August 13, 2026
“Michigan’s leading conservation and river protection groups are pleased that Governor Whitmer is publicly announcing her opposition to Consumers Energy’s misguided proposed sale of 13 old hydro dams on five iconic rivers to an unaccountable out-of-state private equity firm,” said Howard Learner, lead attorney for Anglers of the Au Sable, Great Lakes Council of Fly Fishers International, Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fisherman’s Association, Michigan Trout Unlimited and the Michigan Hydro Relicensing Coalition, which have intervened before the Michigan Public Service Commission to challenge this flawed proposal.
“The Commission’s Administrative Law Judge has issued a comprehensive, 312-page Proposal for Decision explaining why the Commission should reject Consumers Energy’s proposed dams sale, overpriced power purchase agreement (PPA) and related transactions as inconsistent with the public interest and sound public policy. The Commission should now bring this case to an end by issuing a final decision rejecting the proposed dams sale, PPA and related transactions.”
“There are better solutions for Michigan’s ratepayers, rivers, dam safety and the public’s interest. It’s time to finally stop the dams sale. People of goodwill should focus on better solutions for each of the 13 dams individually, which are on five different rivers with different biological and fisheries considerations, in different communities, and require different repair costs for dam safety.”