WEST CHESTER, PA — Four counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania—Chester, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery—are making significant strides in adopting renewable energy for county operations through their collective effort under the Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast PA (SEP). This initiative has set ambitious goals for transitioning to renewable electricity, reflecting a landmark step toward environmental sustainability in the region.
The SEP, formed to enhance access to stable, cost-effective, and transparent electricity procurement, has outlined a comprehensive renewable energy purchasing strategy. The strategy, adopted by the SEP Energy Board in August 2024, targets 100 percent renewable electricity for county operations by 2035. To ensure steady progress, interim benchmarks have been set, with counties aiming to source 25 percent by 2026, 75 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2032.
Guidelines accompanying the strategy prioritize energy from diverse generation sources, with a focus on new solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects within the Delaware Valley. The SEP aims to spur clean energy development by sourcing from new projects rather than existing ones, thereby contributing to the region’s renewable infrastructure.
Before the partnership’s establishment, the counties relied on Green-E Renewable Energy Credits to offset conventional energy use. Moving forward, the SEP intends to augment these credits with direct procurement of renewable energy, on-site energy generation at county facilities, and participation in innovative energy projects. Federal incentives are also being explored to facilitate long-term power purchase agreements or lead new clean energy initiatives.
Additionally, the SEP is actively seeking to expand membership, with guidelines adopted in December 2024 allowing municipalities, public school systems, and municipal authorities to join. This move is anticipated to amplify the partnership’s purchasing power and accelerate its collective impact.
“Adding new public members that have similar goals of transitioning to renewable energy will amplify the SEP’s purchasing power and impact, to the benefit of all,” said Vice Chair Julie Bookheimer, emphasizing the partnership’s focus on collaboration and regional impact.
With the support of electricity supplier WGLES and energy consultant EnelX, the SEP is poised to lead Southeastern Pennsylvania’s transition to renewable energy. By aligning with a forward-thinking strategy, the four counties and future members are setting an example of how regional partnerships can foster sustainability and economic progress while lessening dependence on fossil fuels.
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