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Investor-owned utilityConsumers Energy interconnection application
Consumers Energy is an investor-owned utility serving 1,662,741 residential customers in Michigan (EIA-861, 2025). Applications: PowerClerk (Consumers Energy PowerClerk). Gridpol files Consumers Energy interconnection applications for licensed installers – solar, storage and EV chargers – with single-line diagram and site plan, unlimited for $500 a month.
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Process verified from Consumers Energy’s official sources (see below). Exact step order to PTO and review timelines not confirmed; check interconnection procedures Level 1&2 PDF.
Consumers Energy at a glance
Consumers Energy Co (CMS Energy)
TypeInvestor-owned utility
EIA utility ID4254
Residential customers1,662,741 (EIA-861, 2025)
Net-metered residential customers12,024 (EIA-861, 2025)
Service territory60 counties in Michigan
How to applyPowerClerk – Consumers Energy PowerClerk · official link
Who submitsApplications online via PowerClerk; customer or installer. Customers with an Alternate Energy Provider must also apply to the AEP for Distributed Generation.
Export compensationNet billing – Distributed Generation program
Michigan DG program (inflow/outflow).
Per Michigan MIXDG rules (2023); no timeline stated on Consumers page.
Documents Consumers Energy asks for
- Interconnection application formForm 1219 (Levels 1-3, <=550 kW), also DG program application Gridpol prepares this.
- Site plan / site layoutPanels shown on site plan; panel quantity must be clear (exporting solar checklist) Gridpol prepares this.
- Single-line diagram (one-line)Drawn by us from your equipment data: modules, strings, inverter, battery, disconnects, point of interconnection, meter. Gridpol prepares this.
- PV module spec sheetManufacturer data sheet of the modules.
- Inverter spec sheetManufacturer data sheet (string inverter, microinverter or hybrid inverter).
- Battery spec sheet (when applicable)Battery systems have additional checklist requirements
- Interconnection agreementForm 1216 operating agreement (<=550 kW)
- Other utility-specific documentCommissioning Test Report Form 1739
- Recent electric bill (when applicable)Account number must match billing records
How the Consumers Energy process runs
- Submit Form 1219 application with drawings and fee in PowerClerk.
- Technical review per exporting checklist.
- Sign operating agreement (Form 1216).
- Install; submit commissioning test report (Form 1739).
- Meter and approval to operate.
Fees
| Fee | Applies to | Note |
|---|---|---|
| $50 | Distributed Generation program application review | Legacy NEM/DG fee plus fast/study track fees capped at $50 total |
| $300 + $100 + $1/kWac | Non-export / Fast Track certified (pre-application + application) | |
| $100 + $2/kWac | Non-certified equipment | |
| $1,000 | Supplemental review (non-DG) |
Utility fees are paid by the installer or customer; they are not part of the Gridpol plan.
Size levels and limits
| Level | Up to | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 20 kW | |
| Level 2 | 150 kW | |
| Level 3 | 550 kW | |
| Level 4 | 1000 kW | |
| Level 5 | >1 MW |
Levels by AC nameplate DER capacity including existing systems on site.
Storage, EV and stamps
Battery storage
Battery systems have additional requirements in the Level 1-3 technical review checklist; storage is DER under MIXDG rules.
Common issues the utility lists
- Solar panels not shown on site plan / panel quantity unclear
- Account number not matching billing records
Gridpol’s pre-submission check covers these before we file.
Sources
- Consumers Generator Interconnection Information: https://www.consumersenergy.com/residential/renewable-energy/generation-interconnection-information (retrieved 2026-11-13)
- Level 1-3 technical review checklist for exporting: https://www.consumersenergy.com/-/media/CE/Documents/Customer Forms/interconnection/level-1-3-application-technical-review-checklist-for-exporting.pdf (retrieved 2026-11-13)
Other utilities in Michigan
$500 / month
Unlimited interconnection applications. 12-month agreement, signed online. The agreement starts the day you sign; first invoice right away, then monthly.
- Unlimited interconnection applications
- Single-line diagram and site plan for every application
- Pre-submission check against the utility’s requirements
- Homeowner e-signature link for the authorization
- Filing in your utility portal accounts or by the utility’s method
- Utility questions, corrections and resubmissions
- Follow-up through approval, inspection and PTO
- Customer list, exports, API and webhooks
Applications are typically submitted within 2 business days after complete documents. Utility review times are set by each utility.