Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op members experienced significant, widespread power outages Saturday afternoon after severe weather and possible tornadic winds blew through northern Michigan. PIE&G line crews worked throughout the night and all day today making repairs and assessing damage. So far, crews have found 20 broken poles. PIE&G has restored approximately 13,770 outages that were predicted since yesterday, and there are currently about 3,175 services without power across its nine-county service area. The hardest hit areas are Cheboygan and Presque Isle Counties.
Due to the extent of tree removals required, line damage and number of broken poles, PIE&G anticipates that some repairs will continue into Monday and Tuesday. Members who are currently without power should make preparations to be without power for several days. All available personnel are working and will continue restoration efforts again tonight. PIE&G is being assisted by several mutual aid crews and contractors, including Wolverine Power Cooperative, Traverse City Light & Power, and HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative.
PIE&G members should contact PIE&G immediately at (800) 423-6634 to report their power outage or any downed power lines. Residents are cautioned to stay at least 25 feet away from any downed wires and to report them immediately to PIE&G, 911 or a local law enforcement agency.
