The focus of this three day holiday is particularly moving.  Memorial Day honors who died in service to our country while in the military.  What that means to our republic is not lost on Monday as touching remembrances take place in localities large and small across the country, including Michigan.  Below are scenes from one of those events last year.  The sponsors, the Clark Lake Lions, call it the “the biggest, little” Memorial Day parade.

The National Weather Service forecasts strong winds through 8 pm today (see hazardous weather outlook below).  Consumers Energy’s Roger Morgenstern comments “In addition to working through the night to restore power to more than 8,000 customers, Consumers Energy is preparing for additional outages throughout the day. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for much of the Lower Peninsula. Wind gusts, especially during storms, of more than 50 mph are possible today.”

Large branches or trees knocking down power lines are not only a huge inconvenience but also a potential safety hazard.  If you encounter a downed wire, CE recommends calling 911 and then Consumers at 800-477-5050.  Consumers Energy outage center web page is an important resource.  It can tell you where the outages are and provides other useful information. You can reach it by clicking here.

If a line is down at your house, who bares responsibility for repair?  Click here to learn more.

A Plus Electric knows the impact a power outage can have your life.  They are always ready to help.  You can reach them at 517-529-0000, or click the emergency button on the home page when using your smartphone.

From the National Weather Service Hazardous Weather forecast:

Damaging winds are the main risk. By 900 pm the risk for storms will have shifted south of the Jackson region.

Strong wind gusts are likely for the entire region today. Scattered to potentially numerous power outages may occur. Values over 45 mph are expected for much of the area. The main time frame
for the stronger wind gusts are from 1100 am to 800 pm.

On April 19, 2006, after nine innings of play, the Tigers were victors over the Oakland A’s 11-4.  It was the same day that Carl Evanson launched A Plus Electric.  Would his turn at bat as an electrical service company, also lead to a win?

It sure looks that way!

Carl explains “it was a chilly 43 degrees early on that Wednesday morning, and how did I feel?—a bit nervous, but excited.  I drove to Bob Evans, sat down with a cup of coffee and a blank notebook, and began to sketch out a client list.”

Carl likes to say his business began out of a closet.  “That’s where I stored my equipment. For a while, I was the entire company.”   A year into the start-up, he hired his first employee, and then a second.  Both are still at A Plus Electric.   Today he has 13 electricians in the field, and four people in the office.

What were early challenges like? Carl says “we sacrificed…we took jobs anywhere, anytime, and did what it took, no matter what lay in front of us whether it be some knotty problem, snow or a midnight call. And we’re still the go-to guys because we haven’t let up.”

Looking back over the eleven years, Carl remarks “I am tremendously grateful to our customers and to our team who believe in their work.  They perform like the pro’s they are.  Our business is built entirely on one customer recommending us to another, and you don’t get referrals unless you deliver.”

A Plus Electric sums up the approach to business this way–quick, quality and affordable.  Carl adds “we serve homeowners, companies large and small, and are at construction sites.  Our team understands the need to innovate, and we’re very comfortable setting up sophisticated electronics at home or at work.”

Carl remembers that Wednesday in 2006 warmed up—to 71 degrees.  “I had filled my notebook with potential customers I planned to call on.”  Kelly Fuels was at the top of his list and became the first customer.  And if A Plus Electric were a baseball game, what inning is it? Carl smiles, “we’re in the middle of the 2^nd with bases loaded, and we’re heading for the playoffs.  Stay tuned!”

 

The National Weather Service has forecast high winds and other severe weather conditions this afternoon and tonight.  Below is their hazardous weather outlook, special weather statement, and severe thunderstorm watch.  Those items are followed by a statement from Consumers Energy.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
Mason-Lake-Osceola-Clare-Oceana-Newaygo-Mecosta-Isabella-Muskegon-Montcalm-Gratiot-Ottawa-Kent-Ionia-Clinton-Allegan-Barry-Eaton-Ingham-Van Buren-Kalamazoo-Calhoun-Jackson-

This afternoon and tonight strong to severe thunderstorms are possible between 400 pm and Midnight. The storms will be capable of damaging winds, large hail to around 1 inch in diameter and locally heavy rain. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out either.

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

Thunderstorms that were over Northeastern Illinois at 2 PM EDT will move northeast at 45 mph across Southern Lake Michigan and enter far Southwest Lower Michigan before 4 PM EDT. These storms may become severe with large hail, damaging winds, frequent lightning, and torrential rainfall. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. The threat for severe weather will persist over much of Southern Lower Michigan into tonight.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH is in effect until 11 pm for the following Michigan counties:ALLEGAN, BARRY, BERRIEN, BRANCH, CALHOUN, CASS, CLINTON, EATON, GRATIOT, INGHAM, IONIA, ISABELLA, JACKSON, KALAMAZOO, KENT, MECOSTA, MONTCALM, MUSKEGON, NEWAYGO ,OTTAWA, ST. JOSEPH, VAN BUREN.

Earlier today, Consumers Energy issued this statement:

“This morning’s scattered storms across portions of Michigan will be followed by a more organized line of strong and potentially severe thunderstorms entering the southwest part of the state by 4 p.m. today. The storms are expected to impact much of the Lower Peninsula through this evening and may include wind gusts in excess of 60 mph. This active weather pattern could result in power outages. Consumers Energy is monitoring the weather closely, mobilizing resources and making other preparations to quickly respond to any service interruptions.”

Consumers Energy encourages you to visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter for helpful tips. At this location, you’ll find the online outage map, report an outage and sign up to receive power restoration updates.

As always, the A Plus Electric crew is ready to help should you experience storm damage.  Click here to learn when you or Consumers Energy is responsible for damage.  You can reach A Plus Electric on your smart phone by clicking the emergency button on the main page of this website.

You can get a 24/7 weather update by clicking here, and scrolling down.

Seasonal home owners could be in for an unwelcome surprise. The recent brutal wind storm that caused power outages across Michigan also left its mark on homes.  Those returning to seasonal residences may just now be discovering this unpleasant turn of events.

A Plus Electric was called to a cottage that still had power, but the mast and its infrastructure below had been severely damaged creating a potentially hazardous situation.

A repair like this is the responsibility of the home owner.  Consumers Energy is accountable from the pole to the house, but attaching the wire to the mast is the responsibility of the home owner.  According to Consumers, “utility crews will reconnect the wires to your home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.”

If you encounter electrical problems upon arriving at your seasonal home, your friends at A Plus Electric offer quick help.  The crew is known for their quality and affordable work.  Please click here to read what others have said about A Plus Electric.

The National Weather Service reports hazardous conditions could be on the way.

Mason-Lake-Osceola-Clare-Oceana-Newaygo-Mecosta-Isabella-Muskegon-
Montcalm-Gratiot-Ottawa-Kent-Ionia-Clinton-Allegan-Barry-Eaton-
Ingham-Van Buren-Kalamazoo-Calhoun-Jackson-
407 AM EDT Wed Apr 5 2017

Today and Tonight

Rain will be heavy at times this afternoon into tonight. This may well result in localized flooding in typically flood prone areas. The rain is expected to change to snow after midnight north of Grand Rapids. By sunrise all areas north and west of I-69 should be seeing some snow. Significant accumulations are expected north of Grand Rapids by then, some areas may already have over 3 inches.

Thursday through Tuesday

Thursday will be a snowy and windy day north and west of I-69. Storm total snowfall may approach 12 inches on some places north of Grand Rapids, by evening. The strong winds and snow falling heavy at times may cause numerous travel issues north and west of I-69.  There is a chance of strong thunderstorms later Monday into Tuesday morning. Locally heavy rain is possible. Due to all of the precipitation that has already fallen recently and what we expect over today into tomorrow, then again early next week localized flooding is possible near small streams and rivers and also in normal flood prone areas.

Consumers Energy is preparing for what may be ahead.

“A storm system entering Michigan late Wednesday could bring high winds and wet snow to the central and northern portions of Michigan with high winds and rain in the south. Winds will increase Thursday morning into the afternoon and will cover most of the state. This active weather pattern may include wind gusts over 50 mph and over 5 inches of snow, which could result in power outages. Consumers Energy is monitoring the weather closely, mobilizing resources and making other preparations to quickly respond to any service interruptions.”

Consumers suggests a visit to www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter for helpful tips. At this location, you can visit the online outage map, report an outage and sign up to receive power restoration updates.

A Plus Electric is ready when you need us at 517-529-0000.  From your smart phone, you can dial directly by clicking the emergency button on our main page.

You can find 24/7 updated forecasts for Jackson County and hazardous weather condition statements by clicking here.  (Scroll down on the main page to find the weather info).

Soon the old storage building on Ocean Beach Road across from the Beach Bar will be a thing of the past.   The Beach Bar is investing in a new, attractive, structure to replace it—one that’s in harmony with its surroundings and will improve the look and feel of the area. This new, easy on the eyes facility will house added services–a gift shop for Clark Lake memorabilia, shirts, hats and local art.  Add to that ice for your raft ride and ice cream for the kids. It has the potential creating employment, especially for students on summer break.

The razing of the old structure and building of the new one will occur under the watchful eye and guidance of M-R Builders’ Mike McKay.  Mike’s reputation travels far and wide.  His work can be seen in 100 new and remodeled homes at Clark Lake, as well as commercial buildings like the Pointe Bar and Grill.  M-R Builders has the lock on quality, innovation, and creativity.  Ask his clients, and they will tell you he takes form and function to new levels.

Mike McKay has chosen Carl Evanson’s A Plus Electric to build the electrical infrastructure. Mike says “Carl’s team knows what it takes to achieve our high standards, and they exceed expectations.  They understand timing issues and meet cost commitments.”  Carl comments “we’re pleased that Mike has chosen us for this project.  It’s an honor to work with him on this project as well as others over the years.”

On Tuesday, the A Plus Electric crew was erecting a temporary power pole.  It will be the source of power during construction until the permanent installation takes place.

Electrical service has been restored to many customers who lost it due to high winds on Tuesday and Wednesday.  But some homes are still without power.  Here is a snapshot of conditions as of 7 pm today (Saturday, March 11).  (For an update anytime, please click here).

If you have experienced storm damage requiring the service of an electrician, A Plus Electric can help.  You can reach A Plus Electric at 517-529-0000, or by going to the main page of this website and pressing “emergency” from your smartphone.

Below is Consumers Energy’s assessment of conditions as of Saturday afternoon.

“Consumers Energy employees, contractors and mutual assistance crews from six states working around the clock have restored power to nearly 320,000 customers affected by this week’s damaging wind storm.

“As of 3:30 p.m. Saturday, approximately 34,500 customers remained without electric service. Fierce, prolonged winds Tuesday and Wednesday exceeding 60 mph cut power to more than 354,000 Consumers Energy customers.

“The vast majority of customers without electric service should have power restored by midnight tonight. In some of the hardest areas, including portions of Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Ingham, Jackson, Genesee, Kalamazoo, Lenawee and Monroe counties, restoration work will continue into Sunday.

“This week’s storm took down over 9,000 electric wires and broke more than 1,300 poles across Consumers Energy’s service territory.

“From lineworkers to damage assessors, wire guards and customer service representatives, more than 3,400 people are engaged in electric restoration activities. An additional 166 crews from utilities in Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana are working alongside Consumers Energy and in-state contractor crews in this effort.

“Customers can sign up to get outage alerts and restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message, Text ‘REG’ to 232273 or visit: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts. Customers can also, report an outage, check the status of an outage and get useful tips what to do before, during and after a storm by visiting www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter.

“Consumers Energy continues to share these important safety tips:
·       Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines. Call 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 to report.
·       Be alert to crews working along roads and “slow down and go around.” Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear then safely pass workers on roadsides.
·       Operating a generator may produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement or near any air intakes, and never fuel a generator when it is running.
·       Customers concerned about staying in their home during the colder temperatures are encouraged to call 2-1-1. Local emergency management officials are collecting information from 2-1-1 centers to help determine if warming centers need to be opened.
·       Because temperatures are dropping, we ask our customers to reach out to family, friends and neighbors who may be impacted by this storm and make sure they are safe.
·       Help keep pipes from freezing during low temperatures by maintaining a constant drip on faucets.

The high winds, reaching a peak gust of 62 mph at Jackson’s Reynolds Field Wednesday, played major havoc with the power, cable and internet.  As of 9 am Friday, Consumers Energy’s outage map continues to show large areas experiencing service interruptions.

Click here to see an updated, expanded view of the outage map.

If you have experienced storm damage, A Plus Electric can help–517-529-0000 or go to the main page of this website and click the emergency button while using a smartphone.

Here is Consumers Energy’s latest assessment as of Friday morning, March 10:

“Consumers Energy employees, contractors and mutual assistance crews from six states worked steadily throughout the night to restore electric service to customers who lost power as a result of destructive wind storms that occurred earlier this week.

“The vast majority of customers without electric service should have power restored by midnight Saturday. In some of the hardest areas, including portions of Genesee, Kent and Kalamazoo counties, restoration work will continue into Sunday. As of 4 a.m., approximately 100,000 customers remained without power.

“This week’s long-lasting winds of up to 60 mph took down nearly 8,200 electric wires and broke more than 1,100 poles across Consumers Energy’s service territory, which includes all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

“From lineworkers to damage assessors, wire guards and customer service representatives, more than 2,000 people are engaged in electric restoration activities. An additional 181 crews from utilities in Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana are assisting Consumers Energy crews in this effort.

“Customers can sign up to get outage alerts and restoration times sent to a phone, email or text message, Text ‘REG’ to 232273 or visit: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts. Customers can also, report an outage, check the status of an outage and get useful tips what to do before, during and after a storm by visiting www.ConsumersEnergy.com/OutageCenter.

“The public is urged to make these safety tips a top priority:

·         Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines. Call 911 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 to report.

·         Be alert to crews working along roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.

·         Operating a generator may produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement or near any air intakes, and never fuel a generator when it is running.

·         Customers concerned about staying in their home during the colder temperatures are encouraged to call 2-1-1. Local emergency management officials are collecting information from 2-1-1 centers to help determine if warming centers need to be opened.

“To view specific counties and regions most affected by electric interruptions, please visit: https://www.consumersenergy.com/outagemap.

In the latest count as of this evening, Consumers Energy reports that over 260,000 customers have experienced power outages since Tuesday.  The cause?  Roaring winds, reaching 65 mph, hit some areas of Michigan hard.

Some 3000 power lines are down and 500 utility poles were felled.  Late this afternoon, Consumers indicated over 18,000 people in Jackson County were without power. This photo, by Ann Swain, shows a pole down this afternoon on Clark Lake Road near M-50.

Consumers Energy outage map, as of 8:30 pm today, shows many areas still without power.

You can view an updated version of this outage map by clicking here.

If you have suffered storm damage, A Plus Electric can help.  You can reach A Plus Electric by phone at 517-529-0000–or from your cell phone by clicking the emergency button on the main page of this website.

Consumers Energy suggests great care if dealing with a downed power line.

·       Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines and to call 911 and Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
·       Be alert to crews working along roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely can go past workers on roadsides.
·       If using a generator, contact a licensed electrician to ensure that it is properly connected and make certain it is isolated from the company’s electric distribution system. Never use a generator in an attached garage, basement or near any air intakes, and never fuel a generator when it is running. Operating a generator without proper ventilation can create carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas.
·       In some cases, the mast which holds the electric service wires to a customer’s home or business may have been damaged or torn away. Crews will reconnect the wires to a home, but only a licensed electrician can repair or replace a mast or a cable.

Here’s a list of the hardest counties.  As of 4 pm: Alcona (2,351); Allegan (5,989); Antrim (540); Arenac (754); Barry (6,275); Bay (1,630); Branch (2,776);  Calhoun (9,825); Clare (935); Clinton (2,545); Eaton (4,738); Genesee (17,247); Gladwin (830); Grand Traverse (242); Gratiot (4,027); Hillsdale (3,556); Ingham (6,300); Ionia (9,256);  Iosco (952); Isabella (780); Jackson (18,274); Kalamazoo (16,994); Kent (38,438); Lenawee (9,040); Livingston (2,664); Mecosta (2,818); Midland (5,785); Monroe (4,827); Montcalm (5,722); Newaygo (1,996); Oakland (1,127); Ogemaw (370); Ottawa (2,847); Roscommon (1,870); Saginaw (7,285); Shiawassee (4,169); St. Joseph (1,200); VanBuren (1,874); Washtenaw (1,297)  and Wexford (936).

 

 

The National Weather Service forecast as issued a high wind warning, in effect until 7 pm today (Wednesday 3/8/17).  They forecast gusts as high as 65 mph.

High winds can bring down branches and trees. Consumers Energy points out this is the number cause of power outages.

If you experience storm damage, A Plus Electric is ready to help at 517-529-0000.  If you are viewing this website on a smart phone, you can press the emergency button on the main page to request service.

Consumers Energy is responsible for power lines to your house, but the homeowner is responsible for the connection to the house as you can see in the photo above.  If this happens (see below), you will need a licensed electrician to reconnect power to your house.

Consumers Energy has helpful information on their website at https://www.consumersenergy.com/outagemap.  At that location, you’ll find a button to report an outage, and a map that will show you where the outages are located.

A downed power line can pose a serious safety hazard.  To learn more about this, please click here, or look up the story in this section of the A Plus Electric website.

 

Consumers Energy has replaced or is replacing electric and gas meters with new “smart meters.”  The new meters send a text message between midnight and 3 am to CE each day.  The text message tells CE how much gas and electric you used during the previous day.  That information should be available to you through Consumers’ website as well.  “This ends the need for estimated bills,” comments Consumers Energy’s Kathryn Burkholder. “You should always know where your usage stands.”