Whitmer Disapproves Sale, Don’t Sell the Damn Dams

In her 2018 campaign, Gretchen Whitmer said, “Fix the damn roads.” Now, she’s saying, “Don’t sell the damn dams,” opposing the sale of 13 Consumers Energy hydroelectric dams.

Consumers Energy Seeks to Sell 13 Dams for Just $1 Each

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For the past several years, Consumers Energy has sought to sell 13 hydroelectric dams to Confluence Hydro, a company owned by Hull Street Energy. Under the proposed deal, Confluence Hydro would purchase all 13 dams for just $13. State officials, however, have raised concerns about transferring the dams to a company backed by private equity interests.

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Michigan officials have cited concerns about the proposed sale of 13 dams to an investment firm, following the catastrophic failures of the Edenville and Sanford dams in 2020.. The dams were owned by Boyce Hydro Power LLC, controlled by Las Vegas businessman Lee Mueller.

Read More: Consumers Energy Warns 13 Michigan Dams Could Be Removed

Michigan's Governor Whitmer Says Don't Sell the Damn Dams

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According to WOOD TV8, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the proposed sale of the 13 hydroelectric dams unacceptable, saying, “This deal would impose unacceptable safety and financial risks on Michiganders.” She urged the Michigan Public Service Commission to reject the deal.

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Consumers Energy said the sale would reduce long-term costs for customers while allowing the company to continue purchasing electricity from the dams’ new owners. Whitmer, however, raised concerns that private equity firms could extract profits from the dam-owning companies, potentially leaving them financially unstable or even facing bankruptcy, similar to what occurred with the owners of the Edenville and Sanford dams.

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Whitmer said, “Private dam owners have too often compromised public safety and imposed extraordinary costs on Michigan taxpayers.” While the governor remains committed to fixing the “damn roads,” she would also like to see Consumers Energy sell the “damn dams” to a company capable of operating them safely and reducing the risks to Michigan residents.

👇BELOW: Governor's Residence, Mackinac Island👇