Consumers Energy asks state, federal regulators to approve sale of 13 hydroelectric dams

MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) — The sale of hydroelectric dams currently owned by Consumers Energy is moving forward.

Consumers Energy has asked state and federal regulators to approve the sale of its 13 hydroelectric dams.

The dams are located along five rivers:

• Au Sable River
• Grand River
• Kalamazoo River
• Manistee River
• Muskegon River

Consumers Energy announced in September that it has signed a purchase agreement to sell 13 hydroelectric dams along five Michigan rivers to Confluence Hydro for $1 each.

Consumers Energy’s requests with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) are the first step in the regulatory process to sell the dams.

If regulators approve the sale, Confluence Hydro will own and operate the dams with a 30-year agreement to sell energy, capacity and renewable energy credits they produce back to Consumers Energy.

Confluence Hydro is extending offers to current employees of Consumers Energy’s hydroelectric operations to continue working for them, and has said they will seek federal relicensing for each facility in the future.

Consumers Energy said the sale will reduce long-term costs for its customers and ensure the dams will continue to operate safely and provide economic and recreational benefits for nearby communities.

The approval process is expected to take 12 to 18 months, according to Consumers Energy..

Community meetings held by Consumers Energy and Confluence Hydro will be taking place across the state to update people on the process.

Community Meetings will take place from 6 — 7:30pm on the following dates:

• Nov. 19 – Calkins Bridge Dam, Allegan High School, 1560 M-40, Allegan, MI 49010
• Nov. 20 – Weber Dam. Muir Village Office, 122 Superior St., Muir, MI 48860
• Dec. 1 – Alcona and Mio Dams, Mio High School, 1110 8th St., Mio, MI 48647
• Dec. 2 – Foote, Cooke, Loud, and Five Channel Dams, Shoreline Players Theatre, 6000 N. Skeel Ave., Oscoda, MI 48750
• Dec. 15 – Hodenpyl and Tippy Dams, Crystal Mountain Resort, 12500 Crystal Mountain Drive, Thompsonville MI 49683
• Dec. 16 – Hardy, Croton and Rogers Dams, Eisler Center, Ferris State University, 805 Campus Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307