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Michiganders urge MPSC to approve Consumers Energy sale of 13 hydro dams to Confluence Hydro
Summary
More than a dozen speakers during the MPSC public-comment period urged approval of Consumers Energy's proposed sale of 13 hydroelectric dams to Confluence Hydro, citing local economic impact, jobs, recreation and assurances Confluence will retain staff and invest; speakers also raised safety and contract-price concerns.
During the commission's public-comment period, a broad cross-section of local officials, township supervisors, school superintendents, business owners and residents urged the MPSC to approve Consumers Energy's proposed sale of 13 hydroelectric dams to Confluence Hydro. Speakers repeatedly warned that if the sale is denied Consumers Energy has said it will decommission the dams, which commenters said would devastate tourism, local tax bases and small businesses in the affected counties.
Supporters stressed local economic stakes and continuity of operations after a sale. Jake Vieth, a superintendent, told the commission that "if the sale is not approved Consumers Energy ... promised that to decommission all 13 of these dams." Multiple speakers said Confluence plans to hire the existing workforce and invest in repairs. James Ward, a local preservation advocate, defended Confluence's safety record: "Hall Street Energy, Confluence Hydro, has a perfect safety record." At the same time, commenters raised concerns about contract pricing and possible environmental consequences; one commenter noted a $160 per megawatt-hour contract rate in the agreement and questioned how that compares with volatile market prices.
