LANSING, MI — Consumers Energy officials told a state commission today that selling 13 hydroelectric dams remains the best option for Michigan, supporting local communities and offering the lowest long-term cost for customers.
Consumers officials joined representatives from Confluence Hydro, the dams’ buyer, in speaking before the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Lansing. The sale was announced last September, but state and federal regulators have to approve 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.
“Consumers Energy has spent over a century operating our dams safely, reliably and affordably. Selling the dams ensures we build on their past to power Michigan’s future,” said Rick Blumenstock, Consumers Energy’s executive director of electric supply engineering. “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.”
Consumers Energy officials have shared in public filings that other options for the dams – including removing them altogether – are significantly more expensive for Michigan customers.
Comments