Skip to main content

SEIA: Michigan Ruling Creates Some Much-Needed Certainty for the State’s Solar Market

Friday, Oct 05 2018

Share
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) issued a ruling finalizing the rates and standard contract terms that Consumers Energy Co., one of Michigan’s largest investor-owned utilities, must pay for energy and capacity from solar energy facilities and other independent power producers under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA).

The MPSC originally determined Consumers’ avoided cost rates in an order issued last November, but was reviewing additional feedback provided by the solar industry, Consumers Energy and other stakeholders. Under federal law, these costs must be at or below the cost the utility would pay to buy power on the market or generate from its own portfolio. The MPSC also ruled that it will revisit a range of related issues in Consumers’ pending Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) proceeding that will be concluded sometime next year.

Following is a statement on today’s ruling from Sean Gallagher, vice president of state affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):

“The MPSC’s ruling provides much-needed certainty in the Michigan solar market, which has experienced delayed project development and a lack of substantial solar industry investment. With these rates in place, Consumers Energy can begin investing in cost-effective solar projects to the benefit of its customers. However, there is still more work to do, and how the MPSC rules on Consumers’ Integrated Resource Plan will play a big role in determining the future of clean energy in Michigan.”

With 118 megawatts (MW) installed, enough solar energy to power 18,500 homes, Michigan ranks 33rd in the country for installed solar capacity. Today’s decision paves the way for a dramatic increase in installed solar capacity in Michigan. Michigan’s solar market is forecast to add 605 MW of solar over the next five years, a 347 percent growth rate, the 5th largest percentage growth of any state. These forecasts could grow substantially, depending on the MPSC’s ruling on Consumers Energy’s IRP.

###

About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 44th anniversary in 2018, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 250,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Morgan Lyons, SEIA's Communications Manager, [email protected] (202) 556-2872

Related News

Friday, Dec 18, 2020

MI PSC Order in Consumers Energy Rate Case Creates Muddled Future for Solar

Lansing, MI — The Michigan Public Service Commission issued its Order in the Consumers Energy rate case on Thursday.

Read More
Friday, Oct 05, 2018

SEIA: Michigan Ruling Creates Some Much-Needed Certainty for the State’s Solar Market

Today, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) issued a ruling finalizing the rates and standard contract terms that Consumers Energy Co., one of Michigan’s largest investor-owned utilities, must pay for energy and capacity from solar energy facilities and other independent power producers under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA).

Read More
Friday, Apr 27, 2018

Michigan Public Service Commission Decision Does a Disservice to the State

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Michigan Public Service Commission approved DTE Energy’s billion-dollar gas plant proposal in East China Township, despite significant evidence that the state’s residents and businesses would benefit significantly more from renewable energy resources.

Read More