Hey, Consumers Energy! Your trucks are all over my neighborhood and the streets are torn up. What’s happening? 

Well, we’re getting ready for heating season this fall and winter! I know what you’re thinking – the snow just melted and it’s finally warming up, we shouldn’t be talking about cold weather yet! And you’re right – so we won’t mention that cold season again. 

The work you might be seeing around your neighborhood (and the state) is to improve the safety and reliability of our natural gas system by replacing aging parts and vintage pipes. And we’re getting the work done this summer so we’re ready for your heating needs during (insert unnamed season where the air hurts your face).  

The Enhanced Infrastructure Replacement Program (EIRP) – a 25-year project – began in 2012. We’re investing nearly $2 billion to replace 2,6000 miles of natural gas pipelines.  

If work is scheduled for your street you will be notified about four weeks before construction begins. Here is what you can expect: 

  • Sewer Locates – Crews will mark underground utilities in the work area. Any flags or marks should be left in place until the work is complete. 
  • Construction – Crews will perform underground work to install new, upgraded pipeline. Since these services connect directly to customers’ homes you may notice the projects on or near your property. Gas services will be interrupted for the work, but it will last less than an hour and a crew member will relight pilot lights when done.  
  • Restoration – When work is complete, all affected roadways, sidewalks and other areas disturbed by construction will be fully restored. 

To ensure minimal customer property disruption we’re using underground directional drilling in 90% of pipe replacements rather than open-trenching methods.  

If you are wondering where our crews will be working, you can view projects in various stages from upcoming to complete on this interactive map. Click on a color-coded area under the MAP tab to see more information about each project including number of customers impacted and projected construction timelines.