Oscoda Township Board backs sale of four Consumers Energy dams to Confluence Hydro; trustee says questions remain

The Oscoda Township Board voted 6–1 on June 22 to adopt Resolution 2026-23 expressing support for the sale of four Consumers Energy hydroelectric dams in Oscoda Township to Confluence Hydro, LLC and to forward a copy of the resolution to the Michigan Public Service Commission and other appropriate agencies.

Trustee Robert Linderman cast the lone dissent and asked that his written statement be included in the record. "Before I can support the resolution, I have several questions," Linderman read, calling for clarity about who requested the resolution, whether the Township Attorney provided guidance, and what independent evidence supports the board's findings that Confluence Hydro represents the "most predictable path forward."

Supporters said the resolution expresses the township's preference for a path that preserves operations and the local benefits of the hydropower facilities and facilitates regulatory review. The motion to adopt was made by Trustee Wygant and supported by Trustee Tait; those recorded voting yes were Trustees Fortner, McGuire, Cummings, Tait, Wygant and Supervisor Tregear. Linderman voted no.

During public comment, resident Kelly Brown criticized placing Resolution 2026-23 on the June 22 agenda without a dedicated community engagement session, and Rich Castle noted that Consumers Energy and local stakeholders have held community meetings and that Confluence Hydro's timeline is moving forward. The board's authorization directs the Township Manager to forward the board's resolution to state and federal agencies for consideration; no regulatory approvals are guaranteed by the township action.

Next steps: the township packet indicates the manager will forward the resolution to the Michigan Public Service Commission and other officials; the resolution does not itself change ownership and is an expression of municipal support for the proposed transaction.