Chester County Joins Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast PA
Fall 2023
At their October 12 meeting, the Chester County Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding between Chester, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties to create and participate in the Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast PA. Together, the group will take a wholesale market approach to purchasing low, transparent, and stable electricity for county operations.
Although the way in which the county purchases its electricity may not seem like a sustainability decision, this more actively managed approach will provide a pathway for each of the counties to reach their shared goals to reduce greenhouse gases by allowing them to directly purchase electricity from renewable sources. The Sustainable Energy Partnership will also be able to onboard new members in the future, potentially including municipalities, schools, and municipal authorities with similar goals.
In a joint statement, the Chester County Commissioners said, "The Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast PA is an important initiative that will make a difference in how Chester County buys energy and will help us achieve both our Climate Action Plan goals, and the goals outlined in the county's Comprehensive Plan, Landscapes3. This joint venture with our neighboring counties will give us flexibility in purchasing electricity, will allow purchasing from local renewable energy projects, and is expected to reduce the cost of electricity. It's a win-win for everyone."
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) will serve as coordinator of the group, with ongoing support and guidance from a consultant, Enel X.
As the Commissioners noted, this initiative supports both Chester County's Climate Action Plan and the Connect goal in Landscapes3. It also adds to the list of county initiatives that support sustainable advancement, including last month's Sustainability Summit which welcomed more than 300 people.
The Sustainable Energy Board's first meeting was held on 11/13 where the Board approved its program operating procedures and an RFP for an electricity supplier. The Board will soon develop a renewable energy strategy, as well as a strategy for onboarding new members.