Interconnection Standards

May 30, 2024

Summary

Note: As of May 2024, utility-specific interconnection rules proposed by Michigan's various investor-owned utilities are currently under review by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The new rules must incorporate changes required by Public Act 235 of 2023.

Michigan adopted new statewide interconnection standards, the MIXDG rules, in 2023.

The new interconnection standards use a five-tier system similar to previous rules, but with fast-track processes available for all tiers. The five tiers are:

Level 1: Certified, 20 kW or less
Level 2: Certified, 20-150 kW
Level 3: Not certified, 150 kW or less, or 150-550 kW
Level 4: 550 kW- 1 MW
Level 5: Greater than 1 MW

Fee amounts may not exceed:

$300 for the pre-application report
$100 + $1/kW for certified DERs and $100 + $2/kW for non-certified DERs for the non-export track
$100 + $1/kW for certified DERs and $100 + $2/kW for non-certified DERs for the fast track initial review fee
$1,000 for a fast track supplemental review
$300 for the study track interconnection application review and scoping meeting
$10,000 for the system impact study
$15,000 for the facilities study

Tracks available include the non-export track for systems that will not export electricity to the grid, the fast track for systems that will not interconnect with the utility's high voltage distribution system, and the study track for systems that do not qualify for the other tracks or do not pass initial reviews in the other tracks.

Insurance is not required for level 1 or 2 projects. Level 3 projects must have at least $1 million in insurance, level 4 projects at least $2 million, and level 5 projects at least $3 million.

Customers using energy storage devices in conjunction with generation shall not use the energy storage system to provide output exceeding 100% of the customer's electricity consumption for the previous 12 months. Addition of storage to a pre-existing generation system is a material modification that requires a new interconnection application. Utility interconnection procedures must include details describing how energy storage can be integrated into existing legacy net metering program systems without affecting the 10-year grandfathering period or participation in the distributed generation program.

If necessary to promote grid reliability or safety, the MPSC may promulgate rules that require the use of inverters that perform specific automated grid-balancing functions to integrate distributed generation onto the electric grid.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Regulatory Policy
State:	Michigan
Incentive Type:	Interconnection
Web Site:	https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/regulatory/electricity/renewable-energy/generator-interconnection
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Solar Photovoltaics Wind (All) Biomass Hydroelectric Municipal Solid Waste Combined Heat & Power Fuel Cells using Non-Renewable Fuels Landfill Gas Tidal Wave Wind (Small) Hydroelectric (Small) Anaerobic Digestion Fuel Cells using Renewable Fuels Other Distributed Generation Technologies Microturbines Lithium-ion
Applicable Utilities:	Investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives
System Capacity Limit:	110% of customer's electricity consumption for the previous 12 months
Standard Agreement:	Yes
Insurance Requirements:	Vary by system size and/or type; levels established by PSC
External Disconnect Switch:	Not addressed
Net Metering Required:	No

Authorities

Name:	MCL § 460.1171 et seq.
Date Enacted:	10/06/2008
Effective Date:	10/06/2008

Name:	Interconnection and Distributed Generation Standards Final Rule
Date Enacted:	04/25/2023

Name:	P.A. 235
Date Enacted:	11/29/2023
Effective Date:	02/27/2024

Contact

Name:	Cathy Cole
Organization:	Michigan Public Service Commission
Address:
Phone:	(517) 241-6065
Email:	colec1@michigan.gov

Name:	Julie Baldwin
Organization:	Michigan Public Service Commission
Address:	P.O. Box 30221 Lansing MI 48909
Phone:	(517) 284-8318
Email:	baldwinj2@michigan.gov

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.