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Consumers Energy’s natural gas upgrade spans 135 miles, promising safer and more affordable energy for 1.8 million Michigan customers this summer.
Consumers Energy’s $135-Mile Pipeline Modernization Aims to Strengthen Reliability Statewide
JACKSON, Mich. — July 7, 2025 — Consumers Energy has launched a sweeping upgrade to Michigan natural gas infrastructure, replacing 135 miles of aging cast iron and steel pipelines across 15 communities this summer. The effort involves over 600 workers and is part of the utility’s broader plan to enhance safety and reliability for 1.8 million residential and business customers.
The projects are underway in Southeast Michigan, Flint, Saginaw/Bay City, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Midland, and more. Several of the targeted pipelines are over 100 years old.
“These projects are a visible demonstration of Consumers Energy’s commitment to delivering natural gas safely, affordably and reliably,” said Holly Bowers, vice president of natural gas engineering and supply at Consumers Energy.
This infrastructure overhaul complements the ongoing Four Cities Metro Pipeline project, a multiyear initiative aimed at fortifying regional gas supply in the Detroit area.
Communities Across Michigan Will See Construction Through Summer 2025
The company outlined pipeline replacements across several Michigan cities:
- Southeast Michigan: 18 miles in Livonia, 18 in Warren, 7 in Bloomfield, 6 in Pontiac, 2 in Royal Oak
- Flint area: 10 miles in Flint, 6 in Owosso, 2 in Fowlerville
- Saginaw/Bay City: 8 and 9 miles in Bay City, 5 in Saginaw, 3 in Frankenmuth
- Lansing region: 14 miles in Holt
- Mid-Michigan: 12 miles in Kalamazoo, 10 in St. Louis, 3 in Auburn, and 1 in Ithaca
Consumers Energy is encouraging motorists to watch for work crews along roadways. Most roads will remain open with some lane closures.
Old Pipelines Replaced as Consumers Energy Focuses on Long-Term Reliability
The upgrade is part of the utility’s Natural Gas Delivery Plan, a 10-year roadmap to ensure reliable service in all seasons and cut down risk from aging infrastructure. According to the company, the cost to customers remains below $3 per household per day.
“Modernizing our system now allows us to serve Michigan well into the future,” said Bowers. “We’re prioritizing areas where impact is greatest.”
Michigan’s natural gas network remains crucial to economic activity, heating homes, and powering businesses. The utility said these construction projects will also spur local jobs.
Natural Gas Safety and Economic Impact Remain Key Motivators
Consumers Energy says replacing old cast iron and steel lines not only increases safety, but also reduces the risk of gas leaks and interruptions. The upgrades are expected to help the utility meet federal safety and environmental standards, including methane reduction goals.
Experts note that aging natural gas infrastructure is a national concern. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), older metal pipelines are more susceptible to corrosion and leaks, leading to greater safety and environmental risks.
Four Cities Metro Pipeline Also Underway in Southeast Michigan
In addition to the 135-mile replacement effort, Consumers Energy continues work on its Four Cities Metro Pipeline, a significant gas transmission line serving the Detroit metro area. That project is expected to run through the remainder of the decade.
Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest utility, delivering gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents across all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
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