Consumers Energy has asked state and federal regulators to approve the sale of 13 hydroelectric dams to Confluence Hydro, saying the sale will reduce long-term costs for customers, and ensure the dams will continue to operate safely.
Consumers Energy’s requests with the Michigan Public Service Commission and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are the first step in the regulatory process to sell the dams.
The approval process is expected to take 12 to 18 months.
Confluence Hydro would own and operate the dams with a 30-year agreement to sell energy back to Consumers.
Confluence Hydro is extending offers to 55 current employees to continue working for the company and has said they will seek federal relicensing for each facility in the future.
Consumers Energy and Confluence Hydro also are hosting community meetings In November and December to discuss the sale with the public.
Details are on the Consumers Energy website.
Learn more: ConsumersEnergy.com/hydrofuture.
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