Consumers Energy Pipeline inspections part of Robust program designed to enhance safety and reliability

Gas pipeline safety

Gas pipeline safety

Consumers Energy operates more than 29,000 miles of transmission and distribution pipelines throughout Michigan's Lower Peninsula, serving more than 1.7 million natural gas customers, making it one of the largest gas distribution companies in the U.S.

Consumers Energy is inspecting nearly 300 miles of natural gas pipeline this year to proactively seek and repair imperfections that could compromise the integrity of those lines and potentially affect their operation.

"Providing reliable, safe energy for our customers is our top priority," said Mary Palkovich, Consumers Energy's vice president of energy delivery. "Pipeline inspections are a key component of our comprehensive natural gas integrity program designed to keep customers and the general public safe."    

Federal requirements dictate that natural gas transmission lines located in high population areas be inspected every seven years. Consumers Energy's program exceeds this requirement by inspecting additional pipeline miles that are not required by federal guidelines. The company is also audited by the Michigan Public Service Commission regarding its integrity plan and other related efforts.

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