Three of Michigan’s largest electric utilities are under investigation over restoration efforts following the severe storms that left thousands of Michiganders without power over the Fourth of July weekend.
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announced on July 16 that it’s investigating DTE, Consumers Energy, and Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M) after receiving over 1,500 customer complaints about inaccurate outage restoration estimates and delayed restoration service amid dangerous heat and humidity.
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Severe thunderstorms swept across Michigan on July 3 with wind gusts of 60 to 70 m.p.h., knocking down trees and branches across the Lower Peninsula. DTE had more than 490,000 reported customer outages, Consumers Energy reported more than 276,000 outages and I&M reported more than 35,00 outages.
“Michigan utility customers deserve reliable service, prompt restoration after storm events, and accurate information on how long outages will last when they do happen,” MPSC Chair Dan Scripps said. “We share in the frustrations about the outages and the utilities’ response to them. Getting the power back on quickly is especially critical when customers are facing extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly common.”
Consumers, DTE Electric and I&M were directed by MPSC to file comprehensive reports by Aug. 27, 2026, detailing responses to the July 3 storms and needed improvements.
According to the commission, the reports need to have information about the responses, including allocation of crews working to restore power and guard downed wires, and the challenges the utilities faced in getting the personnel because of the holiday schedule.
The investigation into the recent outages will focus on where utilities fell short and will allow the commission to make determinations regarding their responses.
MPSC also directed the state’s regulated electric and natural gas utilities to file updates to their extreme weather policies to improve customer satisfaction.
The utility companies have until Oct. 15 to file their updated extreme weather policies.