BOYNE CITY, Mich. – Great Lakes Energy (GLE) crews and contract partners continue working today in challenging winter storm conditions as they restore power throughout the cooperative’s service territory.
A mix of heavy snow, ice, sleet, and high winds has caused widespread damage to GLE’s electric infrastructure. More than 7,900 members are currently without power as line crews work in extreme conditions to make repairs.
Osceola County remains the hardest hit, with more than 5,500 outages, followed by Kalkaska County with more than 880. A total of 12 of GLE’s 26 counties are currently affected, with some outages caused by damage to transmission lines.
All available line crews and contractors were pre‑staged over the weekend in anticipation of the storm and have been responding as quickly as conditions allow. Heavy snowfall across the northern Lower Peninsula continues to slow travel and complicate restoration efforts.
“Our teams are prioritizing safety first and foremost as they brave these harsh and unpredictable conditions,” said Shaun Lamp, president & CEO of GLE.
Safety Reminder: Generator safety is critical during extended outages. Always use a transfer switch to connect generators properly and prevent backfeeding, which poses a serious risk to utility workers. Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines, trees, or electrical equipment, as they may still be energized.
Members can report outages through their online account, the Great Lakes Energy app, or by calling 888-485-2537. For updates, visit gtlakes.com/power-outages/ or follow GLE on Facebook.