Sustainable Energy Utility

Program Overview

Implementing Sector	State
Category	Regulatory Policy
State	Delaware
Incentive Type	Public Benefits Fund
Web Site	https://www.energizedelaware.org/about-us/
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies	Solar Water Heat, Solar Photovoltaics, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Wind (Small)
Eligible Efficiency Technologies	Yes; specific technologies not identified
Applicable Sectors	Commercial, Industrial, Nonprofit, Residential, Schools, Agricultural, Institutional
Types	Renewables, Energy Efficiency, Low Income, Clean Vehicles
Total Fund	TBD

Summary

The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility

The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (DESEU) was created in June, 2007 to serve as the “one-stop-shop” for sustainable energy services in Delaware. Through Energize Delaware, the state enables all energy end-users, regardless of market segment, fuel use, or utility service, to have access to incentives for renewable and efficient energy technologies. DESEU manages programs targeting energy efficiency, low income energy use, customer-sited renewable energy, alternative fuel vehicles and clean transportation, and green building. The DESEU also manages the Green Energy Fund in cooperation with the Delaware Energy Office. In 2019, Delaware had a net incremental electricity saving of 22,447 MWh and natural gas and fuel efficiency program savings of 98,788 MMBtu. That year, Delaware was ranked twentieth in the nation by the ACEE for it’s state best-practice energy policies.

Funding and Legislation

To generate additional revenue, DESEU is empowered to charge a fee for aggregating renewable energy credits and selling them on behalf of customer generators. The DESEU can also enter into shared savings arrangements for its energy efficiency programs and can also issue special purpose bonds between 2007 and 2015 which are capped at $30 million. In addition to establishing the DESEU, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 18 of 2007 also details the structure of the SEU and requires that the state contract with a third-party manager for the DESEU’s administration and finances.

Programs