DNREC hosts public information event to update the State Energy Plan

DNREC held a series of public events on the State of Delaware's Energy Plan this week, including stops in Georgetown, New Castle and Dover.

The last meeting took place on Thursday at the Dover Public Library.

The meetings are part of a year-long process to update the state's energy plan, which must be conducted at least every five years. It includes plans and strategies on energy use, energy conservation and energy equity policies.

The Governor's Energy Advisory Council spent seven months last year developing recommendations to improve the energy plan. After the first round of public meetings last November, the advisory council adopted 82 recommendations in January.

Tom Noyes, chief energy policy planner at the State Energy Office, said these meetings are an opportunity for people to discuss their concerns.

“There's so much involved,” Noyes said. “It's beneficial for us to have different viewpoints and to be as engaged as possible so we can make sure that what we're doing meets the needs of all of our citizens.”

He also said that the state energy plan is aimed at meeting the needs of all citizens.

“We will use mapping and data tools to identify needs, align programs and strategies to meet the needs of underserved and overburdened communities, and then measure how well we reach those communities,” Noyes said.

DNREC will release the updated state energy plan this fall.