Nearly 3,730 Genesee County Customers Will Lose Power Overnight Tomorrow

If you live in the Swartz Creek area, you may want to plug in your phone, charge any backup batteries, and make sure you're ready for a night without electricity.

When Is The Planned Power Outage And Who Will Be Affected?

Consumers Energy is planning a scheduled power outage beginning at 11 p.m. Thursday, July 23, while crews complete upgrades at a local substation. The outage is expected to last about eight hours and will affect nearly 3,730 customers.

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The planned outage includes areas stretching from south of M-21 to just north of West Reid Road, and from Nichols Road to just east of Miller Road, including neighborhoods around South Elms Road.

Why Is Consumers Energy Shutting Off Power?

According to Consumers Energy, the overnight outage is necessary so crews can modernize equipment at the substation. MLive reports that the utility says the improvements are designed to increase reliability, improve system performance, and reduce the chances of unexpected outages in the future.

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Company officials also said the work was intentionally scheduled overnight to minimize the impact on families and businesses during the day.

Have a Backup Plan Before The Power Goes Out

If you're in the affected area, it's a good idea to charge phones, tablets, battery packs, and any essential medical equipment before the power goes out. You may also want to avoid opening your refrigerator or freezer during the outage to help keep food cold.

READ MORE: Food Castle Returning to Swartz Creek Area 

If weather or other unforeseen circumstances delay the work, Consumers Energy has scheduled a backup date of Thursday, July 30, with the outage again beginning at 11 p.m. For most customers, the lights should be back on before the start of Friday's morning commute, but planning ahead now could save you some frustration.