MIDLAND, Mich. (WNEM) – Consumers Energy is burying power lines along a street in downtown Midland.
The power lines will be buried along Buttles Street, said Consumers. Crews recently started the work over a half-mile stretch from Jerome Street to State Street. Consumers will bury existing lines by the end of 2025 and remove poles in early 2026.
Consumers said the work is a city-funded effort to reliably deliver energy and will allow the construction of a shared-use path.
“Consumers Energy appreciates the coordination with the City of Midland, and we’re excited to carry out work that will make a difference in the community,” said Chris Fultz, Consumers Energy’s vice president of low-voltage electric distribution. “We’re confident this project will not only improve the area’s look but support a stronger, more resilient electric grid that keeps the lights on for our customers.”
Currently, Buttles Street has lane closures that are expected to continue through to 2026, when the Michigan Department of Transportation is expected to replace the stretch of road beginning in March, said Consumers. Drivers are asked to slow down.
Some businesses along the route will be notified if brief power outages may occur, said Consumers.
Line burying is part of Consumers’ Reliability Roadmap, a blueprint to reduce the number and length of power outages.
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