The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Jan. 25 approved an experimental Michigan Saves billing program for Consumers Energy that would help certain governmental entities finance the cost of the installation of new LED street lighting.  This is the first approved Michigan Saves programavailable to municipalities inthe state.

The program would be available to certain governmental entities currently served on a metered streetlight rate.  The utility will serve as the billing agent for the Michigan Saves financed projects.

A charge equal to or less than the anticipated savings to the participating customer would be placed on the energy bill by the company and paid by the participating customer.  Consumers Energy will act as the billing agent and forward the payment received to the appropriate entity identified by the Michigan Saves program.

Michigan Saves serves as an administrative structure that operates a trust fund to support financing of efficiency measures with no up‑front cost to all utility customers (commercial, industrial, residential). 

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.

Case No. U-16157