Wow - my phone just screeched at me to please turn down the heat

[Siwsan]

It's -14, outside, and Consumer's Energy, and Governor Whitmer, are sending out emergency alerts asking everyone to turn their heat down to 65, or lower. The request has to do with some sort of problem at one of the facilities. I was already at 65, but figure I can turn it down to 62, wear warmer clothes and sleep under two down comforters, instead of just one.

We've had a number of crazy bad Winter's, during this decade, that's for sure.

[lunatica]

1. Thanks for the update!

I sure hope the company doesn’t lose power! Sending positive thoughts just in case it helps!

[blm]

2. I sleep with temp at 58.

62@home. Turn it WAY up to 64 when I take a bath.

One advantage to menopause.

Good luck getting through this challenge.

[Ms. Toad]

12. We go down to 55 overnight - and 60 during the day most of the winter

This winter is an exception, so far, since I'm hanging out at home recovering from a spiral fracture. We're at 65 during the day for the time being.

[More_Cowbell]

17. I hope you recover soon! nt

[Ms. Toad]

27. Faster than my brother from a similar injury

When he was roughly half my age

But it is still slow and annoying from my perspective.

[OhZone]

3. It's 17 Degrees on the Jersey Shore

And I just turned down my heat to 60. I also have let two facets drip. I have hot water baseboard heat so I doubt it will get that cold in the crawl space to freeze anything. But just in case.

[demmiblue]

4. Yep, received it as well.

Crazy that the temps are going to drastically increase a few days from now (50 degrees on Monday).

[ecstatic]

5. Wow! That's crazy! And 62 is pretty chilly, even in my

well insulated home in the south. Thanks for doing your part. Hope the facilities can continue to withstand the demand.

[slumcamper]

6. Minus 21 at the moment here near Iowa City.

[greyl]

7. Utility fire at Consumers Energy station in Macomb Co.

https://www.wxyz.com/news/consumers-energy-asks-residents-to-reduce-gas-usage-after-utility-fire-in-macomb-county

[Siwsan]

8. I'll gladly give up the degrees of warmth

The funny thing is, I also read a posting from a furnace repair place that recommended turning your heat UP a few degrees and leaving it there, for the duration. Of course, that didn't take in the possibility of a power station utility fire.

I'll sure be glad when the weekend (and warmer temps) arrive.

[susanna]

10. Reading up on it, it seems like a pretty big deal.

GM has called off 3rd and 1st shift workers at multiple nearby facilities. That's huge...automaker facilities rarely close.

Turns out the affected station supplies 64% of Consumers Energy Company customers statewide, and the facility is down until they can find out what caused the fire. DTE (the other local energy company) is currently assisting Consumers to help keep things going. (Their systems are connected.)

A bit more info if anyone is interested:

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2019/01/30/no-injuries-after-fire-armada-natural-gas-facility/2721353002/

We've turned ours down. We are DTE customers near Detroit, but every little bit helps.

I'd rather be a little chilly than have anyone lose heat altogether. This weather is brutal.

[TheOther95Percent]

9. Tonight in NYC

I normally take the local bus after I get off the express bus. Not tonight. Tonight I hailed a cab, pulled up to my usual local bus stop and beckoned the two women standing there who live near me to get in the car. My treat and it was worth the $15 bucks. I had to walk a half block in 10 degree weather in my heaviest coat to get to the cab and I thought I was going to freeze to death.

I can't imagine temperatures like -14.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

11. how far is half a block?

Is there anything to block the wind, or do the buildings and streets just form big wind tunnels?

I've had to open the door twice tonight and that blast of 10F air is not fun. (KY, here).

[More_Cowbell]

16. NYC has long and short blocks; a long block can be up to 920 feet

Here's a short, interesting explanation:
http://stuffnobodycaresabout.com/2012/11/19/all-new-york-city-streets-are-not-created-equal/

[Hermit-The-Prog]

19. thanks!

[TheOther95Percent]

32. Nothing to block the wind...

The bus stop is on a blvd that 8 lines wide. The bus shelter provides a little relief as long as the wind is not coming from the North, which it was last night.

[trc]

13. And my daughter told me last night it was raining in Anchorage

So, there's that

[TheBlackAdder]

14. And. . .

.

.

[roamer65]

15. My water either froze or we have a line break.

Yay.

This is when I hate living in MI.

I’m going to a hotel for the night. Screw this shit.

[Squinch]

29. Oh, crap. That sucks. Be well.

[roamer65]

40. Thx, squinch.

My heat tape finally overcame the cold last night and the water is flowing again.

[Squinch]

41. Thank god! Any pipe breaks?

[James48]

18. Major fire today at a compressor station

More details:

Flint Police Operations: Okay, so quick explanation, for everyone: The fire at the Ray Natural Gas Compressor station, the station that compresses the natural gas main lines for the entire southeast region, caused an outage for the gas system. This normally wouldn't be an issue, they have the underground storage tanks that should last for some time while they make the repairs. However, with the frigid temperatures, and increased natural gas demand, the natural gas stores will run out very quickly. Those of you who are posting about not doing it or disbelief need to understand one thing: If you do NOT do this, you will not only be causing other people to be without heat, YOU will be without heat as well, until the compression station can be fixed in 24-48 hours. This is not a joke. This is not a ploy by Consumers to save them money. This is serious. The fire, which no one could have predicted, nor planned for, was catastrophic for the system. The redundancy, which is the underground stores, will be depleted if we don't do this. Their commercial customers are helping; GM plants are sending whole shifts home to allow for the heat to be shut off to the entire plant. Nexteer in Saginaw shut off heat to most areas of the plant. But they need residential customers to help too. Turn your thermostat down a few degrees. You won't freeze. This admin, who has a pregnant wife and a four year old, did it. We won't freeze, we will survive. We are Michiganders, we can survive the cold with no problem. But we all need to help, or you will be dooming senior citizens to having no heat. Thank you Kristine Stuenkel (sp?)

[James48]

20. CMS Energy Michigan- Fire threatens gas heating supply

Consumers Energy calls for voluntary reduction in gas usage

Posted Jan 30, 2019 at 5:45 PM


As a result of an unexpected incident at a Gas Compressor station this morning in Southeast Michigan, we are asking customers to temporarily reduce gas usage at this time," the statement said.

This statement is now on Michigan.gov

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement in response to Consumers Energy calling for all customers to voluntarily reduce their gas usage as a result of an unexpected gas incident in Southeast Michigan.

"I'm coming to you now to ask for your help. Due to extremely high demand for natural gas with these record low temperatures and a facility incident, Consumers Energy has asked that everyone who is able to turn down their thermostats through Friday at noon so we can all get through this with minimal harm.


"So please: turn your thermostat down to 65 degrees or lower and amplify this message by reposting and making sure your friends, relatives and neighbors who are getting ready for bed to turn theirs down too.

"You can play a role in helping people across the state survive these extreme temperatures. Please do. We're calling on every Michigander to do your part and help us weather this storm together."

For more information or tips, visit: www.consumersenergy.com/coldweather


Around 10:30 p.m. tonight, the Emergency Alert System was activated in several counties in Michigan, including LIVINGSTON and Monroe Counties.

At the same time, this message was sent via the Federal Emergency Management mobile app: "Alert: Due to extremely high demand for natural gas with record-low temperatures and an incident at a facility Consumers Energy has asked everyone who is able to please turn town their thermostats to 65 degrees or less."

In addition, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has sent this message via Twitter about the situation.

"Due to extremely high demand for natural gas with record-low temperatures, and an incident at a facility, @ConsumersEnergy has asked everyone who is able to please turn down their thermostats to 65° or less until Friday at noon. #MIREADY"


And here's the link to a video that is on the Consumers Energy Facebook page about the situation.

Here's a link to the Michigan Public Service Commission tweet.

EARLIER REPORT

The following announcement was issued today by Consumers Energy:


Consumers Energy Issues Public Call for All Customers to Voluntarily Reduce Gas Usage

Jackson, Mich. Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Consumers Energy today called for all customers to voluntarily reduce their gas usage as a result of an unexpected gas incident in Southeast Michigan.

"As a result of an unexpected incident at a Gas Compressor station this morning in Southeast Michigan, we are asking customers to temporarily reduce gas usage at this time while we continue to contain the incident and help keep Michigan residents warm during this cold spell," said Garrick Rochow, Senior Vice President of Operations for Consumers Energy.


A fire involving equipment at Consumers Energy's Ray Natural Gas Compressor Station occurred in Macomb County at 10:33 a.m. today. The fire is being contained and there were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation. All gas flow from the compressor station has been shut in until safety and damage assessments can be completed. Consumers Energy is activating natural gas peaking storage fields in Northville and St. Clair to help deliver natural gas to our customers. Natural gas is stored underground and reserved in these fields, which are activated when energy demand requires it. In addition, the company has reached out to its largest business customers to reduce gas usage while we continue to investigate the incident.

Residents and businesses can reduce gas usage by doing the following:

LOOK AT THERMOSTAT SETTINGS: Save energy while staying warm by setting your heat to a lower temperature. Use your programmable thermostat to set your heat at 65 degrees when you are home and 62 degrees when you are away for less than 5 hours.

BUSINESS REDUCTION OF PROCESSES: The company is also encouraging industrial and business customers to temporarily reduce processes.


SEAL & SHUT WINDOWS AND DOORS: Check for leaks in your windows and doors by feeling around for cool air. Also, please ensure all windows and doors are closed tightly.

For more information or tips, visit: www.consumersenergy.com/coldweather

[defacto7]

22. +1

[susanna]

28. I've been trying to tell people on social media

who are treating this as a joke.

This is serious. That station supplies 64% of natural gas to areas of the lower peninsula of Michigan.

This cold is deadly. Everyone needs to pitch in to keep what natural gas we still have available flowing.

Thank you for posting this. It is important that people understand the seriousness of the situation.

[RockRaven]

21. Just talked to a relative in MN. He's hearing that there will be natural gas supply problems soon,

if things keep going the way they are projected to go based on what's happened so far. Something has got to give -- either it needs to warm up a bit more or a bit sooner than previously predicted, or people need to dial back their usage (set thermostats for safety rather than for comfort). Otherwise, some people might lose their gas supply entirely.

Stay safe everyone!

[defacto7]

23. It wouldn't hurt to drip your kitchen and bathroom faucets a bit

to help keep them from freezing. Also open the cabnets beneath your sinks. That's the routine I've followed when the temp gets in the sub zeros let alone more than -20.

[Maru Kitteh]

24. How shabbily prepared we are as the world's richest nation

for the slightest disruption to our service infrastructure.

for all the forgotten.

.

[rusty quoin]

25. I'm in Richmond and comfortable, but I'm sure the hell worried for my fellow Americans.

[LeftInTX]

26. We had rolling blackouts in 2011

It was 19 degrees. (This is South Texas, so 19 is awfully cold around here)

I'm sitting in my house and bam...everything was out for an hour. Then it was back on...then a few hours later, bam.

It sucked.

[zeusdogmom]

30. Hope everyone stays safe and warm enough

Guess I'm lucky - I am comfortable with thermostat set at 60, day and night. Yes I wear layers, including a base layer, a wool sweater and a flannel shirt. If I get chilly, I throw on a down vest. Wool socks. Or my wonderful cozy Ugg boots. Love those boots!! Ugly as sin but I don't care. It is currently below 0 outside and somewhat windy, but I am comfortable.

One down comforter at night, but my ol' buddy, Zeus Dog sleeps snuggled in right next to me.

The only good thing about this cold snap is that it isn't a long one. Warmth is on the way. As is more snow.

Stay safe everyone. Be smart about this weather.

[Siwsan]

31. I close off my den, and settle down in that room

The house may be 62, but my den is closer to 70. I had a fire in the fireplace, last night, and even though it's been out for HOURS, keeping that room closed retained a lot of the heat. I might do the same thing, tonight.

By Saturday we will be in the high 30's, and the close to, if not in, the 50's!

[MineralMan]

33. No cell phone alert, but Xcel Energy here in Minnesota asked

that thermostats be turned down to 63 degrees yesterday. One town out in the exurbs lost its natural gas flow and the energy company is trying to restore that.

The good news is that by noon or so today, we'll be back up to -10 or -12 F. I'll fire up the car after lunch and do a little shopping.

[Siwsan]

36. We're still at -12 in Flint. The forecast is for a balmy 4 degrees, today

But then things start to improve - maybe even OVER improve.

My car is in the shop and I am pretty sure this weather will delay me getting it back before next week. I'm not going stir crazy, yet, but once things warm up I have no doubt that will set in.

[MineralMan]

38. Right now, it's -23 F in St. Paul, MN.

The warming hasn't started yet, but the wind chill warning is gone. The Sun's out and the polar vortex is moving off, so things will start warming up fast once it does.

They're predicting temps in the 40s for Sunday. Weird weather.

Yesterday morning, I had an indoor temperature of 70 degrees. Outside, it was -28. Almost 100 degrees difference. Shocking.

Of course, my neighbor's car wouldn't start and she wanted a jump from mine. Fortunately, the positive terminal on my battery is hidden under a metal structure, so I had to say I couldn't help. I asked her if she had AAA. her answer was that she did, so I advised her to call them.

I did start my car yesterday, just to let it warm up and get the oil circulating. I'll be going out this afternoon.

[milestogo]

34. Ok for a moment I thought it was your phone itself making a request.

[Siwsan]

37. That was the first time I ever got an alert, on this phone. It startled the hell out of me!!

Actually took me a few seconds to figure out where that REALLY loud and shrill alarm noise was coming from. The kids set up my phone so I had no idea it would even do something like this. Now that I know, I'll have a better appreciation and less of a WTF??!?!?! reaction.

[milestogo]

39. I think the only alerts like that I've gotten are Amber Alerts.

Which is fine, I'm glad they are doing that.

[bif]

35. We have DTE so we figured we could ignore it

We turn down our heat at night anyway.

[smirkymonkey]

42. I actually like the cold air at night and don't like the heat much above 60.

I grew up in upstate NY where we would frequently have below zero temps and we rarely heated the upstairs. We just slept with a lot of down comforters and blankets so I prefer sleeping in a cold room with a lot of covers on me. I feel like I sleep better with the cold air. In fact, last night I opened my windows a bit when it was 10 degrees out just for the fresh, cold air.

However I realize that many people don't have enough blankets/comforters to keep them warm during this cold spell, so it's dangerous for them. Cities and towns should really do a blanket/warm clothing drive to make sure that people have enough to keep them warm at night. There are too many people who don't have the opportunity to turn up the heat when they need it.