Community Choice Energy stabilizing power industry

Amid the uncertainty and concern surrounding PG&E’s bankruptcy and safety violations, Community Choice Energy (CCE) agencies have emerged as a stabilizing force in California’s power industry. We represent three of 19 CCE programs currently operating throughout the state. Locally, we are accelerating climate solutions while saving more than 870,000 households and businesses tens of millions on their energy bills.

At the urging of our communities, Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE) and Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) were formed by our cities and counties to provide cleaner energy. We plan to completely decarbonize our electricity supplies much faster than state goals, and already offer electricity that is between 40 and 50 percent renewable. We are building new renewable energy projects and creating jobs. In 2018, PCE broke ground on a new 200 megawatt solar facility, and SVCE signed long-term contracts for the two largest solar-plus storage projects in California.

Our communities are taking bold measures to help all of us address climate change by cleaning up our power mix. It is one of the most significant and cost- effective actions for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.

Customers still pay PG&E to deliver electricity to homes and businesses, maintain poles and power lines, and provide billing services. The electricity you use from PCE, SJCE or SVCE is billed in the “generation” line on PG&E bills, charged at a lower rate than PG&E. All rate discounts for low-income and medical baseline residents remain in effect.

Now that we have assumed the responsibility for local procurement of clean energy, we urge state lawmakers and regulators to address the need for improved safety and reliability by refocusing utilities like PG&E on maintaining grid infrastructure. As the state considers ideas for restructuring the electricity markets due to PG&E’s bankruptcy, it should recognize the role CCEs can play as the retail electricity provider for all customers, providing the benefits of reduced electricity costs and accelerated climate solutions for all.

Instead of diverting profits to shareholders, we invest in our local communities through our competitive rates and local initiatives. Collectively, PCE and SVCE saved customers an estimated $28 million on their electricity bills in 2018, and SJCE is projected to save its customers an estimated $2 million in 2019. We have also provided grants to local nonprofits that serve lowincome and underrepresented customers.

The next big carbon emitting sectors we must tackle are transportation and buildings. These also happen to be two of our region’s most complicated issues. As we work to find solutions for our congested roads and housing crisis, we must consider how to improve quality of life today while also protecting future generations.

CCE agencies can help address these problems at scale. Several PCE programs benefit San Mateo County residents with support in switching from gas to electric vehicles for all customers, including low- and moderate-income residents. SVCE will soon be launching a suite of customer programs to help customers switch to high efficiency electric appliances. SJCE, which just launched in February, will follow suit with similar programs.

For Earth Day, consider taking extra actions to lower your carbon footprint and show your support for your local energy providers. The easiest thing to do is to enroll in our voluntary 100 percent renewable power programs. This energy choice costs less than other renewable energy offerings from private companies, and the additional contribution adds to the growing demand for new renewable projects in California. Customers can visit their local community choice agency’s website to learn more about our collective leadership on climate action.