Michigan makes the grade during winter 2022
Withstanding frigid temperatures, thanks to affordable, reliable energy
Jan. 26, 2022
Bitter cold. Ice on roads. Snow-covered, frozen lakes.
They are the signs of winter 2022 for the U.S. Rust Belt.
Michiganders are accustomed to the notorious winter weather.
Fortunately for the region, so are Enbridge’s Line 5 pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac.
For more than 65 years, Enbridge Line 5 has transported year-round the building blocks for propane on which more than half of Michigan relies for home heat and cooking. Line 5 also transports the light crude oil that area refineries convert to fuels that power salt trucks, snowplows, emergency vehicles, and delivery trucks.
“When the temperatures plummet and heating demands are at their peak, it should provide Michiganders a measure of comfort to know they can depend on Line 5 to manage frigid winters.”
—Bob Lehto, Enbridge Operations Manager, Northern Michigan
“Many in the region understand they receive their propane from Enbridge Line 5,” said Bob Lehto, Enbridge’s operations manager for the northern Michigan area.
“Few, though, likely realize the critical role Line 5 has in helping thousands to navigate winter across the north and Midwest. Line 5 serves this region safely and reliably every day. When the temperatures plummet and heating demands are at their peak, it should provide Michiganders a measure of comfort to know they can depend on Line 5 to manage frigid winters.”
A reliable and stable source of energy is important for Michiganders who could face higher energy bills. Heading into winter 2022, the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) predicted households that rely on propane could spend 54% more than last year—94% more if it is a colder winter. Currently, Michiganders are holding their own this winter, hoping they are not slammed by a polar vortex.
Line 5 also critical for everyday goods
Lehto is just like everyone else in northern Michigan: The Upper Peninsula native is watching temperatures and energy prices. He also knows how products carried by Line 5 are critical to manufacturing many of the staples that allow people to survive winter.
“People across the north rely on snow tires, boots, coats, snow blowers, hand warmers, skis, skates, and ATVs to get through the winter,” said Lehto. “They are among a handful of more than 6,000 items that product from Line 5 helps make possible.
“Line 5 provides a stable, reliable source of energy, keeping energy affordable for Michiganders.”
The role Line 5 plays in the region’s energy future extends well beyond winter. That is why Enbridge is investing in constructing the Great Lakes Tunnel in the Straits. Placed deep below the lakebed, the concrete tunnel will encase a replacement section of Line 5 in the Straits. The tunnel will enhance safety measures to protect the community and environment by eliminating an anchor strike to Line 5 and virtually eliminating risk of a release. Enbridge is paying for the construction of the tunnel.
Enbridge expects it will take at least four years to build the tunnel, which it anticipates will become another engineering marvel—just like the Mackinac Bridge.
