Repair crews from Indiana Michigan Power are continuing to work through a massive task in returning thousands of electric customers to service after Thursday night’s storms.
Here is the latest update from I & M, received at 5 pm Friday.
- Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) has a team of more than 1,500 restoration experts working to make repairs or on the way to assist our communities.
- 100% of North Central Indiana customers impacted by the storm have been restored.
- I&M damage assessors have so far found more than 230 individual spans of downed wires and more than 100 broken or damaged power poles in Southwest Michigan. North Central Indiana crews found 7 broken or damaged poles and 39 downed wires in the South Bend and Elkhart areas.
- Now is the time for customers to determine if their home can receive power. I&M cannot connect power to a home or business if there is damage to the service entrance, which is owned by the customer. A licensed electrician must repair damage before power can be restored. Learn more about the responsibilities of a property owner and I&M
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- As of 4:30 p.m., approximately 24,500 customers are without power – down from more than 35,000 customers at the peak of the storm. All remaining outages are in Southwest Michigan.
- Due to considerable damage to electrical equipment, I&M anticipates having most southwest Michigan customers who can receive power restored by 11 p.m., Saturday May 17. Many customers will receive service before the estimated time.
- Please be aware, as crews work to safely repair the electrical system additional outages may occur. Customers can stay up to date with their specific outage with the I&M Mobile App – com/App.
- Due to the heat, I&M restoration workers will take breaks, likely in their vehicles, to cool down and stay hydrated so they can continue safely restoring power.
- I&M is closely monitoring the potential for additional storms this afternoon. If outages do occur I&M will be staffed to respond.
- I&M urges the public to remain a safe distance away from crews restoring power. Our team is working near dangerous equipment, often in clearly marked safe areas. Please be alert in work zones and give enough room to keep crews safe as they work to restore power.
- Safety remains a significant concern. As customers survey their property, please treat any downed lines as energized. Call local police to report any hazards or call I&M immediately at 1-800-311-4634.
RECEIVE RESTORATION UPDATES:
As crews begin work on individual outages, more specific estimated time of restoration will be communicated to customers. Stay connected and informed with the following:
- Monitor the status of your outage at com/App.
- Sign up for text and email alerts on the app or at com/Alerts.
- View outages and estimates at com/OutageMap.
