ACKSON, Mich. (WOOD) — Consumers Energy says it’s “cautiously optimistic” customers are heeding a state alert asking them to reduce their natural gas use, but the utility company is extending its request through 10 a.m. Friday.
The alert sounded on smartphones statewide around 10:30 p.m., shortly after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put out the request.
Thursday, Consumers Energy CEO Patti Poppe said the utility company saw a 10 percent drop in natural gas use after the alert, which went out to all residents.
“It worked. Our call to act was effective and we are so grateful to people because of that," Poppe said.
A Wednesday morning fire at Consumers’ Ray compressor station combined with increased demand for natural gas during extremely cold temperatures led to a supply issue.
“In our 130 years, we’ve never experienced this kind of demand or these kind of temperatures. And we prepare for these extremes," Poppe said.
She says the damaged compressor station is Consumers' largest storage and delivery facility.