Going Green: Lower Merion Buying Fully Renewable Electricity

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA – In a move to go even more green than it already is, Lower Merion Township will be purchasing electricity from a 100 percent renewable source, the township announced.

The township voted Oct. 17 to buy totally renewable energy from Engie and Constellation. The deal goes into effect Dec. 1.

According to the township, buying renewable energy will save the township more than $644,400 over three years and significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

Figures provided by the township say renewable energy for its electricity will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 8,336 metric tons per year.

That figure is equivalent to the greenhouse gases of 1,785 passenger vehicles driven for one year; the CO2 emissions from 1,249 homes’ electric use over a year; or the carbon sequestered by 68 acres of forest preserved in one year, according to the township.

As of now, the Township purchases green energy at a 10 percent level.

"This really is a significant decision, and I would submit also an easy decision," said Dan Bernheim, President of the Board of Commissioners, at the meeting. "We’ve always considered ourselves to be on the cutting edge and the leading edge, and this is one of those areas where we should not be shy about doing that."

Nine firms responded to a request for bids from the Township, with better than expected numbers, said Township Manager Ernie McNeely, who presented the Commissioners with multiple pricing options at the monthly public Board meeting.

McNeely’s recommendation was to split the award between two bidders — Engie for the Township’s buildings and Constellation Energy for streetlights and traffic lights. It is anticipated that about $209,000 per year will be saved over a 37-month term.

The action is only the latest among a string of energy conservation moves by the township Commissioner Scott Zelov.

The Bala Cynwyd Library uses geothermal energy as one example. Lower Merion also has an aggressive tree replacement policy, a composting facility, is currently improving the viability of the mulch available to all residents, utilizes a trash-to-steam plant, and is updating lighting in public buildings to LED technology — and considering doing so for all streetlights. Zelov also cited the Lower Merion School District for its environmental efforts, including the building of two new LEED-certified high schools, with notable water conservation efforts.

"This is only a start, and not all decisions are going to be easy decisions like this," said Commissioner Andrew Gavrin, chair of the Board’s Environmental Initiative Committee. "As we heard from the public and through the recent Sustainability Workshop, we need to include sustainability throughout all of our planning."

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