Detroit Edison's Harbor Beach Power Plant began generating electricity for Michigan's thumb communities on Lake Huron in 1968. Construction began in 1966 with Bechtel Corporation as general contractor, and the 95-acre site had been purchased in 1954. The plant was placed in service on May 20, 1968, generates 103 megawatts of electricity, and provides critical voltage stability to Michigan's thumb communities. It was the first plant to restore power during the 2003 blackout. The plant conforms to the ISO 14001 Standard, is designated a clean corporate citizen by the State of Michigan and Department of Natural Resources for environmental management, pollution prevention, and environmental compliance, and is recognized yearly for contributions to improving and enhancing the Lake Huron fishery by the Thumb Chapter of Steel Headers (MSSFA). It also has WHC-certified Wildlife at Work program recognition.