Water is Power |
A Wisconsin Energy Company |
Serving Since 1892 |
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Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Lee Baatz,
Ass't V.P. - Rates
Corps of Engineers Saluted for 50 Years of Operation of Hydro Plant SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN (December 5, 2001)------ The Soo Locks Hydroelectric Plant, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, reached a milestone when it recently completed its 50th year of operation. During a special ceremony on December 5, 2001, Edison Sault Electric Company and Cloverland Electric Cooperative recognized the Army Corps of Engineers for their contributions in helping to supply low cost power to Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula since 1951. Located north of the American Soo Locks, the Hydro Plant uses water flowing out of Lake Superior to generate approximately 160 million kilowatts of electricity each year and produces enough energy to serve approximately 16,000 residential customers. The U.S. Corps plant and the hydro plant operated by Edison Sault provide about 35% to 40% of Edison Sault’s annual power requirements. The balance of the Company’s power needs is met through power purchases from Wisconsin Electric Power Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Consumers Energy Company of Jackson, Michigan, "This base of low-cost hydro power enables Edison Sault to have electric rates that are among the lowest in Michigan," said Donald Sawruk. "Cloverland receives an allocated portion of the plants’ generation, enabling it to also have the lowest rates among the electric cooperatives serving Michigan," said Tom Anderson. Sawruk noted that the construction of the Soo Locks plant was not without controversy. Edison Sault had initially objected to the construction of the Soo Locks plant as Edison Sault had its own hydroelectric facilities in the St. Marys River channel. The issues were resolved in 1951 with the signing of a long-term contract allowing the Corps of Engineers to use the power generated by the new plant for the operation of the Soo Locks. Under the contract, any power not needed for the operation of the Soo Locks would be sold at cost to Edison Sault and Cloverland Electric Cooperative. "The Soo Locks Hydro Plant has served our area well over the past 50 years," said Sawruk. "We salute the Corps of Engineers and all their employees who have worked to make this 50 year milestone."
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