Preparing Michigan Utilities for a Changing Climate

Project Summary

To ensure a stable energy future for Michigan residents, Consumers Energy is working to proactively plan and prepare for changes in the state’s climate. As one of the largest utility providers in the state, Consumers Energy provides natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million Michigan residents in all 68 counties of the state’s Lower Peninsula. Through a new partnership between GLISA and Consumers Energy, the utility will incorporate climate projections into its multi-year infrastructure design planning. 

GLISA is working with Consumers Energy to provide localized climate observations and projections for heat and precipitation in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. GLISA is also working to provide guidance information on other climate variables such as ice storms, wind, and water levels to inform their future planning.

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PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  • Project accomplishments are forthcoming.
RESEARCH FINDINGS
  • Research findings are forthcoming.
GLISA CONTRIBUTION

Over a one-year period, GLISA will analyze and present on:

  • Observed climate changes including historical trends, research topics, confidence and uncertainty
  • Projected climate changes with a specific focus on heat and precipitation for the Lower Peninsula
  • Guidance on interpreting projections
  • Information on other climate variables such as ice storms, wind, and water levels

Project Partners

  • Consumers Energy

GLISA Contact

Jenna Jorns, Co-Director, [email protected]

Testimonials

“GLISA’s work was foundational to us understanding how we should think about climate change adaptation. As the owners of large-scale critical infrastructure that provides electric and natural gas service to approximately 6 million people, and because this infrastructure is typically in place for multiple decades, GLISA’s help in projecting the likely impacts of climate change is very important.”

Director of Environmental Regulation and Security, Consumers Energy