Sustainable Energy Utility

October 15, 2021

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

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®
Affordable Multifamily Housing
Home Energy Counseling and Check-up Program
Virtual Home Energy Assessment
Energize Delaware Marketplace
ZeMod
Residential Solar Loans
Solar Renewable Energy Credits
Empowerment Grant Program
Contractor Resources
Find a Participating Contractor
Weatherization Assistance
Green Energy Program

Program Overview

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

Authorities

Name:	SS1 for SB18 of 2007
Date Enacted:	6/28/2007

Contact

Name:	Scott Lynch
Organization:	Delaware Department of Natural Resources and
Address:	DE
Phone:	(302) 653-2733
Email:	slynch@demecinc.net

Name:	John Byrne
Organization:	Center for Energy and Environmental Policy
Address:	College of Urban Affairs & Public Policy Newark DE 19716
Phone:	(302) 831-8405
Email:	jbbyrne@udel.edu

Name:	Harris B. McDowell, III
Organization:	Delaware Senate
Address:	Legislative Hall Dover DE 19903
Phone:	(302) 744-4147
Email:	harris.mcdowell@state.de.us

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.