MPSC approves voluntary renewable energy pilot program for DTE Electric Company
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved a voluntary renewable energy pilot program on Tuesday for the DTE Electric Company, allowing program participants to acquire an amount of renewable energy larger than the 10 percent mandated.
The 10 percent mandate on renewable energy was established by Public Act 295 of 2008. Approval from the MPSC was defined by Case No. U-18076.
Participants in the voluntary renewable energy pilot program will be limited to an additional 150,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy generation, obtained from respective company-owned solar and wind facilities
Energy program participants will be tariffed for any additional energy purchased. The tariff will match each participants’ standard rate. A fixed rate subscription fee will also be required, applied for the duration of the program. Subscribed participants will be charged $0.072 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of usage every billing cycle.
The MPSC noted that approval of the voluntary renewable energy pilot program was a distinct decision. MPSC did not endorse or approve DTE’s method for calculating the value of renewable energy.
The MPSC released DTE’s approval along with a settlement agreement approval for SEMCO Energy Gas Company, allowing SEMCO to implement a gas cost recovery factor. The MPSC also approved a settlement agreement for Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, permitting Presque Isle to alter the company’s specific times interest earned ratio. A settlement agreement for Detroit Thermal, LLC was also approved by the MPSC to allow DT to increase rates for steam services and revise overall rate designs.
