The Future of Hydroelectric in Michigan
One energy company is looking at selling it's damn
Consumers Energy in Michigan is working on a plan to get out of the hydroelectric dam business.
The company said in a news release they are exploring the possibility of selling its 13 dams as they evaluate their future and cost efficiency.
According to the Associated Press, the Jackson-based utility also said it’s considering all options to safely maintain the dam reservoirs — lakes created by the dams that provide economic and recreational opportunities for communities.
Those reservoirs are popular with anglers and boaters.
“But we also know that the current model for financing our hydroelectric power operations requires customers to pay more than nine times for the cost of energy compared to other sources of generation,” Consumers Energy’s Vice President of Generation Operations Norm Kapala said in a release.
Click here to read what the company is saying about its plans.
Licenses for the company’s dams begin to expire in 11 years. Altogether, the dams produce less than 1% of energy used by its customers, Consumers Energy said.
I talked to Republican Rep. Mike Hoadley about the issue. Hoadley said there are five options Consumers Energy could take. Watch my interview with him below:
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