Webber dam
Ed Quinn, chief executive officer of Confluence Hydro, stated: “Safety has always been foundational to everything we do. With decades of experience operating hydro facilities, we are committed to preserving and modernizing these important resources to maximize their contribution to the grid. We deeply admire and respect the Consumers Energy team and the culture of safety and operational excellence they have built. We see extraordinary opportunity to leverage our combined strengths to build a best-in-class hydro company – one that protects communities, supports employees, mitigates risk, and delivers reliable, clean energy for the future.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Confluence Hydro will supply electricity from the dams to Consumers Energy under a 30-year contract. The company also intends to pursue renewal of federal licenses for the facilities, with expirations beginning in 2034.
The 13 dams are spread across five Michigan rivers. Along the Au Sable River are the Mio, Alcona, Loud, Foote, Cooke, and Five Channels dams. On the Muskegon River are the Rogers, Hardy, and Croton dams. The Manistee River includes the Hodenpyl and Tippy dams, while the Grand River hosts the Webber dam, and the Kalamazoo River is home to the Calkins Bridge dam.
Sri Maddipati, president of electric supply at Consumers Energy, commented: “We believe a sale of the dams is the best path forward for our customers. This sale balances two important needs, to lower costs for Consumers Energy’s customers while continuing to care for communities that depend on the dams. After numerous conversations with community members over the last three years to gather insights and feedback, we are confident this sale will preserve the reservoirs that hold the key to economic, recreational and community benefits at each of the dams.”
The transaction requires state and federal regulatory approval and is expected to close within 12 to 18 months. Both companies have begun briefing employees and community stakeholders, with plans for further meetings in the coming months.
Legal advisers on the deal included McGuireWoods LLP, Rock Creek Energy Group LLP, Varnum LLP, and Potomac Law Group PLLC, who supported Hull Street Energy through the process.
This acquisition positions Hull Street Energy to expand its hydroelectric portfolio while ensuring continuity of service in Michigan. By maintaining and modernizing the facilities, Confluence Hydro aims to support grid reliability, community benefits, and the long-term supply of clean power.
