BOYNE CITY, Mich. – Through the continued efforts of line crews and contractors, outages across the Great Lakes Energy (GLE) service area have been reduced to 2,555 members as of 7:30 p.m. this evening.
Winter Storm Iona caused widespread damage and hazardous conditions across GLE’s electric system. Line crews, contractors, and tree‑trimming crews have been working relentlessly in harsh winter weather to restore power. As of tonight, outages remain in 10 counties within GLE’s 26‑county service territory.
Since the storm began late Saturday, power has been restored to more than 32,000 members. Crews anticipate restoring the majority of remaining locations by the end of the day tomorrow, pending additional damage from deteriorating conditions. Ice‑laden trees continue to fall under the weight of the ice, creating new hazards and additional outages.
Safety remains the top priority for all crews working in the field. Members can log in to their online account to see the estimated time of restoration (ETR) for their address.
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/.