Michigan Public Service Commission Approves Consumers Energy's Voluntary Green Pricing Program Tariff Revisions

Strategic Insights -

The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved Consumers Energy's proposed revisions to its Voluntary Green Pricing (VGP) program tariffs. The revisions aim to clarify the Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Program for both metered and unmetered customers, expand the definition of "income-qualified customer" under the Green Giving Program, and remove the 12-month enrollment requirement for full-service residential customers in the Renewable Energy Program. The changes are expected to improve customer experience, increase enrollment, and promote equitable access to the Green Giving Program. Consumers Energy serves an estimated 671,286 low-income electric or combination electric and gas customers, and the revised program will allow the company to extend benefits to additional customers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved Consumers Energy's proposed revisions to its Voluntary Green Pricing (VGP) program tariffs.
  • The revisions clarify the Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Program for both metered and unmetered customers.
  • The changes expand the definition of "income-qualified customer" under the Green Giving Program to include customers participating in additional income-qualified programs, customers identified by assistance agencies, and customers facing financial hardship.
  • The revised program eliminates the 12-month enrollment requirement for full-service residential customers in the Renewable Energy Program.
  • The revised program will allow Consumers Energy to serve an additional 521,645 low-income customers, reducing barriers to entry and promoting more equitable access to the Green Giving Program.
  • The Commission found that approval of the proposed revisions will not increase the cost of service to customers.
  • The Commission approved the revisions on an ex parte basis, waiving the requirement for a public hearing.
  • The Commission reserved jurisdiction and may issue further orders as necessary.

Statistics:

  • 671,286: The estimated number of low-income electric or combination electric and gas customers served by Consumers Energy.
  • 521,645: The additional number of low-income customers that will be served by the revised program.
  • 150,641: The number of low-income customers currently qualifying for participation in the Green Giving Program.
  • 2025: The year in which municipalities can participate in the VGP program for 2025 usage.
  • 12 months: The previous enrollment requirement for full-service residential customers in the Renewable Energy Program.

Sources:

  • Michigan Public Service Commission, Order No. U-21937, August 7, 2025.
  • Consumers Energy Company, Application for Approval of Voluntary Green Pricing Program Tariff Revisions, Case No. U-21937.