Consumers Energy announced Tuesday that it is granting the Michigan Public Service Commission additional time to approve the sale of its 13 hydroelectric dams to Confluence Hydro, a subsidiary of Hull Street Energy. The original deadline of Nov. 9 has been moved to Dec. 17, allowing regulators to conduct a thorough review.
Dam portfolio and sale details
The dams slated for transfer include the Calkins Bridge Dam on the Kalamazoo River; the Webber Dam on the Grand River; the Rogers, Hardy, and Croton dams on the Muskegon River; the Hodenpyl and Tippy dams on the Manistee River; and the Mio, Alcona, Loud, Foote, Cooke, and Five Channels dams on the Au Sable River. Confluence Hydro will acquire each dam for a nominal $1, totaling $13 for the entire portfolio.
Company statements
Chris Fultz, senior vice president of electric supply at Consumers Energy, said the extension reflects the company’s commitment to a constructive agreement that benefits customers, Michigan, and the surrounding communities. “We understand the desire for a timely outcome and are providing a little more time to reach a win for all parties,” Fultz said.
Hull Street Energy, an investment firm that focuses on maintaining and upgrading hydroelectric facilities across the United States, formed Confluence Hydro specifically to operate the Michigan dams. Over the past decade the firm has managed 47 dams nationwide and has recently sold most of the assets it previously owned. Its current portfolio also includes natural‑gas and solar generation facilities.
Future plans for the dams
Ed Quinn, chief executive officer of Confluence Hydro, emphasized safety and modernization as top priorities. “With decades of experience operating hydro facilities, we are committed to preserving and modernizing these important resources to maximize their contribution to the grid,” Quinn said. He added that the partnership with Consumers Energy aims to create a best‑in‑class hydro company that protects communities, supports employees, mitigates risk, and delivers reliable, clean energy for the future.
The sale follows a year‑long deliberation process that included public comment periods. By extending the regulatory timeline, Consumers Energy hopes to ensure that all stakeholder concerns are addressed before the transaction is finalized.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
