[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 102 (Tuesday, June 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING LUDINGTON PUMPED STORAGE CONTRIBUTIONS TO WEST MICHIGAN

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                           HON. BILL HUIZENGA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 2019

  Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Ludington 
Pumped Storage plant in Mason County for 46 years of service. Owned by 
Consumers Energy and DTE Energy, Ludington Pumped Storage recently had 
its construction and operating license period extended for 50 years.
   Beginning operations on the shores of Lake Michigan in 1973, 
Ludington Pumped Storage is affectionately known as ``the big 
battery.'' This engineering marvel is a critical part of Michigan's 
energy infrastructure, ensuring our residents can access safe, 
affordable, and reliable energy. It also serves as an innovative 
example of what can be done to harness energy in my home state.
   Here's how the facility operates: When electricity is cheaper at 
night, the plant pumps water from Lake Michigan up a bluff to the 
plant's 27 billion-gallon reservoir, creating an on-demand power 
source. When demand dictates, the gates are simply opened, enabling 
water to rush downhill and turn the plant's powerful turbines to 
generate electricity.
   Ludington Pumped Storage has the ability to produce 1,872 megawatts 
of electricity, which is enough energy to provide power to 1.4 million 
Michigan residents.
   With the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently approving a 
50-year extension of the plant's construction and operating license, 
this important source of energy will continue to support Michigan 
residents until June 30, 2069.
   ``The Big Battery's'' nearly half-century of service is a testament 
to the dedication of the men and women who helped build it as well as 
to those who have kept watch over the years. As our nation confronts 
energy challenges going forward, I hope we remember Ludington Pumped 
Storage and the example it has provided in supporting Michigan's energy 
needs.
   Congratulations to the team at Ludington Pumped Storage on this 
great achievement. I look forward to a new chapter for this modern 
marvel in service to the people of Michigan.

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