ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The ongoing winter storm has caused power outages across the Upper Peninsula, prompting some municipalities to ask others for help.
Around 9 a.m., the Marquette Board of Light and Power was experiencing thousands of outages. The Board of Light and Power called on the City of Escanaba to send mutual aid.
“We sent a three-man crew with a bucket truck and a digger,” said Escanaba Electric Department Crew Lead Andrew Kolich.
Outage numbers have been significantly lower in Escanaba, with just over 50 customers calling in by 1 p.m. The Electric Department began receiving its first calls around 2 a.m. due to high winds, heavy snow, and trees falling onto power lines.
Kolich advises the public to be cautious around downed lines and to alert officials immediately upon spotting one.
“If you see a power line that’s down due to a tree falling on it or something, just stay away from it, call 911, and we’ll try to be out there as soon as we possibly can to get the lights back on,” he said.
To report a power outage or a fallen power line in the City of Escanaba, call (906) 786-0061. Marquette Board of Light and Power customers can report an outage by calling (906) 228-0300, using the customer portal at mblp.org/smarthub, or by texting “Out” to (906) 228-0300.
The Marquette Board of Light and Power made a post on its Facebook page stating, “Due to the nature of the outages, we are not able to provide any timelines for restoration of service. Crews are working as quickly as possible to restore as many customers as possible.” Customers are instructed to plan for an “extended” outage.
As of 4:00 p.m., the Alger-Delta Cooperative Electric Association reported 4,677 outages. Mutual aid crews are being sent to provide assistance.
