COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – While the increase in solar farms around Branch County has caused much debate, a new report from the Michigan Public Service Commission finds continued growth in the state’s renewable energy and distributed energy programs, with participation expected to continue to rise as the state implements the changes made to Michigan’s energy laws in 2023.
The MPSC’s Status of Renewable Energy, Distributed Generation, and Legacy Net Metering in Michigan report, released Monday, finds that electric utilities regulated by the MPSC had approximately 6,000 megawatts (MW) of renewables online at the end of 2023, based on contracts approved by the Commission. That figure is set to jump to more than 8,000 MW by end of 2026.
The amount of renewable generation in service statewide will exceed that number because utilities not regulated by the MPSC aren’t required to submit renewable energy contracts to the Commission.
Wind remains by far the largest source of renewable energy in Michigan, accounting for 59% of renewable generation. Solar generation continues to grow rapidly in Michigan, but state officials say it is slowed down in recent years by supply-chain issues, local permitting challenges, and longer interconnection delays at the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, the regional transmission organization for much of Michigan. These factors and inflation also contributed to rising solar costs.
Michigan’s electric providers were required to meet a 15% renewable portfolio standard by 2021, and all of Michigan’s electric providers met that goal. With the passage of revamped energy laws in 2023, electric providers are now required to meet a 50% renewable portfolio by 2030 and 60% by 2035.
Comments