Today’s big win: Transmission System Fully Restored

We reached a major milestone in our storm recovery efforts—100% of the transmission system is back online. This includes both the high-voltage transmission lines and the distribution substations that are critical for delivering electricity across our region.

The Restoration Roadmap

When the power goes out, most of us expect it to return within a few hours. But when a severe storm causes widespread damage, longer outages can occur—especially when multiple parts of the system are affected. The entire system (all five parts) were affected in this storm.

The graphic below shows the route electricity takes to reach your home. It’s also the same route crews follow as they work to restore service safely and efficiently—starting with large-scale infrastructure and moving outward to reach the greatest number of members in the shortest time.

Current status on the Restoration Roadmap:
Step 1: High Voltage Transmission Lines – Restored
Step 2: Distribution Substations – Restored
Step 3: Main Distribution Lines – In Progress
Step 4: Tap Lines – In Progress
Step 5: Individual Homes – In Progress

• 15,000+ members restored
• 575 Mutual aid workers
• 240 miles of transmission line repaired

Outages remaining: 62,831 (Including outages for Great Lakes Energy, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, and additional outages from Midwest Energy & Communications in southern Michigan, which was impacted by a tornado)

The magnitude of the problem is big

• The storm’s impact is both extensive and widespread
•  Ice accumulation has reached up to 1.5 inches thick (3 inches radial)—far beyond typical storm levels
• Frozen trees and limbs continue to fall on lines and block rights-of-way, contributing to on-going damage
• Outages impacting every level of electric service: transmission, distribution, and service drops to homes and businesses
• Most roadways are blocked, impassable, or impeded in many areas
• Telecommunications limited due to loss of cellular and fiber networks
• More freezing precipitation and strong winds are expected over the coming days

What Michigan Co-ops are doing

• Preparedness began Thursday afternoon; restoration work started immediately Friday morning
• Crews from affected cooperatives are working around the clock
• Over 150 additional crews, including both electric and tree crews, were brought in from Michigan and other states through extensive and ongoing mutual aid effort
• Conducting damage assessments via helicopter and drone to prioritize restoration efforts
• Engaging in daily communications with the state of MI emergency command center and local energy management coordinators
• MECA is leading mutual aid coordination, and out-of-state cooperatives have been brought in for restoration efforts
• In addition to the crews on the ground, MECA is coordinating additional support in this historic restoration effort, including: communication and outreach, engineering, equipment and materials, and logistics