Solar power has tremendous potential. It can reduce the demand for dirty power plants, improve reliability, and create local jobs. With community solar, every Michigander could have the opportunity to be part of our state’s transition to clean energy.
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is considering improvements in utility solar programs. With community solar residents could invest in a local solar project starting at less than $500. These projects give home owners or businesses with less than optimal sites for solar another opportunity to invest in and benefit from local power production.
So far, utilities haven’t seized on the potential for community solar in Michigan. The MPSC can change that by issuing an order requiring the utilities to make these programs more accessible.
The MPSC’s solar workgroup will meet through June. In order to counter utilities’ efforts to preserve the status quo, we need to demonstrate strong public support for expanding solar and consumer demand for community solar programs.
Solar power currently represents only a tiny fraction of utilities’ renewable energy programs. Less than 2% of DTE Energy’s total renewable energy production comes from solar, for instance. We can do better.
One city utility has led the way — Traverse City Power & Light has Michigan’s first and so far only community solar program. With a strong order from the MPSC we can put community solar on the map across Michigan and give consumers the option to invest in clean energy.
Even as the cost of solar power has dropped tremendously in recent years, Michigan’s big utilities have stood in the way with cumbersome programs that prevent residents and businesses from installing solar projects. If we can demonstrate strong demand for solar power to the MPSC, it can ensure that community solar projects get a fair shake from utilities.
Thanks for all you do for Michigan.
Sincerely,
Brad Van Guilder Michigan Beyond Coal to Clean Energy Campaign
Source: Sierra Club
