News RELEASE December 25, 2015—9:00 p.m.

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.  An estimated 3,500 Cloverland Electric Cooperative members remain without power tonight following the high wind event that impacted much of Michigan on Christmas Eve. Outages are widespread across the co-op’s service area. As of this report, some of hardest hit areas include DeTour, Brimley, Pickford, Hessel, Cedarville, Rudyard, Dafter, Barbeau and nearby islands. Crews will work until midnight then resume operations Saturday morning. Cloverland Electric currently has four contract line crews assisting with the response effort now. More crews and equipment are en route from the Lower Peninsula and will arrive early Saturday. With the help of the additional crews, power should be restored this weekend to the majority of members currently without electric service. Due to numerous broken poles, lines down and trees on lines, power may not be restored until early next week to some service locations. Those who depend on electricity for medical equipment should activate their emergency backup plan for alternate sources of power or alternate lodging. Members who need shelter or non-emergency assistance should call 2-1-1. Since Christmas Eve, more than 14,000 Cloverland Electric members have been affected by outages due to the high wind event. Cloverland Electric reminds the public to stay safe and stay clear of downed power lines and report them by calling 1-800-562-4953 or local law enforcement. Those with access to www.cloverland.com and Facebook can stay current on restoration effort and the latest updates available. Cloverland Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned utility located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It serves over 42,000 homes and businesses in Chippewa, Delta, Mackinac, Luce, and Schoolcraft counties.