Consumers Energy to issue RFP to identify buyers for dams in Michigan
Consumers Energy is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to identify potential buyers for its 13 hydroelectric dams in Michigan.
The decision is based on an effort to best align the dams’ future with customers’ and the surrounding communities’ interests.
“We are grateful for the meaningful input we’ve received over the last two years from communities and others who care deeply about the future of our dams,” Norm Kapala, Consumers Energy’s vice president of generation operations, said. “Issuing an RFP for these historic facilities will provide even more opportunities for people to offer ideas to preserve the dams and their reservoirs, while also enabling Consumers Energy to reduce costs for all of our customers.”
Consumers Energy has retained the services of Grand Rapids-based Clear Energy Brokerage & Consulting to design and manage the RFP process.
The RFP will open on Feb. 15, with participants moving through a two-stage evaluation and bidding process that should finish by the end of 2024.
Federal operating licenses for the 13 dam will begin to expire in a decade. The dams sit on five different rivers across the state.
Potential options for each dam’s future include renewing operating licenses for 30 more years, transferring ownership, replacement, or removal.
Those entities that are interested in participating can register their interest and submit initial bids by March 15. They should contact Ryan Cook of Clear Energy Brokerage & Consulting or call 616-528-4682 for more information.
Consumers Energy provides natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million people in Michigan.
