We have a long history with hydropower, building the Croton Hydro on the Muskegon River in 1907. Today we operate 13 hydroelectric plants.
We operate 13 hydroelectric plants along five rivers that run through our state. Built between 1906 and 1935, our heritage is rooted in these renewable energy sources. Hydro power produces clean, reliable power that we’ve counted on for more than 100 years.
We are working on a plan for the future of our dams. We held public meetings and asked people from the areas around our river hydro plants to attend and share their thoughts. To learn how we’re planning for the future, and see the presentations from each meeting, click the button.
Hydro Construction Project Updates
The annual drawdown for Hardy Pond began on November 4, 2024. The restoration to normal operating water levels will be by May 22, 2025 (Friday prior to Memorial Day weekend). Consumers Energy recently announced due to ongoing RFP negotiations on the future outcome of the company’s 13 hydroelectric facilities; we have decided to pause the Hardy Spillway project. Interim risk reduction measures continue to be in place to ensure the safety of the public and the facility. We will continue to be transparent on any developments related to this project or the RFP and will always safeguard the land, water, and natural resources we cherish.
For more details, please see our Hardy Dam letter.
For additional information, please email us at hydro@cmsenergy.com
In order to meet Federal guidelines for managing the property within the Croton Hydroelectric project, a Consumers Energy Employee or authorized contractor will be contacting home and property owners bordering the project. If you will be contacted, you will receive a letter in the mail with additional details.
For more details, please see our Croton Dam letter.
To see the properties that will be contacted, see our Croton Dam map of landowners.
If you have questions, please email us at hydro@cmsenergy.com
Consumers Energy is authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue permits for the use and occupancy of project lands and waters. Click the green button to the left to download a permit application for projects including:
Learn More About Hydroelectric Dams
Check out the Hydro Reporter for current hydro dam information and events.
Download the Get Closer to Nature brochure for recreational activities at the hydro dams.
Hydro Plant Emergency Planning Booklet - Newaygo and Mecosta County
Land Use and Hunting Policy
For the safety of fellow Michiganders, visitors and our employees, we administer a land use policy that includes no hunting on Consumers Energy private property. The only exception to this rule is where special provisions apply to our lands which encompass 12,000 acres bordering our Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river hydro facilities, where hunting is allowed. Constructing blinds, target shooting, baiting, burning and fire pits are strictly prohibited on all Consumers Energy land. In addition, dirt bikes, snowmobiling, ATVs and other off-road vehicles may not be operated on any company property (except for licensed trails). Those wishing to report illegal activity on Consumers Energy property are asked to call our corporate security department at 800-760-3295. For information on obtaining a lease, license, permit or easement, call our Operations Planning Center at 866-679-4054 or email LandContracts@cmsenergy.com
