By Mark Constance
MIO / OSCODA – Do you want to know what is happening with the AuSable River Dams?
Consumers Energy and Confluence Hydro are encouraging residents to take part in two upcoming community conversations about the future of the Mio, Alcona, Foote, Cooke, Loud and Five Channels dams, offering residents a chance to learn more and stay involved as Consumers Energy moves forward with the sale of the dams to Confluence Hydro.
The meetings are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 1 and 2, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Monday’s session, focused on the Mio and Alcona dams, will be held at the Mio High School Gym, 1110 8th St. in Mio.
Tuesday’s discussion, covering the Foote, Loud, Cooke and Five Channels dams, will be at Shoreline Players Theatre, 6000 N. Skeel Ave. in Oscoda.
Consumers Energy announced Sept. 9 it had signed a purchase agreement to sell its 13 hydroelectric dams on five Michigan rivers to Confluence Hydro, an affiliate of Hull Street Energy, LLC.
The decision is expected to ensure the dams continue to operate safely and provide economic and recreational benefits to nearby communities.
The pending sale is expected to be completed in early 2027. Sale price is $13 or $1 per dam. Consumers will buy power from the new company.
