General Motors Co. will halt production at 15 manufacturing plants in Michigan, Automotive News reported Wednesday night, amid record cold after a fire at a utility station has limited the supply of natural gas in the state. Consumers Energy Co. said Ford Motor Co.and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles plants have voluntarily agreed to cut back on operations to reduce gas usage through Friday.
A fire broke out Wednesday at a natural gas compressor station, and gas flow from the station has been suspended while authorities assess damage. Residential gas customers in Michigan were also asked to reduce gas usage, and to keep thermostats 65 degrees or lower, Crain’s Detroit Business reported. Michigan and other Midwest states have been hit by subzero temperatures that are expected to last at least another day.