Consumers Energy in Michigan is asking customers to reduce their natural gas usage by turning down their thermostat to at least 65°F (18°C) through Friday.
A fire at a major gas distribution plant in Macomb County put the entire region in jeopardy of not having adequate supply of fuel.
Consumers Energy CEO and President Patti Poppe says her company has never had so much demand due to cold weather. She says they could not overcome the problems encountered after the fire broke out Wednesday morning and thanked those who have cooperated by lowering their thermostat and those companies, including General Motors and Fiat-Chrysler, who suspended shifts at several area plants to help with the problem.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer also appealed to Michigan residents asking them to turn down their thermostats as much as they can, adding, "it will make a difference."
The cause of the fire is under investigation.