Thursday, June 28, 2007
Governor Minner Signs Senate Bill 18
Dover – Today Governor Ruth Ann Minner signed Senate Bill 18, sponsored by Sen. Harris McDowell, which creates a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU), a public/private partnership that uses public funding sources and consumer savings, combined with private sector funds and management skills, to address Delaware’s consumer energy issues.
“As Governor, I have focused a great deal of effort on creating a Livable Delaware for all of our residents,” said Governor Minner. “The SEU will work to provide less expensive, clean energy, which is necessary to preserving the quality of life we enjoy in our state. Sen. McDowell has been tireless in his efforts to get this bill passed, and I commend him for his foresight and innovative approach to this vitally important issue.”
The SEU will focus on all energy fuels and use a market-based and market-driven approach to address energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and energy conservation in our state. Senate Bill 18 builds on similar initiatives in Vermont and New Jersey and would include packaged services designed by the SEU and delivered by competitively selected contractors. These services would include one-stop shopping for efficient appliances, energy audits, renewable energy for households, financing for green buildings, clean vehicle incentives, and critical information about cost-saving energy options.
“The signing of SB18 and the creation of the SEU will enable us to move away from the old command and control approach of energy policy. The SEU now makes Delaware the leader in sustainability and energy efficiency policy,” said Sen. McDowell. “I would like to thank all the members of the task force, especially Dr. John Byrne, director of the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy (CEEP), and his research team from the University of Delaware for their support and dedication on this issue. I would also like to thank Gov. Minner and Sec. John Hughes for their continued support and commitment to addressing environmental issues that will affect future generations in Delaware.”
Proposed by Sen. McDowell and created by the General Assembly in June 2006, the bi-partisan Task Force convened in October to recommend statewide access to energy efficiency, customer-sited renewable energy, clean vehicles, sustainable architecture, and affordable energy services for all Delawareans. With research assistance from the University of Delaware’s Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, the final report shows that Delaware can save over 30% in total energy use within the next 8 years by improving energy services for Delawareans.
"Senator Harris McDowell and the team from the University of Delaware have formulated a national model for delivery of renewable energy and energy efficiency services that will benefit Delawareans in real terms - in their wallets as well as in their environment," said John A. Hughes, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
