ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Ann Arbor residents voted to authorize a community-owned sustainable energy utility to supplement DTE Energy grids in the city.
The Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) will be offered as an opt-in utility that offers 100% renewable energy from solar and battery storage systems that will be installed at homes and businesses in Ann Arbor, according to a release from the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations.
“We are incredibly excited to begin building a utility of the future right here in Ann Arbor,” said Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor. “The SEU will bring 100% renewable, clean, reliable and more affordable energy to residents, and bring Ann Arbor closer to our A2ZERO goals.”
Now that the SEU has been approved, the city hopes to launch the utility within 18 to 24 months.
What does the SEU mean for Ann Arbor residents?
The SEU is a supplemental and optional utility for residents. It won’t replace the pre-existing grid, and only residents who opt-in to its services will pay for it.
Because the utility uses local renewable energy and energy storage systems, residents who opt-in to SEU will have power even when the DTE grid is disturbed.
How do residents opt-in to the SEU?
Residents who want to enroll in the SEU services are encouraged to join the waitlist.
Anyone interested in hearing about informational sessions and events, or other updates related to SEU should also sign up for the waitlist and monitor the SEU website.