DOVER, DE — Delaware residents will soon have the chance to explore the latest strategies incorporated into the updated State Energy Plan. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) will host public information meetings this month in each county.
The DNREC’s State Energy Office has been updating the energy plan for the past year, integrating public input throughout the process. DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin emphasized the importance of this feedback.
“Feedback from the public who attended meetings or completed online surveys helped shape the strategies outlined in the Plan, shifting toward a more resilient and reliable electric grid and identifying actions Delaware can take to achieve state greenhouse gas reduction targets in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Garvin.
The update process involved four workgroups within the Governor’s Energy Advisory Council (GEAC). These workgroups, which include Renewable Energy and Clean Technologies, Energy Efficiency and Electrification, Grid Modernization, and Environmental Justice and Energy Equity, met from June to December last year. Their goal was to gather and incorporate diverse perspectives on what should be included in the plan.
As part of its outreach strategy, the State Energy Office, in collaboration with the GEAC, conducted public input and information sessions in each county last November. More than 150 residents participated in these sessions, with additional input gathered through online surveys.
The workgroups compiled over 250 recommendations, with 82 forwarded to the full Council for approval. These recommendations were all approved by a majority vote.
The upcoming public information meetings offer a chance for residents to arrive at any time during the two-hour events, view displays, and learn about the State Energy Plan update from DNREC State Energy Office staff.
The draft energy plan public information meetings will be held at the following locations:
- Tuesday, Aug. 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cheer Community Center, 20520 Sand Hill Road, Georgetown
- Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Route 9 Library and Innovation Center, 3022 New Castle Avenue, New Castle
- Thursday, Aug. 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover
These meetings are part of Delaware’s ongoing effort to engage the public in developing a state energy plan that addresses modern challenges and future needs.
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