State utility regulators are the latest to give Lansing’s city electric utility poor marks for how it handled a massive ice storm in December.
The Michigan Public Service Commission says the Lansing Board of Water & Light was not prepared for the Dec. 21 ice storm that knocked out power to about 40,000 BWL customers. Many customers had to wait 10 days or more to get their electricity restored.
The MPSC report echoes the findings of BWL’s own internal review and a panel appointed by Lansing’s mayor. Among other things, the MPSC says BWL needs to improve its tree trimming and communications programs. The public service commission does not regulate BWL, so its findings are little more than recommendations for change.
Lansing Mayor VirgBernero asked for the state review. He says the three reports will provide a “road map” for BWL to be a more reliable energy provider.
BWL’s general manager issued a statement saying the utility has “already begun implementing many of the improvements recommended by the MPSC.”
