June 4, 2015 | By Jaclyn Brandt

DTE Electric has plans to reduce the monthly surcharge paid by residential customers to zero, and has filed an amended renewable energy plan with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).

DTE Electric service area. Credit: DTE Energy

DTE Energy first began collecting the fees in 2009 -- in order to meet Michigan's renewable energy goals established in 2008. DTE had been collecting $3 per residential customer and, in 2013 reduced that to $0.43. If MPSC approves the new renewable energy plan, customer bills would be reduced by a total of $15 million each year.

"The plan reflects DTE Energy's long-term commitment to provide clean and affordable energy to our customers," said Irene Dimitry, DTE Energy's vice president, Business Planning & Development, in a statement. "The company's renewable energy projects also have a significant economic impact on the communities in which they're located. These projects already have created about 1,400 jobs across Michigan, primarily in the construction sector."    

In their new plan, DTE Electric said they also plan to meet the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) of 10 percent by 2015. DTE Energy currently has more than 1,000 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy owned and operated by DTE Electric, as well as energy purchased from developers in Michigan.

DTE Energy is also planning a pilot program for customers to volunteer to get 10 percent of their energy from renewable energy sources. Scott Simons, spokesperson for DTE Energy, told FierceEnergy that they have not yet released details on the details or goals of the pilot plan.

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http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/dte-looks-eliminate-renewable-energy-surcharge/2015-06-04