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Alpena Power restores 86% of service after major storm; lingering outages raise concerns about infrastructure, homeowner responsibilities, and cleanup confusion.
Storm Recovery in Alpena Leaves 2,400 Still Without Power
ALPENA, Michigan – One week after a severe ice storm pummeled Northeast Michigan, Alpena Power Company reports that 86% of its customers are back online. However, approximately 2,400 customers still remain without power, and as the company enters the final phase of service restoration, many are left navigating the aftermath: damaged property, service confusion, and clean-up responsibilities.
“We’re making continuous progress,” said Ken Dragiewicz, President and COO of Alpena Power, in a Friday afternoon press release. “But this storm caused extensive damage, especially to overhead service lines. It’s taking time to reach each individual repair.”
For Michiganders, particularly those living in Alpena and surrounding rural areas, the storm’s aftermath has sparked questions that go beyond simply waiting for the lights to come back on. The confusion over who is responsible for specific electrical components on a property has led to a surge in inquiries — and in some cases, unsafe conditions.
Storm Cleanup and Electrical Repairs Leave Homeowners in the Dark
The storm primarily damaged overhead service lines, which are more exposed than underground lines. While Alpena Power is responsible for utility poles, service drops, and the electric meter, everything from the service mast to the weather head, drip loop, and meter box falls on the homeowner to maintain and repair.
If any of those components are damaged — for instance, if a service mast is bent or the meter box torn off the home — a licensed electrician must be brought in to repair it before Alpena Power can reconnect service. Only after an electrical inspector signs off can the utility energize the line again.
Michigan Residents Urged to Handle Generator Use and Tree Debris Safely
In the wake of widespread outages, residents across Michigan’s Northeast Lower Peninsula have turned to generators, which come with their own risks. Improper setup, especially without a transfer switch, can send electricity back into the grid and endanger utility workers.
Alpena Power is urging customers to keep generators outdoors and away from enclosed areas, ensure proper installation, and report any downed lines — even those that look inactive.
Meanwhile, tree debris removal has become a flashpoint. The company clarified that it only removes enough material to clear power lines. The rest — even large tree limbs cut down in the process — is left to homeowners.
The City of Alpena has stepped in to assist, offering a brush pickup program. Details can be found on the city’s official website.
Property Damage Caused by Crews Will Be Repaired — But Not Yet
During emergency restoration, speed is prioritized over aesthetics. Crews sometimes leave ruts, gouged lawns, or disturbed landscaping. While this has frustrated residents, Alpena Power says it will inspect and repair property damage — but only after all customers have power again.
“Residents understandably want their yards fixed, but our priority right now has to be restoring service,” said Dragiewicz. “Once that’s done, we will follow up with affected property owners.”
The Alpena County Department of Emergency Management has also made community resource guides available to help people recover and access assistance.
Alpena Power’s Final Push and What It Means for Michigan Infrastructure
This storm has put a spotlight on the fragility of Michigan’s rural energy grid, especially in places like Alpena where aging infrastructure and weather extremes intersect.
Experts say such storms — once considered rare — are becoming more frequent due to climate change, requiring more resilient energy strategies in Northern Michigan.
“Storm frequency and severity are changing,” said Glenn. “That has implications for how we design, maintain, and pay for power systems in rural Michigan.”
While Alpena Power is expected to complete restoration efforts by early next week, this event underscores the growing need for better public awareness of utility responsibilities and emergency readiness in smaller communities.
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