Michigan electricity customers tell state of hardships, losses

Tag : Pole Tree Trimmer


Others said the power loss was a health hazard because they had nowater or septic service. One woman said her cattle got loosebecause power to her electric fence was out.

Many said they called the utilities several times; were put on holdfor 90 minutes at a time; were told their power would be restoredand it was not; and left messages that were never returned.

Jim Padgett, director of regulatory affairs for DTE, said after thehearing that he wasn't surprised by the testimony.

"The length of restoration time was due to the severity of thestorms," Padgett said.

He acknowledged problems with the utility's automated callanswering system.

"Our staff is taking a look at it and we'll file a report," hesaid.

Martinez, who lost electricity at her own home in the Lansing area,said the PSC will review whether the utilities followed the rulesin their response to the storms, including adequate maintenance andtree-trimming, response to citizens, pole replacement and otherissues.

"If they violated the rules, we can institute penalties," Martinezsaid.

The PSC will conduct three more hearings, including:

• 1 p.m. Friday at the Commission Chambers, 9th Floor, GrandRapids City Hall Building, Grand Rapids.

• 10 a.m. June 30 in the auditorium of the Clinton-MacombPublic Library, 40900 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township.

• 2 p.m. June 30 in Board of Commissioners' Auditorium,Oakland County Courthouse, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac.