An Applied Local Sustainable Energy Model

Abstract

Climate change is only one factor driving growing numbers of cities throughout the globe to reconsider conventional approaches to electricity generation and use. In the U.S., this momentum is incorporating a shift away from centralized, supply-side approaches reliant on fossil fuels and nuclear power, toward more distributed, flexible, and cleaner energy systems. In this regard, such systems entail elements of the emerging Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) model enacted by the U.S. state of Delaware in 2007. The potential value of this model can be explored by examining those locales where elements of energy service compatible with an SEU have currently been adopted and implemented. This paper looks to one such community, Austin, Texas, to assess its utilization of an alternative energy pathway and the outcomes observed to date. Considered here are the technical, economic, and environmental dimensions of change, as well as the social dynamics accompanying new imperatives for energy development.

Leadership Strategies for Embedding Sustainability and Resilience in Organizations with an Emphasis on Sustainable Energy

“…The findings of this research are consistent with previous inquiries of cities and the impact of renewable energy, energy management, and energy efficiency (Alibašić, 2015(Alibašić, & 2017bBossink, 2017;Hughes, 2009, Houck & Rickerson 2009Lin & Huang, 2009). Furthermore, findings document a correlation between the successful implementation of sustainable energy management and leadership.…”

“…Moreover, a new fiscal distress dynamic dictates new approaches, and sustainable energy management offers novel venues to address the issues related to the economic, social, environmental, and governance elements of sustainability aligned with a pragmatic, practical worldview. Researchers in previous studies surmised the importance of sustainable energy, and sustainable energy models for cities (Houck & Rickerson, 2009;Hughes, 2009;Keirstead et al, 2012;Kim et al, 2006;Born et al, 2001).…”

Advancing transformative sustainability: A comparative analysis of electricity service and supply innovators in the United States

“…To achieve these targets, Austin Energy operates several sustainable energy programs focusing on deployment of wind and solar resources, energy efficiency, storage, and electric vehicles (EVs) (Austin Energy, ; Hughes, ), including: “Plug‐in Austin” which offers a public charging network; and Austin SHINES (Sustainable and Holistic Integration of Energy Storage and Solar Photovoltaics), which develops solar plus storage pilot projects.…”

“…In 2010 Austin Energy developed a revised "Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan," updating it twice, in 2014 and 2017 (Austin Energy, 2017b). The current goals for Austin Energy are to: To achieve these targets, Austin Energy operates several sustainable energy programs focusing on deployment of wind and solar resources, energy efficiency, storage, and electric vehicles (EVs) (Austin Energy, 2017a;Hughes, 2009), including: "Plug-in Austin" which offers a public charging network; and Austin SHINES (Sustainable and Holistic Integration of Energy Storage and Solar Photovoltaics), which develops solar plus storage pilot projects.…”