WEST CHESTER, PA — In a commitment to renewable energy and cost reduction, the Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast Pennsylvania (SEPSPA)—comprising of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties—has recently awarded a five-year contract to WGL Energy. This partnership will coordinate the purchase of retail electricity powering the counties’ operations.
SEPSPA, founded only in 2020, through the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) to build renewable energy approaches, stabilize and cut down energy expenses, and maximize resources in an efficient manner. From its inception, they’ve upheld a firm stance towards using a competitive retail market method for obtaining electricity for county operations.
WGL Energy, a seasoned retail supplier and energy risk manager possessing a strong track record servicing Pennsylvania, emerged victorious in securing a contract that could be renewed after the first half-decade, subject to the choice of SEPSPA.
Chair of Chester County Commissioners, Josh Maxwell, pointed out that creating SEPSPA with neighboring counties marked a significant initial move in slashing greenhouse gas emissions and electricity costs for county operations. “This is what being intentional about developing renewable energy strategies looks like, and it is a win-win for the entire region,” said Maxwell, underscoring the second step which involved awarding WGL Energy.
Enel X, an energy strategist, played an advisory role for SEPSPA during the competitive bidding process, helping them find an electricity provider capable of fulfilling their expansive energy goals—low-cost electricity, long-term price stability, increased transparency, and renewable energy incorporation.
Vice President of Sales for WGL Energy, Mike McGinn, expressed the company’s delight at being chosen by SEPSPA and affirmed their dedication to supporting SEPSPA’s energy objectives. He lauded SEPSPA’s commitment to empowering counties with cost-effective and sustainable energy purchasing options, attributing it to the group’s leadership and dedication.
In partnership with WGL Energy, SEPSPA has unveiled a contractual framework permitting the whole sale purchase of competitively bid fixed-rate energy blocks in the generation supply market, supplemented by energy sourced from hourly markets. This arrangement enhances flexibility and cost-effectiveness, thereby facilitating access to low, transparent, and stable electricity prices.
Bucks County Commissioner Vice Chair, Bob Harvie, hailed the partnership as a manifestation of several years of cooperation between southeast Pennsylvania’s collar counties. “For Bucks County, this agreement represents our administration’s commitment to long-term and ongoing sustainability efforts, and we are proud to be part of it”, he said.
Elaine Paul Schaefer, Delaware County Council Member, excitedly announced that they have chosen a provider for their electricity purchase. She believes their collective efforts will create a more sustainable future for residents across the entire region and future generations.
Echoing similar sentiments, Jamila Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, confirmed that WGL Energy’s proposal to manage their portfolio aligned with their interest in increasing access to low and stable energy prices, future renewables, and efficient use of resources.
In conclusion, DVRPC Executive Director, Ariella Maron, commended the counties’ commitment to realizing their renewable energy targets and extolled the program as a paradigm of the power of regional partnerships, proving the ability to tackle big challenges and reduce costs when working together.
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