Environmental responsibility is a key cornerstone of public power. In meeting this, utilities fulfill a variety of roles, such as:
- Tracking environmental performance of their operations, such as emissions
- Researching options for increasing sustainability and efficiency of their systems
- Implementing energy efficiency practices in their operations, including within their facilities
- Supporting customers in maximizing energy efficiency, such as through audits and financing programs
- Managing vegetation near electric system assets
- Protecting or working to minimize effects on local habitats/wildlife from electrical systems
- Including renewable and non-emitting sources in their generation mix, or offering customers the option to voluntarily buy energy from renewable resources
- Incentivizing, educating, and/or supporting customers on solar PV, storage, EV charging, or other technology that helps to lower emissions
- Collaborating with other city departments to optimize environmental performance and processes, such as paperless billing, recycling, and sustainable supply management
- Promoting environmentally beneficial electrification that reduces overall energy intensity
- Educating customers on optimal water use and reuse
