Michigan commission approves Consumers Energy pilot program for large businesses

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) recently conditionally approved a pilot renewable energy program from Consumers Energy Co. for the company’s large business customers.

Businesses that participate in the Voluntary Large Customer Renewable Energy Pilot Program will have the opportunity to support renewable energy resource production and development.

To qualify for the program, businesses customers must use at least one megawatt of power each year. Participants can choose to match anywhere from 20 percent to 100 percent of their energy use with energy produced a wind turbine facility owned by Consumers Energy. Businesses that choose to join the program will pay a fee of 4.5 cents per kilowatt-hour above their regular rates and receive a market-based credit for
the wind energy.

Consumers Energy developed the program after conducting a survey of its large business customers in which participants said they wanted access to new renewable energy projects and a longer-term fixed price.

Michigan’s new energy laws require utilities to create voluntary green programs. MPSC set an Oct. 18 deadline for utilities to submit programs for review. A workgroup is evaluating the programs and whether they meet state requirements.