How Consumers Energy’s pilot program to bury power lines works

VALLEY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — As part of a pilot program to improve reliability during severe weather, Consumers Energy crews were at work Tuesday burying power lines west of Allegan.

The first year of the Jackson-based utility’s pilot program aims to bury 10 miles of power lines across the state , according to Trent Gilmore, senior manager of electric underground construction. About 3.6 miles are going in near the Allegan State Game Area.

“We’ve seen increased weather in the area, ice storms last year . These customers have experienced multiple outages and by burying this wire, we’re really looking to minimize that and increase their reliability,” Gilmore said.

On a section along Monroe Road Tuesday, crews were using a boring machine to bury the new lines.

“We basically bore a hole down and … it minimizes the excavation, minimizes the amount of damage to the customers’ property. And then on the other size, they hook up a reamer and the pull the wire back through in order to do a little less invasive construction technique,” Gilmore explained.

Burying lines is more expensive that stringing them through the air, but Consumers Energy says it will save in the long run on tree trimming and repairs. Underground lines also reduce the risk of fire and the danger posed by downed power lines and improves reliability in the system.

The pilot is just one part of the utility’s plan focusing on increasing reliability.

“Another (part of the plan) would be investments in the grid in terms of smart technology like automation loops, and then really forestry management where we’re really looking to clear our right of ways to minimize impact from trees and severe weather,” Gilmore said.

Consumers has a system to prioritize each project.

“We really use the data to try to impact the areas where customers are experiencing reliability problems so there is no cutting to the front of the list, as much as people seem to want it,” Gilmore said.

Burying lines can be done year-round with the goal that each line will reduce the number and length of outages.

“Our current plan is ramp up from our 10 mile pilot now to putting 400 miles of wire underground year-over-year,” Gilmore said.

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