For the first time in their 125 year history, Consumers Energy is sending natural gas crews to assist with storm restoration work outside of Michigan.  25 employees left Tuesday morning to join more than 300 other utility employees and contractors already providing assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.  While electric line crews and other employees historically have provided mutual assistance in parts of the United States after hurricanes and other strong storms, the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in the Northeast has Consumers Energy dispatching natural gas teams for the first time.  Consumers Energy gas crews and support staff from across the state left Tuesday morning for West Hempstead, New York, about 30 miles east of New York City.  Last Thursday, Consumers Energy sent about 35 electric line workers and support staff to Cleveland to assist utility First Energy.  An additional 15 utility employees were sent to Cleveland Saturday.  With that work completed, the 50 employees were then sent to Oceanport, New Jersey earlier this week to assist First Energy with restoration efforts.