Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) is a community-based model of development founded on energy conservation and the use of renewables, seeking to permanently decrease the use of source materials, water, and energy.[1] The model prescribes the creation of independent and financially self-sufficient non-profit entities for energy sustainability through conservation, efficiency, and end-user based decentralizedrenewable energy. The intent of SEU is to address concerns about climate change, rising energy prices, inequity of energy availability, and a lack of community governance of energy development.[2][3] The SEU model was developed by Dr. J. Byrne at the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Delaware.[4][5][6] The Foundation for Renewable Energy and Environment (FREE) is implementing versions of the model.[1]
In the U.S., the SEU model was first implemented by the State of Delaware,[7] followed by the District of Columbia,[8] Sonoma County in California,[9] the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA),[10][11] and the Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Finance program, which is a partnership initiative between Pennsylvania Treasury and FREE.[12] The SEU model is recognized by the U.S. White House, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Energy Agency as a viable platform to spur sustainable energy investment while driving local economic development.[13][14][15]
^ ab"FREE Policy Briefs". Foundation for Renewable Energy and Environment. 2013-11-11. Retrieved 31 July 2014.
^Houck, Jason; Rickerson, Wilson (2009). "The Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) Model for Energy Service Delivery". Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society. 29 (2): 95–107. doi:10.1177/0270467608330023. S2CID154620558.
^Byrne, John; Martinez, Cecilia; Ruggero, Colin (2009). "Relocating Energy in the Social Commons: Ideas for a Sustainable Energy Utility". Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society. 2: 81–94. doi:10.1177/0270467609332315. S2CID1116784.
^Byrne, John; Penkower, Jon. "A New Approach to Financing Energy Efficiency"(PDF). Foundation for Renewable Energy and Environment (FREE). Western City - the monthly magazine of the League of California Cities. Retrieved 6 June 2014.