Consumers Energy says its emergency public appeal to conserve natural gas is ending at midnight tonight (Thursday) for all customers – commercial, industrial and residential.  CE’s request that you turn down the heat began Wednesday after a morning fire at its Ray Natural Gas Compressor Station in Macomb County.  The incident reduced the amount of gas that could be delivered from underground storage located at the compressor station. This coincided with high demand due to extreme cold.

As repairs continue, one of the station’s three compressors is partially in service. 

Last night (Wednesday), CE CEO Patti Poppe made this appeal to customers.

CE says turn up the heat. Plus a significant warming trend is on the way that takes us from -15 this morning to 50 above on Monday.  The National Weather Service describes the trend in this forecast (always up to date by clicking this link and scrolling down).

Tonight
Snow showers likely, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around -4. Wind chill values as low as -18. South southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Friday
A 40 percent chance of snow showers before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 17. Wind chill values as low as -9. Southeast wind 3 to 6 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a temperature rising to around 21 by 5am. South wind 6 to 11 mph.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Southwest wind 13 to 15 mph.
Saturday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers. Areas of fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South southwest wind 8 to 10 mph.
Sunday
Areas of fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 46.
Sunday Night
A 30 percent chance of showers after 1am. Areas of fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Monday
Showers, mainly after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51.
Monday Night
A chance of rain showers, mixing with snow after midnight, then gradually ending. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 37.
Tuesday Night
Rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.
Wednesday
Rain and snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 38.
Wednesday Night
A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.
Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 26.

Tonight the Clark Lake Spirit DamCam gives you a view of the lake that perhaps belies the current temperature– 0 degrees.