More than 2600 Indiana Michigan power customers were still without electricity as of early afternoon, according to a statement from I & M:
Amid frigid temperatures and continuing falling snow, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is making progress restoring customer’s heat and lights after a winter storm. I&M has restored power to more than 2/3 of customers impacted from the winter storm in the southwest Michigan and north central Indiana region. As of 1 p.m., less than 3,500 customers remain without service.
A team of approximately 300 I&M employees, including lineworkers, damage assessors, tree trimming experts and various support staff, are working safely and quickly to restore power. So far, crews have discovered 20 broken or damaged poles and 39 individual spans of downed wires due to 70 mph winds.
I&M crews are safely working long hours in blowing snow and cold temperatures, and often navigating slushy or snow-covered roads. For safety reasons, if winds exceed 35 mph workers can not operate bucket trucks. You may see crews sitting in vehicles staying warm and hydrated while awaiting materials or additional assistance. I&M appreciates our customers patience while we work safely to restore power.
APPROXIMATE OUTAGE COUNTS AND ESTIMATED TIMES OF RESTORATION (ETRs):
ETRs are when I&M expects to have 90% or more customers restored.
| Outage Count | ETR | |
| Southwest Michigan Total | 3,343 | |
| Buchanan Area | 736 | 8 p.m. |
| Benton Harbor Area | 2,607 | 10 p.m. |
| Northern Indiana Total | 74 | |
| South Bend Area | 22 | Individual ETRs established |
| Elkhart Area | 52 | Individual ETRs established |
As I&M crews work to restore power, individual estimated times of restoration are updated. To stay informed on your specific outage you can, download the I&M mobile app, enroll in text and email alerts and view outage status on I&M’s Outage Map.
