Consumers Energy has reached a one percent cap on rooftop solar customers established by the state's energy law.
The utility says it plans to ask the Michigan Public Service Commission to allow it to voluntarily increase the cap to two percent, so that additional customers will be able to get permits to install solar panels on their homes.
Environmental groups are pleased by the utility's plan, but they say reaching the one percent cap is a wakeup call. DTE Energy has not yet reached its one percent cap.
The Michigan Environmental Council calls the cap arbitrary and an outdated barrier to cleaner energy, and says it also forces job losses, since once the cap is reached, people installing solar panels have no more work.
Along with other groups, MEC is calling on the state Legislature to take up a bill that lifts the cap and allows anyone in Michigan to install solar panels on their homes.
Editor's note: Consumers Energy is one of Michigan Radio's corporate sponsors.
