Susatinability

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Sustainability

Environmental Leadership

DEMEC, like other public power systems across the nation, is a leader in the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the communities they serve. DEMEC has provided green energy products to its members since 2004, long before the Delaware Renewable Portfolio Standard became law. 

DEMEC has made significant long-term investments in renewable energy. DEMEC has invested millions of dollars in the development of a large portfolio of qualifying renewable energy generation resources to achieve the lowest possible compliance cost. DEMEC also has several other pending agreements in other renewable energy generation projects at this time. As DEMEC and other public power utilities across the country continue to diversify their generation portfolios, there are many factors to consider. To learn more about public power’s efforts and challenges with decarbonization, see APPA’s Smart Decarbonization eBook. 

Partnership with University of Delaware

The only significant wind generation resource installed in the State of Delaware is in a DEMEC municipal service territory. The power is generated by a utility-scale 2-megawatt (2MW) wind turbine at UD’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. DEMEC purchases 100% of the renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by the University of Delaware’s wind turbine. In addition, DEMEC supports student research fellowships on wind energy in the University’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment.

Learn More About Your Energy Costs

EPA’s Home Energy Yardstick provides a simple assessment of your home’s annual energy use compared to similar homes. By answering a few basic questions about your home, you can get:

  • Your home’s Home Energy Yardstick score (on a scale of 0 to 10);

  • Insights into how much of your home’s energy use is related to heating and cooling versus other everyday uses like appliances, lighting, and hot water;

  • Links to guidance from ENERGY STAR on how to increase your home’s score, improve comfort, and lower utility bills; and

  • An estimate of your home’s annual carbon emissions.

Dept. of Energy – Energy Saver shares information, tips, and videos that show how you can save energy and use renewable energy at home (from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy). 

CFL Data Center

Compact Fluorescent Lamp Myths – Learn more about common myths behind CFLs as addressed by the Electric Power Research Institute.

Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007 – H.R. 6 contains several points of improved energy efficiency measurements, including the mandate to replace incandescent lights with more efficient models like CFLs.

State of Delaware CFL Recycle Sites– Delaware Division of Energy & Climate Resources

Home Depot Recycling Centers – Find a place near you to recycle your old rechargeable batteries, CFL light bulbs, and old holiday light strings.