Overview

• Consumers Energy signed a purchase agreement to transfer its 13 century‑old dams to Confluence Hydro, an affiliate of Hull Street Energy, with a commitment to keep the impoundments operating.
• Confluence Hydro will supply power from the dams to Consumers under a 30-year contract, subject to approvals from the Michigan Public Service Commission and FERC expected to take 12 to 18 months.
• News reports cite a nominal sale price of one dollar per dam, as Consumers seeks to reduce long‑term customer costs after years of losses and minimal power contribution from the fleet.
• Current hydro employees will be offered roles with the buyer, which says the portfolio totals 132 MW of installed capacity and plans to pursue license renewals beginning in 2034.
• Local groups welcomed the preservation of reservoirs while dam‑safety and environmental advocates questioned private ownership and the long‑term upkeep of aging infrastructure.