Alpena Faces Power Outage Challenges After Ice Storm

News Summary

Alpena, Michigan is grappling with the aftermath of a severe ice storm that left many without power for up to two weeks. The Alpena Power Company is seeking an exemption from state requirements for billing credits, citing the storm as an ‘act of God.’ With 16,700 customers affected, community groups are stepping up to support those in need. A proposal for low-interest loans and aid for disrupted schools is in progress. Efforts to restore power and provide assistance are underway as the community rallies to recover.

Alpena Faces Power Outage Challenges Following Devastating Ice Storm

Alpena, Michigan is looking to bounce back after experiencing a catastrophic ice storm from March 28 to March 30 that left many residents without power for an extended period. As the dust settles on this extraordinary weather event, Alpena Power Company is in the hot seat, seeking a waiver from a state law that requires them to provide billing credits to customers affected by prolonged outages.

What’s the Issue?

On April 17, 2025, Alpena Power filed a letter with the Michigan Public Service Commission requesting to be exempt from the state’s power outage credit rule, which stipulates billing credits between $40 a day depending on how long the power was out. Typically, these credits kick in after an outage lasting between 16 and 96 hours. Unfortunately for many, the ice storm wreaked havoc, leading to outages that lasted as long as two weeks for some folks in the area.

The company argues that the severe weather conditions from the ice storm, characterized by extreme ice accumulation and strong winds, fall under what is known in legal terms as an “act of God.” This exemption helps utility companies off the hook for any inability to provide service during natural disasters that are beyond their control. However, not every customer impacted by these outages will be eligible for these credits, as the rule applies differently based on the nature of the power outage.

Who Will Be Affected?

Alpena Power serves around 16,700 customers across several counties, including Alpena, Presque Isle, Alcona, and Montmorency. The entire area has been included in a State of Michigan emergency declaration, so residents are rallying for support. While Alpena Power’s request heads to the Michigan Public Service Commission for a hearing, the customers are feeling the pinch from a lack of power, heating, and other utilities.

Electric cooperatives and municipal utilities, like Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, are not bound by the state’s power outage credit rule. This puts investor-owned utilities like Alpena Power directly under the microscope as they navigate regulations and customer expectations.

What’s Being Done?

As community efforts pick up speed to tackle the fallout from the ice storm, multiple layers of aid are emerging. A bill is in the works that would allow schools affected by the storm to skip making up for missed days this academic year, although many families are still adjusting to the impacts of the outages. Even further, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens has introduced the “Prolonged Power Outage Relief Act,” which aims to offer low-interest loans for residents and businesses drastically impacted by extended outages.

Community groups, such as Michigan Storm Chasers, are stepping into action, organizing donation drives for food and essential supplies. A local resident, Elizabeth Montez, described serious challenges during the storm, emphasizing the struggle to keep warm and the need for basic amenities.

Cleaning Up and Moving Forward

As ongoing efforts to restore power continue, Great Lakes Energy and Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op are not only on the frontlines of reconstruction but have also set up voluntary programs to help restore services more efficiently. Sadly, it’s not just people who are suffering; nearly 1 million acres of state forests have also been impaired by this storm, raising alarms about future ecological concerns.

To ensure that no one is left behind, shelters are operational, and food distributions are planned for those affected. Local leaders and community centers like Miigwech Inc. are doing everything possible to serve urgent needs, including food and electricity for people relying on medical devices.

As we look forward, the combined community spirit and resources are sure to help those affected by the ice storm find relief and rebuild. While obstacles remain, the resilience and determination of everyone in and around Alpena are undeniably strong. Everyone is hoping for brighter days ahead, with warmth, light, and a sense of normalcy returning soon.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• CBS News: Alpena Power Company Faces Challenges Following Ice Storm
• Detroit Free Press: Northern Michigan Ice Storm Power Outage
• Petoskey News: Ice Storm Impacts and Power Outages
• MLive: Tens of Thousands Without Power After Ice Storm
• UpNorthLive: Thousands Remain Without Power After Ice Storm