Consumers Energy officials said the best option for Michigan is to sell 13 hydroelectric dams, supporting local communities and offering the lowest long-term cost for customers.
Rick Blumenstock, Consumers Energy’s Executive Director says in a news release, quote, “Selling the dams ensures we build on their past to power Michigan’s future,” adding, “Not only does their sale ensure they continue safe, reliable operations, but it’s the lowest-cost choice for our customers and it keeps the reservoirs that are vital to local communities.”
Blumenstock joined representatives from Confluence Hydro, the dams’ buyer, in speaking before the Michigan Natural Resources Commission on Wednesday. Their presentation follows outreach to communities across the state since Consumers Energy and Confluence Hydro announced the sale back in September.
State and federal regulators are reviewing the sale. Once approved, Confluence Hydro will sell energy from the dams to Consumers Energy under a 30-year contract and will start the process to relicense them. The dams’ operations they say, will remain the same.
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