Genesee County, MI — Members of the community are invited to a press conference at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, in the Willard P. Harris Auditorium located on the 3rd floor of the Genesee County Administration Building (1101 Beach Street in Flint).

The Honorable Delrico J. Loyd, Commissioner of the 1st District of Genesee County, will address a critical issue affecting the community: Consumer’s Energy decision to shut off power to 3,500 customers for the overnight hours of Friday, December 6 into Saturday, December 6. Commissioner Loyd will provide important information regarding the potential impact of this power outage on residents, as well as the steps being taken to address the concerns of those affected.

Statement from Commissioner Loyd:

“As County Representative of the communities that are scheduled for power outages tonight, I am urging Consumers Energy to halt and reconsider its practice of scheduling power outages for maintenance in the middle of the night, particularly in disadvantaged and hurting communities in Flint, and surrounding areas. These are areas in which vulnerable residents, including seniors, youth, and low-income households, are often disproportionately disadvantaged. 

Flint residents particularly have been through so much suffering and pain which has been inflicted on them throughout the years. The power outage planned for tonight doubles down on their pain and inflicts both danger and disruption to many who will be unable to find safety amidst the cold and potentially debilitating  weather. I believe our residents should not be forced to be exposed to vulnerable conditions particularly at a time when they need the resources that Consumers Energy provides the most.

All residents should have uninterrupted access to reliable energy regardless of the status of their neighborhoods, and social economic backgrounds, particularly in the moments that they need it most. This is not an extravagant ask but something that should be a given right for all residents of Flint and Genesee County. There must be an alternative timing solution that better prioritizes the needs of residents of Flint and Genesee County. 

Today, I am calling on Consumers Energy to reschedule the power outage which is scheduled for tonight and adopt more community-sensitive approaches, which will be detailed during the press conference.”