The Future of Hydroelectric in Michigan

Powering the Future, Preserving the Past

Consumers Energy to Sell 13 Hydroelectric Dams to Confluence Hydro, Keeping Dams in Safe Operation, Preserving Reservoirs and Working with Local Communities

Map of the 13 hydroelectric dams previously owned by Consumers Energy

Consumers Energy’s 13 Hydro Locations

Consumers Energy has signed a purchase agreement with Confluence Hydro, a subsidiary of Hull Street Energy, to sell its 13 hydroelectric dams along five Michigan rivers. The decision will reduce long-term costs for Consumers Energy customers while ensuring the dams will continue to provide economic and recreational benefits for nearby communities.


Learn More About The Agreement
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Meetings in Your Community

Consumers Energy and Confluence Hydro held community conversations to share updates on the dams’ sale. Watch videos from each meeting below.


  • Nov. 19 – Calkins Bridge Dam, Allegan High School, 1560 M-40, Allegan, MI 49010 - Watch Video
  • Nov. 20 – Webber Dam. Muir Village Office, 122 Superior St., Muir, MI 48860 - Watch Video
  • Dec. 1 – Alcona and Mio Dams, Mio High School, 1110 8th St., Mio, MI 48647 - Watch Video
  • Dec. 2 – Foote, Cooke, Loud, and Five Channel Dams, Shoreline Players Theatre, 6000 N. Skeel Ave., Oscoda, MI 48750 - Watch Video
  • Dec. 15 – Hodenpyl and Tippy Dams, Crystal Mountain Resort, 12500 Crystal Mountain Drive, Thompsonville MI 49683 Watch Video
  • Dec. 16 – Hardy, Croton and Rogers Dams, Eisler Center, Ferris State University, 805 Campus Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307 Watch Video

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  • August 2022: Announced plans for 13 hydros and held community meetings
  • December 2022: Completed economic impact study of the 13 hydros
  • January 2024: Community Prosperity Meeting
  • February 2024: Sale of 13 Hydros RFP Announcement
  • October 2024: Community Prosperity Meeting
  • September 2025: Sale of Hydro Announcement
  • November 2025: Community conversations with Confluence Hydro

Planning for the Future of River Hydro Communities


Locally Led Planning Groups

We have been talking about the future of our hydro plants with the communities we serve. In early 2024, we created seven local stakeholder groups to help share ideas and set priorities. We held local meetings and asked for feedback over the past few years. We will keep working together to promote local prosperity and honor our long-term commitment to the communities around our river-based dams.

Federal and State Oversight


Everyone that is involved in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensing process is acutely aware of how final decisions will impact river hydro communities. We are committed to holding intentional interactions with all regulatory stakeholders in this process, including the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to advocate for the most positive outcomes for customers and other residents in these valued river hydro communities. We are committed to holding intentional interactions with all regulatory stakeholders in this process to advocate for the most positive outcomes for customers and other residents in these valued river hydro communities.