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Investor-owned utilityDTE Energy interconnection application
DTE Energy is an investor-owned utility serving 2,078,328 residential customers in Michigan (EIA-861, 2025). Applications: PowerClerk (DTE Interconnection (PowerClerk)). Gridpol files DTE 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 DTE Energy’s official sources (see below). PE stamp threshold and battery-specific requirements not stated on page; check category PDFs.
DTE Energy at a glance
DTE Electric Company (DTE Energy)
TypeInvestor-owned utility
EIA utility ID5109
Residential customers2,078,328 (EIA-861, 2025)
Net-metered residential customers11,672 (EIA-861, 2025)
Service territory25 counties in Michigan
How to applyPowerClerk – DTE Interconnection (PowerClerk) · official link
Who submitsUsually the installer submits in PowerClerk after the customer accepts a proposal; installer can grant the customer PowerClerk access. Customer may also apply directly. Mailed applications: Interconnection Coordinator, 490 SB, One Energy Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226.
Export compensationNet billing – Rider 18 Distributed Generation
Net metering Rider 16 closed to applications submitted on/after May 9, 2019.
Category 1-2: typically 5-6 weeks end to end if paperwork, fee, drawings, installation and POA are completed promptly. Corrections due within 60 days or reapply with new fee. Install within 180 days after approval.
Documents DTE Energy asks for
- Interconnection application formOnline in PowerClerk with application fee Gridpol prepares this.
- Single-line diagram (one-line)'Engineering drawings' required Gridpol prepares this.
- Site plan / site layoutPart of engineering drawings/construction documents Gridpol prepares this.
- Interconnection agreementParallel Operating Agreement (POA) sent via DocuSign
- Other utility-specific documentConstruction documents uploaded after installation (within 180 days of approval)
- Other utility-specific documentExternally located, readily accessible, taggable AC disconnect per Green Book sections 5 and 7
How the DTE Energy process runs
- Determine project size/category and review Green Book sections 5 and 7.
- Installer (or customer) submits application and fee in PowerClerk.
- DTE technical review; corrections within 60 days.
- Approval; install within 180 days and upload construction documents.
- Sign Parallel Operating Agreement (DocuSign).
- Project enters site visit queue; system must stay OFF.
- DTE site visit: tests, configures meter, switches AC disconnect ON if passed and emails Parallel Operating Authorization via PowerClerk (failed visit: fix and request second visit).
Fees
| Fee | Applies to | Note |
|---|---|---|
| $50 | Category 1 (<=20 kW) and Category 2 (>20-150 kW) | |
| $150 | Category 3 (>150-550 kW) | |
| $250 | Category 4 (>550 kW-2 MW) | |
| $500 | Category 5 (>2 MW) | |
| $50 | New application when customer moves premises |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | 20 kW | |
| Category 2 | 150 kW | |
| Category 3 | 550 kW | |
| Category 4 | 2000 kW | |
| Category 5 | >2 MW |
Michigan MIXDG rules (2023). Distributed Generation program (Rider 18) applies to new applications.
Storage, EV and stamps
Battery storage
Not described on the DTE interconnection process page; Michigan MIXDG rules treat storage as DER. Verify battery documentation in PowerClerk.
Common issues the utility lists
- Panels covered with snow/leaves/debris at site visit
- Inverter not powered on before visit
- AC disconnect not in OFF position before visit
- AC disconnect and meter more than 5 feet apart (install photo must show both)
- System switched on before DTE approval
Gridpol’s pre-submission check covers these before we file.
Sources
- DTE Residential Solar Power Generation: Interconnection Process: https://solutions.dteenergy.com/dte/en/Services/CleanVision-Service/Rooftop-Solar-and-Private-Generation/p/ROOFTOP_SOLAR (retrieved 2026-11-13)
- DTE Solar Panel Interconnection Process Overview: https://www.dteenergy.com/content/dam/dteenergy/deg/website/common/service-and-request/interconnection-process/SolarPanelInstallationOverview.pdf (retrieved 2026-11-13)
- DTE PowerClerk job aid for installers: https://www.dteenergy.com/content/dam/dteenergy/deg/website/hybris/InterconnectionPortalJobAidInstallers.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.