FLINT, MI – Consumers Energy has postponed its planned power outage for scheduled maintenance in Flint, following requests from community leaders and residents to delay the outage.

The company originally planned to cut power to Flint for six hours starting Friday evening, December 6.

“Consumers Energy is postponing work in Flint and canceling tonight’s planned outage after discussions with local officials and customers,” Consumers Energy officials said in a statement.

“While the works are necessary to ensure future unplanned outages, we recognize the importance of listening to feedback from the communities we serve and are working closely with local partners to ensure that when works are planned in the future , customers will be able to feel better prepared. .”

Consumers Energy said the planned outage would occur in the spring.

The outage was expected to affect about 3,500 electric customers in Flint.

Genesee County District 1 Commissioner Delrico J. Loyd has publicly advocated for Consumers Energy to reschedule its power outage. He held a press conference to discuss the issue on Friday at Willard P. Harris Auditorium located on the third floor of the Genesee County Administration Building, 1101 Beach St. in Flint.

Loyd said Flint residents have endured significant hardship and argued the planned power outage would further endanger and disrupt their lives, especially during cold and extreme weather, when access to critical energy resources is essential.

“This decision reflects the power of collective action and my commitment to meeting the needs of our residents,” Loyd said in a statement.

“I want to extend a hand of friendship and gratitude to Consumers Energy for their willingness to work with our community to find a solution that minimizes the impact on residents.”