PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering electricity costs has taken center stage as a number of local counties partnered to purchase their energy together.
Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties are teaming up to take a wholesale market approach to purchasing electricity for county operations.
Delaware County Council vice chair Elaine Paul Schaefer says they’ve worked together in this capacity before, but now they’re doing so through a managed sub-account.
“Usually we enter into three year contracts. We’re unable to react to market forces,” explained Schaefer. “[This] will give us flexibility and the ability to respond to market fluctuations in terms of price but also in terms of type and where we are getting our energy,” said Schaefer.
The joint venture, dubbed the Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast Pennsylvania, lets them get more bang for their buck, but according to Schafer, it’s about more than just their bottom line.
“We all also have climate control goals and environmental aspirations to really have an impact and reduce our carbon emissions,” she said. “This type of buying power will help us make sure we are investing in renewable energy and, importantly, maybe even encouraging it and incentivizing it in our region.
The partnership also pairs the counties up with ongoing energy market intelligence, guidance, and direction from sustainable energy firm Enel X, which also advises the city of Philadelphia. The group’s energy board, coordinated by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, will meet quarterly with their advisor to evaluate market conditions, approve future procurements, and develop strategies for renewable energy procurement.