Interconnection Queue Pileup in Michigan PURPA Projects

Michigan Regulators Urge Consumers Energy to Identify Renewable Generators in Line for Power Contracts

The Michigan Public Service Commission staff requests that Consumers Energy Co. disclose the renewable generators that have entered the utility's interconnection queue and contacted Consumers about a supply agreement to determine which projects are next in line to win contracts. The commission has limited Consumers' obligation to enter into power purchase agreements with small renewable project to the first 150 megawatts in its queue as it investigates the extent of an alleged "glut of unneeded capacity." Utilities have chafed under the mandate by the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act that requires them to purchase energy and capacity from small renewable producers at the lower so-called avoided cost rate amid a proliferation of projects.

 

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

+1-646-402-5076

www.arcstarenergy.com