Infrastructure Fire Causes Natural Gas Supply Issue

[Scottathew]

Update: Voluntary Natural Gas Reduced Use Request Lifted at the end of 1/31/2019


Original Post:

An email from Consumers Energy I just received:

Public Call to Voluntarily Reduce Gas Use

As a result of an unexpected incident at a Gas Compressor station this morning in Southeast Michigan, we are asking customers to temporarily reduce gas usage over the next 24-48 hours. This step, taken out of an abundance of caution will help keep Michigan residents and businesses warm during this cold spell.

In addition to voluntary reductions requested of residential and small commercial customers, industrial and large commercial customers have been required to curtail their gas usage except for levels necessary for plant protection and for services essential for public health and safety which cannot be covered by an alternate fuel.

WHAT HAPPENED

A fire involving equipment at Consumers Energy’s Ray Natural Gas Compressor Station occurred in Macomb County at 10:33 a.m. today. The fire is out and there were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation. All gas flow from the compressor station has been shut in until safety and damage assessments can be completed. Consumers Energy is activating natural gas peaking storage fields in Northville and St. Clair to help deliver natural gas to our customers as we experience this unusually cold weather.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

• LOOK AT THERMOSTAT SETTINGS: Save energy while staying warm by setting your heat to a lower temperature. Use your programmable thermostat to set your heat at 65 degrees, as your circumstances permit.
  
  
• SEAL & SHUT WINDOWS AND DOORS: Check for leaks in your windows and doors by feeling around for cool air. Also, please ensure all windows and doors are closed tightly.
  

This is one of many steps we are putting into place to keep gas flowing reliably and safely through Michigan and expect this to be resolved within the next 24-48 hours.

As Michiganders, we know that we’re all in this together. We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this time.

For more information or tips, visit: ConsumersEnergy.com/coldweather.

Thank you!