ANN ARBOR — Ann Arbor residents have voted to authorize Proposal A: Creation of a Sustainable Energy Utility. The Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) will be an opt-in, supplemental, community-owned energy utility that provides 100% renewable energy from local solar and battery storage systems installed at participating homes and businesses in the city. Now authorized, the detailed final planning and design work to officially launch the SEU can begin in earnest, with a goal of utility launch within 18–24 months.
“We are incredibly excited to begin building a utility of the future right here in Ann Arbor,” said 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.”
The SEU will be supplemental and optional, meaning that it will not replace the pre-existing grid and will be paid for only by those who opt-in to SEU services. The SEU will also enhance reliability through a diverse mix of local renewable energy generation and the use of energy storage, meaning subscribers to the SEU will still have power even when disasters disrupt the traditional energy grid.
While residents may not see much regarding the deployment of SEU clean-energy assets for 18-24 months, the City of Ann Arbor is currently registering interest in the SEU and will have multiple outreach and engagement events over the coming months. Residents who are interested in enrolling in the SEU or being the first to hear about informational sessions, public engagement opportunities, or SEU-related updates, are encouraged to join the waitlist and monitor the SEU website: www.a2gov.org/a2seu.
“We want to thank everyone who helped shape the SEU, and everyone who has worked to support our A2ZERO goals,” said Milton Dohoney Jr., Ann Arbor city administrator. “Our community is able to do this transformative and innovative work because the residents of Ann Arbor empower us to do it, and for that we’re very grateful.”
A2ZERO is the city’s plan, vision, framework and associated actions to create and implement a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by the year 2030. Once operational, the SEU will bring Ann Arbor one step closer to this goal.
Residents who would like to learn more about the SEU are encouraged to visit a2gov.org/a2seu or email sustainability@a2gov.org. To learn more about A2ZERO and the city’s carbon neutrality work are encouraged to visit a2zero.org.
