Legislation creating the nation’s first full-featured “sustainable energy utility” won Gov. Minner’s signature Thursday, completing what one lawmaker described as one of the General Assembly’s most important actions of the year.

Supporters of S.B. 18 said the measure could begin pushing down the cost of energy-efficient appliances, automobiles, energy bills and pollution for Delaware residents as early as next year.

“The SEU will work to provide less expensive, clean energy, which is necessary to preserving the quality of life we enjoy in our state,” Minner said. She noted the project could lead to a 400- megawatt reduction in electricity consumption, or more than half the maximum output of the Indian River Power Plant in Millsboro. […]