The Sustainable Energy Partnership

The Sustainable Energy Partnership (SEP) has been working together since September 2020 to help member governments secure access to reliable, low-cost energy prices and purchase renewable energy to power county operations in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. In October 2023, the four counties adopted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing an Energy Board to oversee the Partnership and advance shared goals:

1. Meet renewable energy targets.
2. Lower energy costs and lessen budget risk.
3. Grow Pennsylvania's renewable energy resources.
4. Institutionalize and plan for ongoing energy procurement.
5. Avoid overburdening county resources.

In 2024, SEP established a wholesale electricity portfolio to provide member governments with more predictable and stable energy prices. A competitively selected supplier manages a dedicated wholesale subaccount for all members, building the portfolio over time under a consultant’s guidance and according to SEP’s approved cost-management strategy for electricity and renewable energy.

The portfolio includes fixed-rate blocks of power (typically for 80% of load) purchased on the forward market for up to four years in advance through a transparent wholesale bid process, with the remaining supply from PJM’s hourly-priced market. This strategy allows for a consistent billing rate, opportunities to reduce energy usage, and flexibility to procure renewable energy.

New members can join by invitation of the SEP Board if they meet criteria such as load size, credit-worthiness, and alignment with renewable energy goals.

Energy Board

• Chairperson: Devi Ramkissoon, Montgomery County (alternate: Joe Coco)
• Bucks County Appointee: David Bria (alternate: Jeannette Weaver)
• Chester County Appointee: Julie Bookheimer (alternate: Vickie Brown)
• Delaware County Appointee: Steve Goldfield (alternate: Rebecca Yurkovich)
• Coordinator: Liz Compitello, DVRPC
• Meeting Frequency: The Energy Board meets quarterly. Agendas will be posted approximately 7 days before a meeting. Public comment can be submitted via SEPSPA@dvrpc.org.

Sustainable Energy Partnership of Southeast PA Adopted Guiding Documents

1. SEP Memorandum of Understanding (PDF)
2. Electricity Procurement and Management Plan (PDF)
3. Program Operating Procedures (PDF)
4. Renewable Energy Strategy (PDF)
5. New Member Qualifications (PDF)