Consumers Energy outlines major natural gas pipeline projects, $182 million transmission investment and community outreach in Macomb County

Consumers Energy told the Macomb County Board of Commissioners that it will invest heavily in natural gas infrastructure across the county over the next several years, including a $182,000,000 transmission project slated for completion by 2029.

The company said the work falls into two broad categories: grid projects that replace distribution mains and service lines in neighborhoods, and high-pressure transmission pipeline projects that are larger, more disruptive digs. Consumers Energy said the grid work will occur in Clinton Township, Eastpointe, Mount Clemens, Roseville and the city of Warren in 2026–27; transmission work will occur in Centerline, Clinton Township, Macomb Township, St. Clair Shores and Warren in 2026–27.

Consumers Energy representative Lauren Brosh said the largest transmission effort in the county is the four-cities metro pipeline project, a 24-inch transmission line that the company expects to place in the median of Dequindre Road in 2027 where it will affect traffic and require lane closures and coordination with local road authorities. Brosh said the company expects completion of that transmission program by 2029.

Why it matters: the work will require major excavation, lane closures and heavy equipment in multiple municipalities and is tied to the company’s pledge to reduce methane emissions. Brosh said many of the county’s distribution lines date to the 1930s–1950s and are vulnerable to corrosion and leaks.

Details: Consumers Energy described its “grid projects” as replacements of distribution mains and the small service lines that connect homes to meters, conducted in an east-west grid to limit disruption. The company contrasted those with transmission pipelines—comparable to “an interstate” for gas—that are typically 24-inch coated steel and buried about 6 feet deep, requiring deeper excavation and larger safety and traffic controls.

Brosh highlighted the 4 Cities project as affecting Royal Oak, Clawson, Madison Heights and the city of Warren; the transmission pipeline will run along Dequindre Road with notable impacts expected in Warren. She said company crews are coordinating with municipal and road commission partners on scheduling and traffic controls.

Community engagement and grants: Consumers Energy said it runs public events to share project timelines and answer resident questions; Brosh cited an event in Warren that drew about 800 residents. Brosh also described corporate giving through the Consumers Energy Foundation, saying the company has invested more than $1 million in Macomb County nonprofits and communities in the last five years and has distributed roughly $750,000 through its Planet Awards since 2021. She said the company granted $250,000 to the city of Eastpointe this year for sustainability efforts and supported the Green Macomb initiative and the Monarch Meadows project in Chesterfield Township.

Q&A highlights: Commissioners pressed Consumers Energy on routing and local impacts. Commissioner Howard asked why the 4 Cities transmission work begins at I-696 and proceeds north; Brosh said this alignment feeds specific regulator stations and is a separate connector from existing pipe south of I-696. Commissioner Goyke asked whether upgrades are planned at the Ray Compressor Station, which supplies the North End; Brosh said the company is decommissioning old compressor buildings and that new engines are already operating, that routine maintenance activity (including controlled flaring/venting) will continue, and that the company is conducting sound and vibration studies in response to resident concerns.

Brosh said the company provides maps for grid projects and typically notifies affected customers by letter six to eight weeks before construction. She also said Consumers Energy’s engineers coordinate with municipal planning and road departments to avoid paving conflicts and work on “civic projects” where municipalities ask the company to coordinate construction with local improvements.

Ending: The county commissioners did not take formal action on the presentation; Consumers Energy representatives said they will continue local outreach and share maps with municipal staff and commissioners upon request.