How hot was it? Enough to set power usage record

JACKSON, Mich. (AP) -- CMS Energy Corp. says its customers cranked up the air conditioning during the heat wave that gripped Michigan last week, sending power use to a record level. The Jackson-based company said Monday that electricity use hit a level of 8,820 megawatts from 4 to 5 p.m. last Friday, the highest level for 2012 and the third highest in the history of its Consumers Energy subsidiary. The all-time high usage level was 8,930 megawatts on July 21, 2011. CMS Energy provides electrical and natural gas service to 6.8 million people in Michigan's Lower Peninsula The heavy demand and severe thunderstorms that hit around the same time blacked out at least 513,000 Michigan homes and businesses. DTE Energy Co. says all but 4,000 were back on line at 4:30 p.m. Monday. Published: Wed, Jul 11, 2012