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New BWL emergency ops manager briefs community leaders on winter plan

The Board of Water and Light resumed electricity shutoffs this summer after stopping them early in the pandemic. Now, they're extending a moratorium on water shutoffs until April 15, 2021. It is against state law to shutoff electricity in the winter.
Credit Joe Linstroth
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WKAR

Mid-Michigan is already getting a taste of winter, no matter what the calendar says. As the weather turns colder, the Lansing Board of Water and Light is preparing for the possibility of power outages.A year ago, the Lansing region endured a historic winter storm that knocked out power to tens of thousands of people, many for more than a week. Since then, the BWL has instituted a number of changes, including the hiring of a new emergency operations manager.

Trent Atkins assumed those duties a month ago after several years with the Lansing Fire Department. Today he met with regional planners for a briefing on emergency plans.

Current State speaks with Trent Atkins about those plans.

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
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