NORTHERN MICHIGAN – Consumers Energy said its 13 hydroelectric dams are operating safely and reliably despite surging rivers and flooding across Michigan this week.
“Heavy rains and melting snow and ice have put tremendous pressure on Michigan’s dams this week, but we want people to be sure to understand our 13 facilities are operating safely. They are structurally sound and can withstand this week’s intense weather,” said Jean Kang, Consumers Energy’s vice president of generation operations.
Consumers Energy’s dams are on five rivers and generate electricity for the company’s customers in Michigan.
The company said safety remains a priority for communities downstream. Consumers Energy and local authorities may temporarily close recreation sites downstream to help protect people who use them. The company said it will provide local updates.
The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings this week, but Consumers Energy said the warnings are not the result of dam operations. Most of the dams are licensed as “run of river,” meaning the amount of water flowing into a dam must match the amount flowing out to maintain the natural river. As flows increase, Consumers Energy operates the gates to allow more water through.
“The high water flows coming from upstream are the main reason for flood warnings that are being issued downstream,” Kang said. “We make sure we provide updates about the conditions at our dams to local and state emergency officials, providing communities with the opportunity to prepare and respond to high waters.”
Consumers Energy said information about the future of its dams is available at ConsumersEnergy.com/hydrofuture.
