By Gari Voss
The Calkins Bridge Dam that forms Lake Allegan is one of the 13 dams whose sale is being examined by state and federal regulators. Members of the Lake Allegan Association have been involved in multiple discussions, first with Consumers Energy as the decision was made to put the 13 dams on the selling block then with Confluence Hydro after the sale was announced. The Association members continued to dig into Confluence Hydro and their history in restoring and licensing hydroelectric dams in other parts of the U.S.
“The Lake Allegan Association, Inc. strongly supports the sale to Confluence Hydro,” explained Coco Soodek, President of the Lake Allegan Association, Inc. “We are determined to preserve our lake, and we have concluded that working with Confluence Hydro is our best path forward.”
The final decision regarding the sale of Consumers Energy’s 13 hydroelectric dams is now in the hands of the state and federal regulators. Consumers Energy has owned and operated the 13 dams across Michigan, but when entering the relicensing stage, they began a series of conversations with the communities in which those dams are located. After multiple conversations, the decision was made to sell the dams.
Confluence Hydro made an offer to purchase the dams, and in September 2025, the announcement was made. A team of representatives from Consumers Energy and Confluence Hydro held a series of meetings with stakeholders of the 13 dams. During these gatherings, they listened to the stakeholders to determine their concerns related to the purchase of the dams. Armed with this information, Confluence Hydro moved forward to request approval from state and federal regulators.
On April 8, 2026, Consumers Energy officials told a state commission that selling the 13 hydroelectric dams remains the best option for Michigan, the support of the local communities, and the lowest, long-term cost for customers. Consumers Energy officials have shared in public filings that other options – including removing the dams altogether – are significantly more expensive for Michigan customers.
“Consumers Energy has spent over a century operating our dams safely, reliably and affordably. Selling the dams ensures we build on their past to power Michigan’s future,” said Rick Blumenstock, Consumers Energy’s executive director of electric supply engineering. “Not only does their sale ensure that they continue safe, reliable operations, but it’s the lowest-cost choice for our customers, and it keeps the reservoirs that are vital to local communities.”
As Blumenstock and representatives from Confluence Hydro presented to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, they emphasized how they had been transparent by reaching out to communities across the state since the announcement of the sale.
“Consumers Energy has been looking at the dams’ future for over four years, and input from neighbors in public meetings and conversations with community groups has been critical,” explained the group. “Consumers Energy and Confluence Hydro continue to express their desire to keep working to promote local prosperity and honor their long-term commitment to the communities around the dams.”
If state and federal regulators approve the sale, Consumers Energy and Confluence Hydro wish to engage in a seamless transition for all communities involved. The dams’ operations will remain the same, nearby land will remain part of their footprint, and Confluence Hydro will be a partner to communities that look to the dams for economic and recreational benefits.
“We have had several meetings with the senior leaders of Confluence Hydro,” explained Soodek. “We approached them skeptically and were ready to oppose their purchase of our lake and Calkins Bridge Dam. But, in spite of our resistance, we liked them and feel confident in their ability and willingness to take, safeguard, improve, and carry on the work of generating power at Calkins Bridge Dam and managing Lake Allegan. We found them passionate about renewable energy, including this strange, ancient version. They have told us they are in this for the long term, not just the 5-10 years before us. They have assured us that this is not merely a buy and flip transaction. They have traveled to meet with us, taken and answered our questions, and have committed to serving as a responsible, responsive steward of the ecology and community in and around Lake Allegan.”
“One thing that came out over and over during community meetings is the positive aspects of the dams – whether it’s trails, hiking and camping, tax revenue for local communities, or the habitat for bats at the Tippy Dam,” said Adam Monroe, Consumers Energy’s executive director of hydro operations. “We appreciate the opportunity to explain why this sale is best for Michigan and hope people will see why we’re excited to start a new chapter with Confluence Hydro.”
“We are not naïve. We understand the demands and business models of private equity,” stressed Soodek. “We know that there will be pressure to convert this investment into an exit strategy. We also know that we have a current landlord that wants to sell out, and we have parts of our state government that are now openly – and infuriatingly – hostile to our lovely, loved lake and community. We’ll take the commitment and goodwill of the professionals dedicated to profitably and safely operating river hydro in our neighborhood to the other folks who are ready to erase our community for profit or ideology. We’re with Confluence Hydro. We hope the MPSC approves the sale.”
Lake Allegan Association members will continue to keep a vigilant eye on the decisions made at the state and federal levels. As summer approaches, the Lake Allegan Association plans on hosting fun-filled activities.
