Consumers Energy asks GM, Ford, Chrysler to suspend operations at Michigan plants

Haley Hansen
Lansing State Journal

LANSING — Cold temperatures and a fire at a downstate natural gas compressor station have stalled the production of Lansing-made Camaros and Cadillacs. 

Consumers Energy has asked General Motors to suspend operations to allow the utility to address supply issues due to low temperatures, GM spokesperson Erin Davis said in a Wednesday night email. 

Lansing Delta Township Assembly, Lansing Grand River Assembly, Lansing Regional Stamping and Lansing Grand River Stamping shut down its second shift Wednesday evening, she said. Third shift and first shift Thursday were also cancelled. 

In all, 13 GM plants and four non-manufacturing GM sites have suspended operations, Davis said. That includes plants in Flint, Pontiac, Bay City, Saginaw, Warren and Orion Township. Wheeler said Consumers has also asked Ford and Chrysler plants to do so. 

Consumers Energy asked customers to voluntarily reduce their natural gas usage due to a fire at the Ray Township Natural Gas Compressor Station in Macomb County on Wednesday.

Lansing Grand River Assembly produces the Camaro, Cadillac ATS and Cadillac CTS. 

More: How often should I start my car and let it idle in cold weather? Answer: Don't.

More: Lake Michigan is helping Michigan stay warmer than other states

Two Camaro Hot Wheels Editions sit in line for their final inspection inside Building 66 within GM's Lansing Grand River Assembly complex.

Contact reporter Haley Hansen at (517) 267-1344 or hhansen@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @halehansen.