With the year half over and the days getting warmer and shorter, there’s just something about the Summer Solstice that invites reflection. Looking back at the dozen or so years since Picarro began working with natural gas distributors to improve methane leak detection and repair a lot has changed. We’ve evolved from pioneers in methane leak detection to leaders in full-scale emissions management systems. Today, our adoption numbers are impressive:

• Hundreds of systems deployed around the world 
• 1000s using P-Cubed® analytics software in daily operations of gas utilities 
• Over 1 million miles of pipeline surveyed yearly
• 50 million utility customers benefitting worldwide

With our latest innovation, Network Intelligence, we’re once again redefining how gas networks operate. We’re empowering utilities to move from reactive repair to proactive optimization. It’s not just about detecting leaks anymore—it’s about reshaping the future of natural gas. Combining vehicle-mounted Advanced Mobile Leak Detection (AMLD) and Handhelds, cloud-based analytics (P-Cubed), and robust software integration Network Intelligence will enable utilities to identify patterns, prioritize repairs, and optimize investments across infrastructure. And, make the natural gas infrastructure safer, cleaner, and more resilient. 

Driving change isn’t easy, but a recent press release by Consumers Energy confirmed that it is indeed time to make the shift to Network Intelligence. 

Consumers Energy: A Real-World Example of Network Intelligence in Action
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is demonstrating how advanced technology, data analytics, and a proactive mindset can reshape the way gas utilities manage their infrastructure—making systems not only safer, but more efficient, and more sustainable. Consumers Energy operates nearly 30,000 miles of distribution pipe assets, serving more than 1.7 million customers across the state of Michigan. 

In 2025, the utility will significantly expand its fleet of high-tech vehicles equipped with Picarro’s AMLD systems to survey its entire gas network yearly. In the press release, Holly Bowers, Vice President of Natural Gas Engineering and Supply at Consumers Energy said:

“We're excited this is the first year our methane detection vehicles will survey our entire system, giving us the precision we need to proactively find leaks and make our system safer for all of our customers.” 

Their work has already paid off. In one case last year, a vehicle detected that a home in Gratiot County was filling with dangerous levels of natural gas due to leaking appliances. The ability to detect and pinpoint the source of the leak allowed crews to make repairs before disaster struck.

Transforming Operations and Delivering Value
Consumers Energy’s adoption of Network Intelligence reflects the broader advantages of Network Intelligence:

• Strategic Asset Management: By understanding which parts of the network pose the highest risk, utilities can direct capital and maintenance dollars where they’ll have the most impact.
• Operational Efficiency: Automated data collection and real-time analytics streamline workflow integration, reducing manual effort and decision lag.
• Regulatory and Public Trust: Transparent and defensible data reporting builds credibility with regulators and communities alike.

And perhaps most importantly, it shows a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and customer safety—two pillars that are increasingly central to utility success.

A Model for the Industry
Consumers Energy is proving what’s possible when utilities move beyond traditional detection and adopt a data-driven, network-wide approach to leak management. As the company continues toward its ambitious emissions reduction goals, it sets a compelling precedent for gas operators everywhere.

With Picarro’s technology and Consumers Energy’s vision, the future of natural gas distribution in Michigan and beyond is not just safer—it’s smarter.

Learn more about this industry-leading approach in the white paper: From Leak Detection to Network Intelligence ➜