Michigan PSC approves expanded renewable program
On July 26, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved an expanded Experimental Advanced Renewable Program (EARP) proposed by Consumers Energy Company. The MPSC on May 10 conditionally approved Consumers Energy Company’s amended renewable energy plan (REP) that expanded its EARP. The Commission directed the utility to submit a detailed plan for implementation of an…
On July 26, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved an expanded Experimental Advanced Renewable Program (EARP) proposed by Consumers Energy Company.
The MPSC on May 10 conditionally approved Consumers Energy Company’s amended renewable energy plan (REP) that expanded its EARP. The Commission directed the utility to submit a detailed plan for implementation of an expanded EARP for approval by the MPSC within 60 days.
On July 8, Consumers submitted an application describing the expanded EARP and requesting approval of the program. In that filing, the company proposed to add $16.5 million to the solar photovoltaic (PV) program with an additional $3.5 million for use in developing a methane digester program and potentially one or more provider-owned solar projects, such as projects developed in conjunction with Michigan manufacturers of solar generation materials and Michigan universities or secondary school systems. The utility said it expects the expanded solar PV program to provide approximately 3 MW of additional solar installations over the next four years with contract terms of 15 years.
In approving the expanded EARP program, the MPSC noted it will create opportunities for new entrants to participate on an equal basis and the offer prices will encourage innovation and continue to drive costs to lower levels.
The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Case U-16543
Source: Michigan PSC Press Release
