Thousands Still Powerless In Southern Michigan

HILLSDALE (WWJ) - More severe winter weather is hampering efforts to restore power to thousands of Consumers Energy customers still without service, Friday, following last weekend's storm.

"It may have slowed us down a little bit. The roads are a little slower to navigate and the crews have to be a little more careful when they're doing their work," said Consumers Energy Spokesman Terry DeDoes.

DeDoes told WWJ Newsradio 950, in an interview Friday morning, that  about 12,000 customers statewide were still in the dark. That's of an original 207,000.

Most of the outages are in Hillsdale, Lenawee, Branch and Monroe counties.

DeDoes said ice damage is a major concern.

"The main thing that's taking so long is the destruction that this ice storm caused. We're having to do a lot of rebuilding our utility infrastructure before we can get those electric customers brought back online," he said.

DeDoes said crews will continue working through the day, hoping Friday morning's winter blast doesn't send down more power lines.

They hope to have service completely restored by midnight. Stay with WWJ for the latest.