Net metering has been an essential tool for Michigan households to save on their energy bills by generating their own solar power. This system allowed solar owners to send excess power to the grid in exchange for credits at retail electricity rates. However, major Michigan utilities, including DTE Energy, have invested millions lobbying state politicians to weaken the state's net metering incentives.
Michigan’s Shift from Net Metering to Distributed Generation
In 2021, Michigan transitioned from its net metering program to a distributed generation (DG) program, significantly impacting solar system owners’ savings. Under DG, households are compensated at lower rates than traditional net metering, leading many to explore battery storage as a solution to maximize their solar energy use and energy bill savings. By storing surplus energy, homeowners can avoid sending excess power to the grid at reduced rates, instead using it to offset electricity costs when demand is high or the sun isn’t shining.
DTE Energy, Michigan’s largest utility, serves over 2.2 million customers in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Pontiac, Grand Rapids, and other areas. With a large reliance on coal and fossil fuels, DTE has lobbied heavily for policy shifts that slow solar energy growth, leading to increased home battery storage demand across Michigan. Therefore, understanding how DTE’s new solar program impacts your ability to save with solar energy is essential for maximizing the benefits of going solar.
DTE Energy’s Updated Solar Program
DTE Energy’s net metering program was once a straightforward way for Michigan homeowners to save on energy costs by generating their own solar power. Under the original net metering program, customers received full retail credit for any excess electricity fed back to the grid, making solar an attractive investment.
However, the less favorable Distributed Generation program has since replaced this program. Now, instead of receiving full retail credit for solar power, customers are compensated at a much lower rate for the excess electricity they produce. This shift has made it harder for new solar customers to achieve the same savings as before unless they also invest in solar energy storage.
While existing net metering customers were initially grandfathered into the more attractive net metering program for ten years, new applicants must now enroll in the DG program. This significantly reduces the financial benefits of going solar without an energy storage system.
However, with solar batteries, homeowners can dramatically reduce their energy bills. While this solution requires an additional upfront investment, it offers a way to reclaim your savings lost due to the utility’s push for less consumer-friendly policies.
DTE Energy Rate Hikes
Electricity in Michigan has become quite expensive. Households are now paying more for electricity, especially during the summer between 3 pm and 7 pm when DTE Energy charges peak energy rates of 22.4 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). Residents of Detroit, Anny Arbor, and Grand Rapids are experiencing frustration and outrage when opening their summer energy bills.
Recent rate hikes are most apparent during heat waves when Michiganders must crank up their air conditioners to stay cool. Unfortunately, DTE electricity rates are higher than the national average of 16.6 cents per kWh.
Michigan’s Unstable Power Grid
DTE’s outdated infrastructure and lack of investment in modernization have left the grid vulnerable to extreme weather, causing frequent and long outages. Despite high electricity rates and numerous complaints, DTE has not prioritized necessary upgrades to minimize power outages.
The company's focus on profits over improving service reliability has led to widespread frustration among Michigan residents, who are increasingly fed up with unreliable power, high electricity rates, and poor customer service. Low power grid reliability has prompted residents to install solar systems with energy storage or home generators.
DTE's Dirty Fuel Mix
Despite growing concerns about climate change and air pollution, DTE relies heavily on polluting fossil fuels to generate electricity for its residential and commercial customers.
Fuel Source From Jan. to Dec. 2023 | Fuel Mix |
Coal | 40% |
Natural Gas | 25.4% |
Nuclear | 22.5% |
Wind Energy | 10.3% |
Solar Power | 0.6% |
Oil | 0.2% |
In comparison, certain utility companies in the Upper Midwest utilize significantly more power from renewable energy sources in their fuel mix. Xcel Energy, for instance, incorporates six times as much solar power and more than double the wind energy while relying on less than a third of the coal power compared to DTE. This approach supports cleaner energy and helps protect against the volatility of fossil fuel markets.
Why Solar Battery Storage is Essential to Maximize Savings With DTE
With the shift from net metering to the DG program, solar battery storage has become crucial for maximizing your solar energy savings in Michigan.
Increases Self-Consumption
By storing excess solar power in batteries, you can tap into this energy when your solar system isn’t producing—like at night or on cloudy days—instead of relying on expensive electricity from the grid. This reduces the amount of energy you need to purchase from DTE, leading to substantial savings on your utility bills.
Avoid DTE’s Peak Energy Rates
Solar battery storage becomes even more valuable with DTE Energy's time-of-use (TOU) rates. DTE’s TOU rate structure charges higher rates during peak periods, typically from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and lower rates during off-peak times.
By storing solar power generated during the day, you can use this electricity during peak periods when utility rates are highest, minimizing your reliance on the grid and benefiting from lower energy costs. This approach helps you avoid peak rate charges and maximizes the benefits of your solar investment.
Backup Power During Outages
We’ve all experienced the frustration of losing power—whether it’s worrying about food spoiling or pipes freezing during a winter outage. Solar battery storage provides essential backup power during grid outages, ensuring a more reliable energy supply for your home. By relying on your stored solar power during blackouts or disruptions, you can keep your home running smoothly and stay resilient during extreme weather events.
By harnessing clean, renewable energy from the sun, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and cut ties with the pollution-heavy power sources that dominate the grid. Plus, with advancements in solar technology and available incentives, switching to solar has never been more accessible or cost-effective. Taking control of your energy production today means you’re contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment for the future.
Want to learn about other evolving trends in clean energy? Check out the GreenLancer blog!
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