utility sponsored programs

Please contact your electric provider for additional information on these programs.

Solar
These utility programs are currently being rolled out. Updated information will be provided by each utility company.

• Consumers Energy is finalizing an Experimental Advanced Renewable Program. This program will offer a long-term contract to purchase the energy and renewable energy credits generated by solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed at facilities served by Consumers Energy's electricity. For systems available through May 2010, the rates are set at $0.65/kWh for residential systems and $0.45/kWh for nonresidential systems. Prices decrease for systems available after May 2010. This pilot program will be limited to a total of 2 MW of capacity (500KW reserved for residential; residential generators must be >1 kW, up to 20 kW while commercial generators must be at least 20 kW and up to 150 kW). Company contact is Kyle Brayton at ksbrayton@cmsenergy.com.
• Detroit Edison is offering long-term contracts under a new solar PV pilot program. Through the program, the Company will purchase energy and renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by its customers. Pre and monthly payments by the Company could total ~ 50% of total installed cost of system. To qualify, customers must meet the requirements of and enroll in the Detroit Edison net metering program. This pilot program will be limited to a total of 5MW of capacity (half of which is reserved for residential customers). Company contact is Raymond Zoia at zoiar@dteenergy.com.

Net Metering
in which surplus electricity (generating more than you use) is sold to your utility company, is available to limited participation. Each customer is restricted to generating only what is necessary to fit their annual needs. Different charges, credits and limitation are offered to the true and modified categories.

Rebates
are currently offered by six Michigan utilities. Size restrictions of the systems and maximum incentives exist. In addition, customers must be preapproved via an application process. These rebates cover solar photovoltaic, solar water heating, and small wind systems. They can also be applied to solar or wind site assessments (prior to installing the renewable energy system) and repairs to existing systems. Participating utilities include: Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association, Baraga Electric Utility, City of Crystal Falls, Gladstone Power & Light, L'Anse Electric Utility, Negaunee Electric Dept. and Norway Power and Light. Customers should contact their utility for more information.

Self generation rates and purchase power agreements
Under an MPSC regulated rate or a purchase power agreement (PPA) between a producer and their utility, either all electricity generated or surplus in excess of what is used on-site may be sold to the utility. Large producers may also have the ability to sell power to any authorized wholesale electricity market participant. All Michigan utilities offer rates for the purchase of electricity from small generators, and for large generators utilities typically enter into PPA. For these rates, generators are not limited to production that meets on-site annual energy needs. Although these rates are similar, each Michigan utility has its own. Please contact your electric provider for information, or use the rate books accessed from the MPSC web site Electricity page.