The Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) has directed utility Consumers Energy to expand its popular solar energy program, known as the Experimental Advanced Renewables Program (EARP).
‘This decision moves Michigan's energy sector in the right direction,’ says Brad Klein, an attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC), which has advocated to expand the program.
Consumers Energy had planned to freeze the solar program, which would have slowed solar energy development in Michigan, reduced the diversity of Michigan's energy portfolio and cut off an important driver for economic growth, according to ELPC.
‘The continuation of the EARP will encourage private investment in renewable energy, accelerate the economic recovery in Michigan and will provide support for the state's growing clean energy economy,’ the PSC stated.
