Brandon Twp.- In their efforts to extend natural gas mains in the township, Consumers Energy has met a few roadblocks? namely, rocks.
‘Once we got out there and started working, we found the terrain extremely rocky and it slowed us down in boring the services,? said Consumers Energy Representative Debra Dodd. ‘We are hopeful by the end of November we will have all the services run.?
As of Oct. 30, Consumers Energy had 138 service installations still to be completed in phase I of the gas main extension project. Consumers garnered 227 signed contracts from residents in the first phase of the Brandon project. Service had been offered to 442 residents early this year, and 50 percent participation was required in order to proceed. Construction began in July on gas mains on Allen and Reese roads. Phase I also includes Stanton, Sashabaw, Seymour Lake and Sherwood roads, as well as several side streets.
Consumers crews and contractors are working six days a week to complete phase I as temperatures fall and winter quickly approaches. Dodd encourages customers with concerns to call 888-427-6246.
The utility is also busy discussing what areas of the township will be included in phase II of the project. Previously, the company has planned to include S. Hadley Road, Sawmill Lake Road, Perry Lake Road, and portions of Seymour Lake, Granger, Hummer Lake and State Park roads in the plan, with an estimated 620 residences. Again, 50 percent participation, or roughly 310 signed contracts, would be needed. Public meetings regarding phase two are expected to begin early next year.