A century ago, Consumers Energy pioneered electric energy in Michigan with a string of hydroelectric plants along the state's rivers. Today, many of those hydro plants continue to operate alongside a new generation of renewable energy sources, primarily wind and solar. Consumers Energy continues to operate 13 hydroelectric plants along five waterways, built between 1906 and 1935, with a combined generating capacity of approximately 130 megawatts, enough to serve more than 55,000 people. Near the hydros are campgrounds, boat launches, picnic spots, and other recreational facilities that are popular for canoeing, fishing, bird watching, and exploring nearby nature trails.