MPSC grants final extension to Consumers Energy for $1 hydro dam sale

The Michigan Public Service Commission has granted a final extension to Consumers Energy to negotiate the sale of 13 hydroelectric dams.

The utility proposed selling the aging infrastructure along the Au Sable, Grand, Kalamazoo, Manistee, and Muskegon rivers to Confluence Hydro, a private equity energy firm, for a total price of $1 each.

Under the plan, Consumers Energy would purchase the power generated by the facilities, while Confluence Hydro would assume financial responsibility for the safety of the structures.

Most intervenors remain opposed to the transaction after a first round of talks failed to produce a deal.

Howard Learner, who represents the Environmental Law and Policy Center, stated that the attorney general, the governor's office, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, conservation groups, and industrial customers have all indicated that negotiations are not progressing.

Learner argued that the commission should issue a final decision based on the findings of the administrative law judge, who ruled in June that the proposal was too risky and not in the public interest.

"Enough is enough. The proposed dam sale is a bad deal for ratepayers, for the rivers and for safe dams in Michigan. This is a bad deal that should be rejected by the public service commission. Let's move forward," Learner said.

Learner advocated for a case-by-case disposition of the dams, noting that each facility is distinct and affects different populations.

Consumers Energy maintains that a settlement remains possible.

Chris Fultz, the utility's senior vice president of electric supply, said in a statement, "We understand the desire for communities and our coworkers for an outcome in this case. We are providing for a little more time to reach a constructive agreement that will be a win for our customers, Michigan, and the communities we care about."

Fultz added that the company continues to work with others to ensure the dams operate safely and responsibly for years to come.

"We recognize some parties have publicly opposed continuing settlement efforts. Consumers Energy respectfully disagrees and remains committed to working in good faith to achieve a constructive settlement for the benefit of customers, communities and the State of Michigan," Fultz said in the statement provided to the commission on November 8, 2026.