We Energies to Lower Reservoir

WE Energies will begin lowering the reservoir behind its Brule Hydroelectric Plant on the Upper Peninsula border with Wisconsin beginning today. Officials say the reservoir, located in Florence and Iron Counties, will be lowered approximately 10 feet from the normal elevation. The public boat launch at recreation site 28 and 23 will be closed during drawdown activities for boater safety. According to the utility, the temporary drawdown is required for necessary maintenance at the Brule Plant. The reservoir is scheduled to begin refilling as soon as construction is completed on or before October 15. The refill rate is dependent upon rain water runoff, but is expected to return to normal levels no later than December 1. The public is reminded that ATV usage and the removal of driftwood in the areas surrounding the reservoir is strictly prohibited. We Energies serves more than one million electric customers and more than 97,000 natural gas customers throughout the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin.