Michigan Power Company Attempts to Skip Out on Customer Credits

Northern Michigan residents have been to hell and back after a recent ice storm put its grip on the region. But one local electric provider is looking to dodge responsibility for giving credits to customers who lost power for extended periods.

Ice Storm Slams Northern Michigan

A historic ice storm ravaged Northern Michigan during the last weekend of March 2025, snapping trees, knocking out radio and TV service, and downing countless power lines. Some electric customers were without power for more than two weeks as utility companies brought in extra crews from other states and Canada.

One Northern Michigan sheriff had to caution residents against making threats against power companies and utility workers as frustration mounted from customers who were without power for days.

Power Companies Required to Give Customers Bill Credits

Power customers who were without juice for more than 96 hours are eligible for bill credits of $40 per day for each day they were without power beyond that threshold.

This bill credit should automatically be offered to customers of investor-owned utility companies like Consumers Energy and the Alpena Power Company, according to the Michigan Public Service Commission. 

Utility Company Attempts to Skirt Its Requirement to Offer Bill Credits

However, one Northern Michigan utility company is seeking a waiver in order to avoid offering bill credits to its customers.

In a letter to the MPSC, the Alpena Power Company claims the Northern Michigan ice storm was an "act of God."

According to CBS, the Alpena Power Company claims its "entire service territory experienced impactful weather conditions that resulted in extreme and severe ice accumulation, high winds, downed trees and tree damage, impassable roads, downed and damaged power poles, lines, and related equipment, and damaged transformers."

The company claims that an "act of God" exemption applies due to the extraordinary nature of the event.

Alpena Power has requested a hearing with the MPSC to address the matter.