Sale of 13 Consumers Energy Dams to Confluence Hydro

planned

Consumers Energy plans to sell its 13 aging hydroelectric dams located across Michigan's Lower Peninsula to Confluence Hydro, a subsidiary of a private equity firm. The sale involves transferring ownership for $1 per dam, with Consumers Energy agreeing to buy back the power generated at a price about twice the normal hydro power rate. The deal aims to shift liability and maintenance responsibilities to Confluence Hydro while ensuring continued operation of the dams. The Michigan Public Service Commission's approval is pending, with concerns raised by local communities and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about land use and regulatory oversight.