Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018
4:30 p.m.
An estimated 17,874 Great Lakes Energy members remain without power late Thursday afternoon in 21 counties served by the electric cooperative due to widespread power line damage caused by two severe storms and tornados on Tuesday.
Most of the remaining outages are in parts of Lake, Mason, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties.
Power is expected to be restored by late tonight to most Great Lakes Energy members north of Cadillac. After repairs are finished there, crews working north of Cadillac will head south to assist in restoration efforts in the cooperative’s southern area where damage is more severe.
All available Great Lakes Energy line repair crews are being assisted by 26 outside line repair crews and 31 outside tree-trimming crews.
Power will be restored today to as many members south of Cadillac as possible. However, due to the widespread severe damage, some will remain without electricity today. Members who don’t have their power restored by 10 p.m. will likely not have their electricity restored today.
Damage so far includes an estimated 98 broken poles. Broken equipment and the need to remove many large trees toppled by the storms across a 26 county area are making restorations efforts a challenge.
Further progress reports will be issued as crews continue their repairs. Restoration efforts south of Cadillac could continue into the weekend due to the widespread damage that is prolonging efforts.
Great Lakes Energy members are reminded to stay away from downed power lines and also stay clear of trees and limbs hanging on the lines. Current outage information by counties and zip codes is updated on Storm Central.
Great Lakes Energy members can report their power outage by calling 888-485-2537, logging into their online GLE account or using the Great Lakes Energy mobile app.
