Electric Self-Directed Efficiency Program

As of: 3:22 AM, 11/23/24

The Power to Save Electricity

We develop and fund our many energy efficiency programs with the energy efficiency surcharge on your monthly bill. However, for our largest electric customers, the Electric Self-Directed program empowers you to opt out of the energy efficiency surcharge and use that money to fund your own savings programs instead.

Saving Electricity Your Way: How It Works

For Our Largest Electric Customers

The Electric Self-Directed program is for businesses that have an annual peak demand of one megawatt or greater, whether at a single site or combined across multiple sites. If you’re not sure whether your business qualifies, check your billing history or contact us anytime. We’ll answer any questions that you have.

Your Plan to Save

When you participate in the Electric Self-Directed program, you’re taking on the responsibility of developing your own energy efficiency programs, and Michigan law requires you to achieve annual savings of at least 1%. You can, of course, exceed those savings and save your business even more.

Report On Your Success

You will need to submit a plan every two years that will be reviewed by our program team before you are set to self-direct. You will also have to file an annual report of your implemented efficiency measures and energy saved. It’s due on March 1 of each year, reporting on the previous year’s efforts. We share these reports with the Michigan Public Service Commission, and in some cases they may ask you for additional information.

How Your Savings Will Take Shape

Your energy efficiency plan should save your business energy and money. We think you’ll find it also helps you enhance the comfort and productivity of your employees.

We remove most of the electric efficiency surcharge from your bill to support your efforts. You’ll still pay a portion of the surcharge that helps fund low-income energy assistance programs. Although you’ll no longer be eligible for our various electric rebates, you can now use those funds as you see fit to support your energy efficiency programs.

Energy Optimization Service Companies

Some businesses participating in the Electric Self-Directed program may be required by Michigan law to use the services of an Energy Optimization Service Company (EOSC). These companies, which are approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission, work with you to develop and implement your plan.

If you're a large business, you may be exempt from the EOSC requirement. Your annual peak demand must be greater than two megawatts at one site or greater than 10 megawatts aggregated over multiple sites.

When You’re Ready to Apply

After we’ve had a conversation about your savings plan, you’ll need to complete one of two forms. We’ll discuss this when you call. You’ll need either:

Three-Year Average Plan Application

Weather Normalized Plan Application

Once you’re in the program, you’ll file an annual report of your efficiency measures and savings, due on March 1 of each year.

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Please Note:

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is drafting new rules that may impact the Electric Self-Directed program. If you decide to participate in the program, you’ll be responsible for any additional or revised requirements contained in those rules. We want you to be aware of any new obligations your business may have, so please make sure to read these new rules as they come out and contact us if you have any questions or concerns.