Battle Looms Over Utility Bilking of California Ratepayers

(02/2021) The California Alliance for Community Energy has recently released a position paper calling for a statewide legislative effort to eliminate a fee on Community Choice energy customers that results in all California ratepayers being bilked by PG&E and the state’s other monopoly utilities. 

CPUC Stymies Community Microgrid Development

(02/2021) Despite public comment from over two dozen community advocates calling for community-driven energy resilience, the CPUC voted unanimously on January 14 to put microgrid development rules in place that fail to meet community needs.
 
At issue is whether frontline communities will be able to create community-based resilience centers where key services can be provided to those most in need when electric power is shut off. These resilience centers would use microgrid technology to continue to provide electricity to schools, community centers, food banks, and other facilities that are critical for community health and safety. Currently there are many barriers to installing microgrid technology at such facilities, especially in low-income communities and those most at risk during power shutoffs. 

Stop PG&E from controlling our "community" energy!

(01/2021) This Thursday, January 14, with little public input, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is rushing a vote to set the rules for building resilient energy in the form of microgrids that could protect our communities from shutoffs in the future. 
 
Reclaim Our Power: Utility Justice Campaign (ROP) has submitted a letter calling for the CPUC to focus on protecting disadvantaged communities, by including community voices in determining rules for microgrid development in order to guarantee equity in access to these critical energy resources. The CPUC must not allow PG&E and other private utilities to control energy resilience in our communities. 

2020 Strategic Convening: National Energy Democracy Project Sets 2021 Directions

(01/2021) This past November 20-22, thirty plus organizations, from east to west and north to south, gathered virtually for the second annual Strategic Convening of the Energy Democracy Project. The Project’s Affiliated Organizations consist mainly of local frontline organizations engaged in a broad range of energy democracy efforts in their respective communities.

Speaking of the accomplishments of the convening, Jessica Tovar, of the Local Clean Energy Alliance, said, “We developed stronger alignment around what is happening in our communities and how it connects together to accelerate a national energy democracy movement.”

East Bay Community Energy Votes to Sell PG&E’s Nuclear Energy Despite Notable Comments by Youth

(12/2020) Unfortunately, on December 16, the EBCE Board, voted in favor of staff’s third proposal to accept an allocation of nuclear power from PG&E and flip it to a third party to sell, in return for half of the profit. Only Hayward’s Al Mendall and Albany’s Peggy McQuaid opposed the proposal. The majority of the Board was convinced by staff’s rather tenuous statements that the proposal would bring money to EBCE, force PG&E to utilize more gas-fired power, preventing PG&E from having a carbon-free power mix, and keep EBCE from having to account for the nuclear energy on their power content label.

Watch the Recording: From East Bay to New Mexico, Community Power Against Nuclear Energy

(12/2020) As part of the continuing battle to keep nuclear energy out of East Bay Community Energy’s power mix, Local Clean Energy Alliance hosted a webinar, From East Bay to New Mexico Community Power Against Nuclear Energy, on November 12, 2020. In case you missed it, you can now watch: Leona Morgan, a Diné activist fighting uranium mining; Jill Zamnek from a San Luis Obispo anti-nuclear organization Mothers for Peace;  Robert Gould President of the SF Bay Chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Dan Hirsch, President of the Committee to Bridge the Gap, an organization that focuses on issues with nuclear power. 

Congratulations to LCEA’s Jessica Guadalupe Tovar!

(12/2020) WASHINGTON, DC— On November 23, Rachel’s Network announced the awardees and finalists of its second annual Catalyst Award. Jessica Guadalupe Tovar of the Local Clean Energy Alliance is one of nine winners for the 2020 award! The award provides women leaders of color support and recognition for their commitment to a healthy planet, along with a $10,000 prize, networking opportunities, and national recognition for their work.

Happy Holidays Happy Hour with the Local Clean Energy Alliance

(12/2020) 2020 has been a tough year, but we still kept going. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we organized and we won. But we couldn’t have done it without our many, many community allies. On Thursday, December 17, we hosted a Holiday Party to give some special shout outs to our Stars of 2020!

Are you passionate about advancing a local Green New Deal? Join EBCE’s Community Advisory Committee!

(12/2020) East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) is now accepting applications to join its Community Advisory Committee (CAC). The application deadline is 5pm on Monday, February 15. Click here to learn more! 

WEBINAR: From East Bay to New Mexico, Community Power Against Nuclear Energy

(11/2020) Learn More: RSVP now for November 12 Community Power Against Nuclear Webinar!

Did you know that some local decision-makers are claiming that nuclear energy is a solution to climate change? Check out this webinar and take action!

On April 22, 2020, our community defeated a proposal at the East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) Board meeting to accept PG&E’s offer of nuclear energy from its Diablo Canyon power plant. The vote of 10-5 against the proposal came after 64 community members spoke out against accepting nuclear energy into our energy mix. 

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