LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Some members of the community are concerned about the impact Consumers Energy hydroelectric dams might have if the power company should downsize its operations. 

The Jackson based energy company, owns and operates 13 hydroelectric plants along five rivers in the state which were built in the early to middle part of the 20th century. The company recently announced that the dams are too expensive to operate, raising fears about the downstream fiscal impact on communities. 

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“River communities rely on recreational tourism created by the dams,” said state Representative John Roth (R-Interlochen). “Complete shutdowns could cripple local economies and destroy aquatic ecosystems.” 

Rep. Roth represents communities reliant on the Tippy and Hodenpyl dams, located on the Manistee River, and has said he is committed to be a voice for the people in conversations related to these dams.  A report from Consumers estimates that the combined dams supply more than 750 jobs to the area and account for roughly $33 million in economic value to the two areas. 

“Families are reliant on these dams being open,” Rep. Roth said. “Consumers can’t abandon these people with a quick way out. The company has a responsibility to ensure whatever happens is best for the communities and wildlife most affected.” 

The areas containing the Tippy Dam provides several aspects our tourism according to Manistee Tourism. 

“Tippy Dam was known for its innovation and design when built, but today, most of the people you will find around Tippy are not there for a tour, they are there fishing the very popular “tailwaters” (the water immediately flowing from the dam) trying to land that large salmon or steelhead,” according to the tourism site. 

Currently, Consumers energy is exploring several options, including whether to sell or continue operations.  

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“After numerous conversations over the past year, it is clear the reservoirs are important for economic and recreational opportunities in these communities across Michigan,” said Norm Kapala, Consumers Energy’s vice president of generation operations. “But we also know that the current model for financing our hydroelectric power operations requires customers to pay more than nine times for the cost of energy compared to other sources of generation.”

Kapala also added that as the energy provider explores options, it wants to consider the public. 

“If we choose to move forward and sell these facilities, our intention is to minimize the cost burden for customers while keeping the recreational and economic benefits for our communities,” he said.  

The dams together produce less than a percent of the energy used by the energy provider’s nearly 2 million customers according to Consumers Energy. In all, the 13 dams are estimated to support 2,056 jobs and more than $76 million in economic value.