Energy: alternative sources; distributed generation, storage, and aggregation; create program for in rate cases. Amends 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1001 - 460.1232) by adding pt. 9. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0732'25

SB 731 creates a new program to coordinate customer-owned energy resources like rooftop solar, home batteries, and electric vehicles to provide grid services. It directly affects homeowners with these systems, energy aggregators (companies that bundle customer resources), and electric utilities. The bill requires utilities to work with third-party aggregators during specific "program events" to manage distributed energy resources (such as solar panels or batteries) and demand response (like adjusting appliance use) to support grid reliability. Key mechanisms include defining terms like "aggregator" and establishing communication systems between utilities and these third parties. The program aims to integrate small-scale energy resources into grid operations without changing utility rates or renewable energy targets.