Detroit-based DTE Energy has filed renewable energy and energy optimization proposals with the Michigan Public Service Commission that would significantly increase the amount of renewable energy generated in the state and establish broad-based energy efficiency programs for DTE Energy customers.
Public Act 295, which was passed by the Michigan Legislature in October 2008, calls for the state's electric utilities to serve 10% of its retail sales with renewable energy by 2015. To meet this goal, DTE Energy proposes adding 1,200 MW of renewable energy. The company plans to construct renewable energy projects to meet about half of this capacity and contract with third-party producers for the rest.
DTE Energy expects the majority of its renewable energy to come from wind resources, with a small portion – about 20 MW – coming from two proposed solar energy pilot projects. DTE Energy has acquired easements on more than 50,000 acres of land in Huron County in Michigan's Thumb region for development of a large-scale wind farm.
Under Public Act 295, utilities are committed to assuring that surcharges for implementing the renewable energy program do not exceed $3 a month for residential customers.
SOURCE: DTE Energy
