ALPENA POWER COMPANY
401 N. Ninth Ave Alpena, Michigan 49707
For Immediate Release
March 13, 2026 4:00PM
Contact:
Ken Dragiewicz, President and COO
solutions@alpenapower.com
OUTAGE UPDATE
Starting at about 7:00 a.m. this morning Alpena Power customers began experiencing localized power outages due to the winter weather and high winds. As of 4:00 p.m. all 624 customers that experienced an outage have been restored.
The hardest hit areas were along the Lake Huron shoreline which experienced the highest wind gusts.
While the winter weather advisory is set to expire tomorrow at 2:00 a.m. another storm is expected later this weekend. That Winter Storm Watch begins on Sunday at 2:00 a.m. and is forecasted to bring 8 to 16 inches of wet, heavy snow, up to a 0.25” of ice, and wind gusts to 35 MPH. The snow, sleet, ice, and wind will likely lead to power outages, downed wires, and other safety hazards.
Alpena Power personnel are currently and will continue to respond to outages that result from the storms.
To report a power outage call (989) 358-4900 Option 1 or to report an emergency call (989) 358-4900 Option 2.
If you see a downed power line call 911 or (989) 358-4900 immediately. Do not assume that because your power is out that the line is not energized. Do not approach the line, stay at least 25 feet away from the line and anything (fences, sheds, etc.) that it is touching, keep all children and pets away.
We urge all customers to remain vigilant and continue to follow their emergency preparedness plans until the storm has fully passed. Your safety is a priority, and we appreciate your continued cooperation, patience and understanding during this time.
• Keep all electronic devices charged.
• If you have electrically powered medical devices, such as an oxygen generator, be sure to have backup supplies on hand and have a plan to move to another location until power is restored.
• Have an emergency battery or charging station available for use during an outage.
• Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights, extra batteries, water, canned food, & blankets
• Be prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet foods as applicable.
• A battery-operated radio is also a good idea.
Also keep the following safety tips in mind:
• Be alert to crews working along slippery and ice-covered roads. Drivers should slow down or stop and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so they safely go past workers on roadsides.
• If using a generator, ensure they are connected properly and legally with a transfer switch so they cannot back feed into the power lines and cause danger to our crews or the public.
• Always operate a generator outdoors in a well-ventilated space
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