Community choice aggregation can accelerate local solar growth in cities and counties

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When people buy a new home in a different city, they’re typically given the phone number of the investor-owned utility (IOU) that will serve them. They know they must call this one provider, supply payment information and set up service if they want the lights to turn on in their new home.

But in seven states, homeowners could instead have a menu of different local, green energy options to choose from instead of one IOU.

Launch of a People Powered Solar Cooperative

The Local Clean Energy Alliance has been working closely with the Sustainable Economies Law Center alongside other community organizations to design a cooperative that engages everyday people – like YOU – to co-own, develop, and steward our community’s critical assets: permanently-owned renewable energy. 

Alameda County is officially powered by East Bay Community Energy

East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) is now the official electricity provider for Alameda County*, soon serving over 1.5 million people! EBCE joins the ranks of nearly 20 public, non-profit Community Choice energy agencies now serving residents and businesses across California.

CPUC Attacks Community Choice

On October 11 the five Commissioners of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)—in a move that directly undermines Community Choice energy programs in California—unanimously approved a dramatic increase in the on-going departing load charge (the PCIA) levied on Community Choice customers.  
 
Before a full house of speakers opposed to the measure (except for a couple representatives of a utility front group), the Commissioners not only rejected the results of a year-long CPUC proceeding, but also rejected a storm of protest that led up to their decision. The protest included a letter signed by over 120 elected officials and over five hundred letters of protest written to the Commissioners and California legislators.

Energy Democracy Tour Concludes

The Energy Democracy National Tour 2018 has concluded! This inaugural Tour weaves various energy democracy efforts into a fabric that represents a national political current of historic significance. Tour events began in April and continued through October, with 20 stops from Portland, Oregon to Atlanta, Georgia. 
 

Legislative Session Ends: AB 813 Dead, SB 237 Passed

AB 813, the bill to create a new Western regional authority to control the energy market of eleven Western states died on the last day of the legislative season, August 31, when Senate Pro Temp Toni Atkins announced it would remain bottled up in the Senate Rules Committee.

July 18: Groundbreaking Energy Plan Adopted in East Bay

On July 18th, the Board of East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), Alameda County’s new Community Choice energy program, adopted a groundbreaking plan for local clean energy development in the East Bay.
 
The Local Development Business Plan (LDBP), as it is called, is a roadmap for providing local clean energy benefits in the East Bay by investing in the development of local renewable energy resources. The Plan spells out actions and strategies for promoting local clean energy such as solar, wind, energy efficiency, and energy storage projects. These projects help address the environmental, economic, and social justice needs of the East Bay community.

Energy Democracy Book Event & Gathering

On Thursday, July 26, 2018, the Local Clean Energy Alliance (LCEA) hosted a book event featuring LCEA coordinator, Al Weinrub and other author’s, Energy Democracy: Advancing Equity in Clean Energy Solutions at Laurel Bookstore in Oakland, CA.

Local Clean Energy Alliance Went to Portland!

On July 13-15, Local Clean Energy Alliance’s Megan O’Neil co-facilitated a Community Energy Justice Summit in Portland, Oregon for over 40 community members.

June 28th, 2018: A plan for local clean energy development in the East Bay

The Clean Power to the People workshop on June 28, 2018 was a workshop on the newly released draft Local Development Business Plan (LDBP) that is key to East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), Alameda County’s new Community Choice energy program, meeting our communities’ needs. It was also a call to action for community members and organizations to attend the July 18th rally and press conference to be held at the EBCE Board meeting, where  the LDBP is slated for adoption.

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