Consumers Energy: Company’s Dams Continue Serving Michigan Safely Through Intense Weather

Consumers Energy: Company's Dams Continue Serving Michigan Safely Through Intense Weather

Jackson, Mich. Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Consumers Energy is assuring customers and communities that its 13 hydroelectric dams are serving Michigan safely and reliably despite surging rivers and flooding across the state 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 located on five rivers, generating electricity in Michigan for the company's customers.

The energy provider is committed to the safety of the communities downstream of the dams. Consumers Energy and local authorities will likely be temporarily closing recreation sites downstream to help ensure the safety of people who typically access these sites, and will be providing local updates.

While the National Weather Service this week has issued flood warnings, it's important to note those are not the result of the dams' operations. Most of the dams are licensed as "run of river," which means whatever flows enter a dam are the same flows that must exit to maintain the natural river. As a result, Consumers Energy operates the gates to allow more water through when flows increase.

"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 provides information about the future of its dams at ConsumersEnergy.com/hydrofuture.

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Media Contact: Brian Wheeler, 517-740-1545 or [email protected]