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Renewable energy systems such as solar or wind power that generate all or a portion of the power
needed by a utility customer are referred to as distributed energy resources (DERs). The City of Sturgis
has a DER program which addresses cases where customers wish to connect a DER to the City’s electric
system.

Use of a DER (such as solar panels) connected to the City’s electric system can not only offset the cost of
customer’s electric bills through reduction of use (as a non-connected system would), but also allows for
utility bill credits for excess power as outlined in the City Distributed Energy Resource Rider. A copy of
the details of the DER Rider, including eligibility, billing, and requirements is available at this link: CITY
OF STURGIS DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCE RIDER

In order to qualify for the DER Program and connect a DER to the City’s system, customers must use the
procedure outlined below.

Step 1: Application. Complete the DER Application document and submit to the City of Sturgis Electric Administration Office, along with the application fee ($100 for residential and $500 for commercial).

• DER Interconnection Application Form

Step 2: Feasibility and Operating Agreement. The City of Sturgis Electric Department reviews the DER Application to determine feasibility of the proposed DER. Based on this review, the City of Sturgis Electric Department MAY require an interconnection study and associated Interconnection Study Agreement; if required, the cost of the study is paid by the customer.

If an interconnection study is not required or a study has been completed and the proposed distributed electric generator is determined to be feasible, the applicant will be notified to complete and return the DER Interconnection and Operating Agreement to the City of Sturgis Electric Department Administration Office.

• DER Interconnection Study Agreement
• DER Interconnection and Operating Agreement

Step 3: Permitting. Once the DER Interconnection and Operating Agreement has been finalized, the customer can begin applying for necessary permits for construction. The installation of a distributed electric generator system must meet state and local zoning, building, and electrical codes as well as adhere to the DER Technical Standards Manual provided by the Sturgis Electric Department. Customers or their licensed contractors can begin the permitting process by contacting the City of Sturgis Community Development Department at 269-659-7230 or going online at the link below.

• DER Technical Standards Manual
• City of Sturgis Community Development Department

Step 4: Inspection and Operation. Upon issuance of a City of Sturgis Zoning Permit, City of Sturgis Building Permit, and State of Michigan Electrical Permit as well as completion of the solar facility construction the City of Sturgis Electric Department will inspect the installation. Once all state and local inspectors and the City of Sturgis Electric Department approves the service, connection of the system and operation under the DER would begin.

Customers interested in installing a DER like solar panels or a wind turbine are not required to connect to the City’s electric system through the DER Program. In such cases, customers would not be eligible for the benefits of the DER Rider and Program but would be able to use the DER to reduce usage.

If wishing to install a DER without participating in the DER Program, customers should contact the City of Sturgis Community Development Department at 269-659-7230 or go to their webpage at the link above. The installation of any DER system must be permitted and meet state and local zoning, building, and electrical codes. Construction can begin after issuance of a City of Sturgis Zoning Permit, City of Sturgis Building Permit, and State of Michigan Electrical Permit.