Mutual Assistance is more than a term used in storm updates. Regional Mutual Assistance Groups are collectives of energy companies who work together during major restorations, and the last 10 days have shown why it is one of the most important components of our industry.

Last week’s weather forecast raised alarms. If the half-inch of ice predicted for Southwest Michigan actually occurred, that would put energy equipment at risk. In preparation for what could be significant, widespread outages, I&M reached out to Mutual Assistance for help, and the hard-working staff that organizes crews came through.

When the icy weather began on the evening of Feb. 22, more than 1,500 personnel were already in place from I&M, AEP Ohio, Kentucky Power, Appalachian Power Company and a handful of other companies from several states.

While more than 10,000 I&M customers experienced outages, our footprint was lucky to escape the worst of the weather. We had at least one crew in place for each power outage, and the massive restoration force was able to restore almost all customers by 8 p.m. on Feb. 23.

With our restoration efforts well underway, I&M worked with Mutual Assistance to send aid to Consumers Energy and Detroit Thomas Edison (DTE), which had a combined 700,000 customers without power from the severe icing. Before the day was out, many of the crews originally sent to I&M had already moved to assist other areas of Michigan with ongoing restoration efforts.

After restoring power to our customers, I&M’s crews also provided aid to Consumers Energy.

Between the Mutual Assistance crews and ours, nearly 600 personnel joined restoration efforts at DTE and Consumers.

I&M line mechanics spent roughly a week working through the cold, heavy rain and mud to restore power. Most importantly, they worked those long hours in difficult, hazardous conditions without a single injury. By midday March 1, Consumers’ outage count was down to 26,000.

“We are grateful for the hard work and long hours put in by everyone on the storm team, and the sacrifices required to be away from home,” said Steve Baker, president and chief operating officer for I&M. “Thank you for going the extra mile to help others in need.”

I&M crews were released to come home the morning of March 2 to get some well-earned rest and prepare for a round of snowstorms forecast to move into I&M’s service area on March 3.