LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Consumers Energy will part with its 13 hydroelectric dams, handing them to Maryland-based Confluence Hydro for just a dollar each.

The century-old dams produce about 1% of Consumers’ power but carry steep upkeep costs, the company announced on September 9. Rather than spend billions to relicense or dismantle them, Consumers struck a deal to keep them running.

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“These dams have been generating power for our customers for 100 years on average and have been a central part of their communities,” Sri Maddipati, Consumers’ president of electric supply, said. “This is the best option for us.”

Confluence will refurbish the facilities, keep the reservoirs intact, and sell the electricity back to Consumers under a 30-year contract. The company has also promised jobs for all 55 Consumers Energy employees currently working on its hydroelectric team.

Regulators must sign off before the transfer, expected in late 2026 or early 2027, according to The Detroit News.