Local Utilities & Service Outages
19 storiesReporting includes outage updates, restoration information, service explainers and preparedness guides. Stories identify the affected area, responsible utility or agency, known cause when verified, safety guidance and the next expected update, while separating temporary disruptions from larger infrastructure or rate issues.
Power Outages and Flooding Hit Michigan After Heavy Rainfall
Severe storms brought more than two inches of rain to parts of southeast Michigan on September 3 and 4, leaving over 250,000 homes and businesses without power and causing widespread flooding and damage
Power Outages and Tornado Damage Disrupt Metro Detroit Neighborhoods
More than 200000 DTE customers lost power after severe storms and a confirmed tornado struck Metro Detroit communities Thursday night leaving homes damaged and residents displaced as cleanup begins
Nearly 280,000 Lose Power as Severe Storms Hit Southeast Michigan
Tornado warnings and damaging winds swept through southeast Michigan Thursday, toppling trees, halting school dismissals, and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity as utility crews raced to restore service
Power Outages Top 90,000 After Severe Storms Hit Metro Detroit
Nearly 93,500 DTE Energy customers in Metro Detroit lost electricity after Wednesday night's storms brought damaging winds, flash flooding and widespread debris. Utility crews are working to restore service as residents face blocked roads and cleanup challenges.
Colorado River Water Cuts Leave Western Towns and Farms Facing Uncertainty
A new federal plan to reduce Colorado River water use is forcing Arizona towns and farmers to reconsider their future, as reservoirs hit record lows and legal battles intensify over shrinking supplies
Consumers Energy Plans Temporary Flow Cut at Hodenpyl Dam for Inspection
Consumers Energy intends to reduce or halt water flow from the Hodenpyl Dam to the Manistee River the week of September 21 to inspect storm damage, raising concerns among river advocates about environmental impacts and alternative options.
Lawmakers Push New Funding After Cyberattacks on Water Utilities
After cyberattacks linked to Iran targeted water systems in at least seven states, federal and state lawmakers are proposing new funding and oversight to strengthen utility cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure from future threats.
South Dakota Local Governments Face Cybersecurity Funding Deadline
South Dakota's $7 million SecureSD program, which helps local governments defend against cyberattacks, will run out of state funding in 2028, leaving counties and cities to cover ongoing cybersecurity costs themselves
TeraWulf Pledges to Meet Kentucky Data Center Rules at Hancock Site
TeraWulf plans to build a 482-megawatt data center at a former Hancock County aluminum smelter, promising to follow Kentucky's new requirements on taxes, transparency, and environmental compliance as state regulators review its energy contract.
Alabama Data Centers May Outpace Statewide Home Power Use
A wave of proposed data centers in Alabama could consume more electricity than all residential homes combined. Alabama Power says rates won't rise, but residents and experts question whether new laws and oversight will truly protect customers.
Michigan Voters to Decide on Utility Political Donation Ban in November
A statewide ballot proposal could bar major utilities and large state contractors from making political donations in Michigan, raising questions about free speech and campaign finance rules ahead of the November 3 election.
Triadelphia Reservoir Water Contact Advisory Issued for Residents
WSSC Water has issued a month-long advisory urging people and pets to avoid direct contact with Triadelphia Reservoir water after harmful algal blooms were detected. Recreation remains open, but extra precautions are recommended for all visitors.
Ypsilanti Township Considers Power Moratorium for U-M Data Center
Ypsilanti Township officials will vote on a six-month pause for new power transmission projects as they review the University of Michigan's $1.2 billion data center plan, which could reshape local infrastructure and impact residents near Textile Road.
Flash Flood Risk in Hudson County as Heavy Rain Expected Sunday Night
The National Weather Service warns of possible flash flooding in Hudson County Sunday night, with the highest risk in central and southern New Jersey. Up to half an inch of rain and gusty winds are forecast, and fog may linger into Monday morning
Report: Broadband Projects Face Permit Delays Across U.S.
A new report finds that nearly 7,000 broadband projects funded by the $42 billion BEAD program will require more than 86,000 permits, with many projects facing complex and lengthy approval processes at federal, state, and local levels.
Texas Data Center Audit Raises Questions as Grid Connections Paused
Texas has paused new data center grid connections for an audit, but key details remain unclear. Tech companies support the move, yet policy experts question whether the audit will slow rapid data center growth or address local concerns.
Whitmer Opposes Consumers Energy Plan to Sell 13 Michigan Dams
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has formally objected to Consumers Energy's proposed sale of 13 hydropower dams to a private equity firm, warning the deal could shift long-term safety and financial risks onto Michigan taxpayers if approved.
Family Escapes Farmington Hills House Fire Sparked by Lightning
A lightning strike ignited a fire at a Morningview Street home in Farmington Hills early Monday, prompting a swift response from firefighters and allowing a family of four to evacuate safely without injuries.
New Water Watch Center Offers Cyber Support for Small Utilities
A new Water Watch Center has launched to help small water utilities defend against cyberattacks, as recent incidents in multiple states raise concerns about threats to local water systems