Consumers Energy today announced it has completed its Mid-Michigan Pipeline, replacing and upgrading 55 miles of natural gas transmission pipeline in Clinton, Shiawassee, Ingham, Livingston and Washtenaw counties.

Mid-Michigan is the last in a series of major projects representing a nearly $1.5 billion investment to modernize the company's natural gas system, ensuring the major arteries that keep natural gas flowing to homes and businesses are as safe and reliable as possible.

Consumers Energy finished work on the Mid-Michigan Pipeline in time for this winter heating season. The project replaced 20-inch pipeline dating to the 1940s with 36-inch pipeline that will carry large volumes of natural gas more safely and reliably.

"Our friends and neighbors count on us to safely and affordably heat their homes and businesses, and we take that responsibility seriously," said David Hicks, the Consumers Energy vice president who oversaw the project. "The Mid-Michigan Pipeline and our other pipeline projects play a central role in Consumers Energy's Natural Gas Delivery Plan to ensure we meet Michigan's needs for decades to come."

The pipeline also illustrated Consumers Energy's commitment to protecting the planet. This spring, officials released two dozen young turtles rescued from potential harm during the project's construction. Consumers Energy planted wildflower seeds along the pipeline's route to attract birds, bees and other pollinators.