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Officials: Michigan Power Grid In Good Shape

LANSING (WWJ) - Despite the increased demand for power and the continued strain on the electrical grid, utility regulators say the state's electrical system is fine.

WWJ Newsradio 950 spoke with Judy Palnau with the Michigan Public Service Commission.

"The system in Michigan is in good shape. There will be storms that will bring down trees, and you'll have power outages, but the system itself is being maintained by Michigan utilities," Palnau said.

According to Palnau, "planned" rolling power outages are not that unusual during Michigan summers.

"We've had a couple of mild to cool summers, and so people don't remember, but this does happen from time to time," she said.

DTE Energy, on Thursday, began intentional rolling blackouts for residents in the city of Ferndale, in response to the record heat and the stress it has caused on the utility's power delivery system.  Warren may be next.

Palnau said customers can do their part to reduce power consumption by waiting until after 8 p.m. to use appliances such as washers and dryers, stoves and dishwashers.

DTE officials are encouraging customers to keep their thermostats to 80 degrees or the highest comfortable temperature. You should always try to keep all lights off that are unnecessary. Drawing blinds and shades or drapes to block the sunlight, during the hottest part of the day, can also help to keep your home cool.
 
Temperatures are expected to hit near the 100 degree mark Thursday, but when factoring in the sky-high heat and humidity levels the temperature may feel like close to 110 degrees.
 
An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect in Southeast Michigan until 10 p.m. Thursday. For the latest forecast, stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. Visit our weather page.

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