Level 1: An eligible electric generator creating 20 kilowatts (kW) or less at a single site. It must also use equipment certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to be in conformance with IEEE 1547.1-2020 and the UL 1741 September 28, 2021 edition.

Level 2: An eligible electric generator creating greater than 20 kW and not more than 150 kW at a single site. It must also use equipment certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to be in conformance with IEEE 1547.1-2020 and the UL 1741 September 28, 2021 edition.

Level 3: An eligible electric generator creating greater than 150 kW and note more than 550 kW at a single site.

Eligible Electric Generator: A renewable electric generator or methane digester with a generation capacity outlined in categories 1 through 3 above.

Inflow-Outflow: The power supply and distribution components for the cost of electric service. Full retail rate does not include surcharges, the system access charge of other charges assessed on a per-meter basis.

See more terms and definitions in our tariff.

You can participate in Distributed Generation if:

1. You have an eligible generator with a system size less than or equal to 550 kilowatts (kW). You’ll need to project your annual kilowatt-hours.


2. Your generator offsets the electric needs of your home or business, up to 110% of your historical 12-month usage.

Please Note: Whenever you make onsite changes that will affect your use, you’ll need to provide additional information and verification about how your annual energy use may change.

For more information, please see our terms and Definitions below.

To get started:

1. Determine your category:
• Level 1: Eligible electric generator(s) with aggregate generation of 20 kilowatts (kW) or less at a single site that use equipment certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to be in conformance with IEEE 1547.1-2020 and the UL 1741 September 28, 2021 edition.
• Level 2: Eligible electric generator(s) with aggregate generation greater than 20 kW and not more than 150 kW at a single site that use equipment certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to be in conformance with IEEE 1547.1-2020 and the UL 1741 September 28, 2021 edition.
• Level 3: Eligible electric generator(s) with aggregate generation greater than 150 kW but not more than 550 kW at a single site.
  
  
Annual energy usage (measured in kWh) is used for program eligibility consideration. Receipts within 3 months of application submission of purchased electric equipment can be provided to supplement what is deemed to be an oversized system. Example support documents can include electric vehicle registration, electric appliance purchases, or heating/cooling replacement purchases. Program eligibility is not granted for an oversized system based on projected future energy use without documentation.

In instances where specific system or site variations will affect expected production, Consumers Energy will accept Solar Production Reports from Design Software.


2. Complete the Interconnection Application (Level 1-3 Application): This form includes contact information, generation type, system size and annual energy use. You’ll be asked to pay a $50 fee. If you have questions, call us at 517-788-2119 or email us at Customer.Generation@cmsenergy.com
   
   
3. Make sure your generating system meets approved specifications submitted in your application.
   
   
4. Perform a commissioning test to ensure your generator can be safely connected to the grid.
   
   
5. Sign the Generator Interconnection Operating Agreement (GIOA) Before signing, check to be certain that all the information on your newly installed system is accurate. If you plan to make changes to your system in the future, you must notify us ahead of time.

Consumers Energy does not endorse, certify, or recommend renewable contractors. Additionally, Consumers Energy does not engage in door-to-door solicitation for its programs.

To confirm that any person on your site works for Consumers Energy, please look for:

• A company vehicle with a logo


• An employee wearing company apparel


• A representative’s badge or employee number
  
  

For a helpful resource in finding a renewable installer, please visit MichiganSaves.org, which investigates contractors through a comprehensive process and provides a directory of contractors in your area.

For your safety, please avoid sharing personal information or energy details with parties that:

• Promise or advertise that you will not receive an electric bill; even with the most optimal renewable design, you will still have a bill for certain surcharges based on your monthly load values


• Claim you can be independent from using energy from the grid; unless you terminate your electrical service from your utility provider, you will still have load requirements from the utility provider


• Promise or advertise that you will not have to pay for solar equipment when choosing their company; grants and other rebates may exist, but these are independent processes from Consumers Energy. You will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your renewable equipment.


• Offer solar equipment with no upfront cost when choosing their company