MPSC report logs record year for net metering program

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) published its annual net metering and solar program report on Monday, showing that the net metering program has been successful in encouraging the development of onsite renewable energy electric generation projects, which in turn has lowered electric bills for customers.

Data contained in the 2015 report shows a 20 percent increase in net metering program size since 2014, growing from 1,840 customers in 2014 to 2,155 in 2015. Overall growth since 2008, when Public Act 295 made mandatory the establishment of a statewide net metering program, reached 2,102 customers. Among the 315 new net metering customers in 2015, 333 new solar installations were added — with some customers adding multiple installations – adding a total of 2,570 kilowatts (kW) last year. The total capacity of net metering installations at the end of 2015 was approximately 17,065 kW, an increase of 2,855 kW beyond the previous calendar year’s totals.

MPSC releases a net metering report each year in order to publicize data from electric providers in accordance with Rule 40 (3) of the MPSC’s Electric Interconnection and Net Metering Standards.