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Consumers Energy's late-night text message asking to turn down the thermostats to prevent system-wide failure has paid off.
Consumers Energy reported a 10% reduction in the natural gas system. This is a result they consider decisive for preserving the system.
The call for a reduction in gas consumption came after the fire on Wednesday at Consumers' largest compressor station.
"We have never encountered this type of demand or such temperatures," said Patti Poppe, CEO of Consumers Energy.
She said the company was working to repair this facility and to remedy the cause behind the fire.
On Wednesday, she thanked customers for reducing their energy consumption.
"In fact, when we launched our call last night, we saw a 10% reduction in demand with this call. And we appreciate that. This played a very important role in stabilizing the system, "said Poppe.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her intention to ask the Public Service Commission to review the state's supply of natural gas, electricity and propane to develop an emergency plan.
"It's important that we have an idea of what has happened here and that we are in a stronger position the next time we face something of that nature," Whitmer said.
Several of Michigan's biggest manufacturers, like the big three automakers and Dow, have shut down to conserve energy.
Poppe said their actions were of great help in preserving the system, but was asking the public to continue keeping their thermostats lowered until midnight.
"We had to call later. We expected that in the day we saw a load reduction and we had not done it, "said Poppe.
A number of auto factories have hired the workers home Thursday morning to help reduce the load on the system.
Staff changes were canceled at General Motors' central Michigan facilities, including Flint Engine, Flint Assembly, Bay City and Saginaw Metal Casting.
Ford and Fiat Chrysler also limited their operations on Thursday.
Copyright 2019 WNEM (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
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