Consumers Energy rate case highlights urgent need to end arbitrary solar cap to create jobs

LANSING – Michigan’s arbitrary 1% cap on distributed generation – the program allowing consumers to use solar energy to power their homes and businesses and sell back extra energy to utilities – is a major impediment to clean energy, jobs and investment, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters said today.

The Michigan Public Service Commission approved Consumers Energy’s electric rate case, which called for a 2% solar cap on distributed generation. Consumers had voluntarily agreed to increase the number of people who could participate in the distributed generation program since the utility hit the 1% solar cap outlined in Michigan law. 

“After a tough economic year due to COVID-19, Michigan’s clean energy sector should be a bright spot leading the recovery” said Nick Occhipinti, government affairs director of the Michigan League for Conservation Voters. “In order to keep our solar industry growing, Michiganders need to get a fair rate for the clean energy they produce, and rooftop solar programs need to be widely accessible. Today’s decision on Consumers Energy’s rate case sets the stage for Michigan lawmakers to take the next step by removing arbitrary limits on rooftop solar to bolster this important part of our economy and create jobs across our state while reducing dangerous pollution in our air, water and Great Lakes.”