michigan Power app to monitor the status of any outage affecting your home or business. You can sign up for text and email alerts on the app or at IndianaMichiganPower.com/Alerts See the location and status of outages using our outage map at IndianaMichiganPower.com/OutageMap
