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Wind turbine damaged at Lake Winds Energy Park in Riverton Township

The Daily News|Steve Begnoche|Mar 21, 2026

RIVERTON TOWNSHIP — Friday the 13th proved an unlucky day for a Lake Winds Energy Park wind turbine north of Hawley Road last week.

A nacelle in the tower somehow twisted 180 degrees out of position, and gusting wind ripped fiberglass covering off at least one of the blades. Pieces of the fiberglass were carried in the wind and scattered.

Consumers Energy owns and operates the 100-megawatt park in southwest Mason County.

In response to Ludington Daily News questions, Consumers spokesman Brian Wheeler said, “This is very rare. The fiberglass was not a threat to public, and the failed parts were contained in a safe radius from the tower.”

The cause of the nacelle — the cover housing that contains all of the generating components in …

... more [truncated due to possible copyright]

RIVERTON TOWNSHIP — Friday the 13th proved an unlucky day for a Lake Winds Energy Park wind turbine north of Hawley Road last week.

A nacelle in the tower somehow twisted 180 degrees out of position, and gusting wind ripped fiberglass covering off at least one of the blades. Pieces of the fiberglass were carried in the wind and scattered.

Consumers Energy owns and operates the 100-megawatt park in southwest Mason County.

In response to Ludington Daily News questions, Consumers spokesman Brian Wheeler said, “This is very rare. The fiberglass was not a threat to public, and the failed parts were contained in a safe radius from the tower.”

The cause of the nacelle — the cover housing that contains all of the generating components in a wind turbine — being twisted 180 degrees out of the wind is currently under investigation, Wheeler said.

It is not yet known if the tower or other components were damaged.

“Consumers Energy will be working to perform inspections of the tower from the foundation to the hub to ensure the integrity of all components. A plan to replace any necessary components, including the blades, is being worked out and will follow the inspections,” Wheeler said.

A specific timeline for repairs has yet to be determined.

“Once all inspections are complete, and all parts are located, a timeline of repair can be put into place,” Wheeler said.

The March 13 incident was accompanied by thunderous booming from the affected Vestas turbine that one nearby resident said could be heard and felt in their home.

The Riverton Township Fire Department responded to secure the area until Consumers Energy was able to shut the turbine down.

“There is no danger to the public, and we are working with local officials to keep the area secure,” Wheeler said. “We ask the public to stay away from the site while crews complete their work. We will share additional information as it becomes available.”

Lake Winds Energy Park began producing power in August 2012.

Plans for the park proved controversial and met with both support and heated opposition as it went through the approval process before the Mason County Planning Commission. Concerns about noise from the turbines and flicker — strobe-like shadows cast as blades pass in front of the sun — were often cited. Subsequent sound studies and flicker reduction operation plans helped the utility gain approval. Consumers Energy’s website states the facility meets or exceeds local zoning requirements.

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Wind turbine damaged at Lake Winds Energy Park in Riverton Township

The Daily News|Steve Begnoche|Mar 21, 2026

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