VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – After getting pushback from residents, Consumers Energy is scrubbing its proposed route for a new high-voltage distribution line in Van Buren County.
Officials with the power company made the announcement on Thursday, April 27, saying that it would seek a new route for the 20-mile line, which they say is needed to improve service reliability.
Van Buren County residents voiced their disapproval to the initial route which they say would have cut through residential properties and farms and would have removed trees within 80 feet.
The Paw Paw Township board approved a resolution back in March opposing the plan as residents claimed that Consumers had failed to clearly communicate what was happening.
In a statement, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric engineering said , “Our mission remains to find a prudent route to build this line in order to serve the future growth of Van Buren county as new residents, businesses, schools, libraries, and others choose to call southwest Michigan home. But as we listen to and work with the community, we will come up with a solution that minimizes the impact to the area while delivering reliable energy.”
Consumers announced it was pausing the project on April 5.
Consumers Energy plans to remain in contact with members of the community and its leaders as it works through the process.
The community is encouraged to call the project team at 800-647-8101 or email them at POBoxCrandallProjects@cmsenergy.com if they have additional
questions.
