The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today released data showing the progress that Michigan's electric utilities are making to meet the state's renewable energy portfolio standard of 10 percent by 2015.
"Michigan's electric utilities are on track to meeting the state's goal of having 10 percent of its electricity produced by renewable sources," said MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu. "The state's utilities are taking steps to build wind farms, promote solar energy and net metering, and purchase renewable energy credits."
Electric providers reported renewable energy data estimates to the MPSC for 2009, showing some 3.63 percent of Michigan's electricity was produced by renewable sources. That amount is consistent with what Michigan's electric utilities' plans are for ramping up to reach the 10 percent goal.
Previous data gathered by the MPSC estimated Michigan's renewable energy percentage was 2.9 percent in 2007.
Michigan's two largest electric utilities - Consumers Energy Company and The Detroit Edison Company - report the following:
- Consumers Energy has contracted for 396 MW of renewable energy: 8 MW already in commercial operation and 388 MW more in commercial operation by the end of 2012 .
- Detroit Edison has contracted for 252 MW of renewable energy: 44 MW already in commercial operation and 208 MW more in commercial operation by the end of 2011 .
- Detroit Edison and Consumers Energy have contracted for a combined total of 648 MW of renewable energy: 598 MW of wind energy, 45 MW of biomass energy, 4 MW of solar PV energy, and 1 MW of hydroelectric energy.
The data summary contains a breakdown by utility. Data were submitted by electric providers and are estimates. Alternative Electric Supplier (AES) data are not included.
The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.
