On December 16, 2014, the El Cerrito City Council unanimously approved the Community Choice Aggregation Program Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2015–02). The Ordinance was adopted on January 6, 2015 authorizing the implementation of a Community Choice Aggregation Program, approving the Marin Clean Energy Joint Powers Authority Agreement and authorizing the City Manager to execute the Joint Powers Authority Agreement with Marin Clean Energy.

Marin Clean Energy (MCE), a local government Joint Powers Authority (JPA) provides low-carbon electricity at competitive rates for residents and businesses in member cities. This arrangement is known as Community Choice Aggregation (CCA).

What is CCA?

In 2002, California passed a Community Choice Aggregation law (AB 117). This legislation enables public agencies and JPAs to aggregate the electricity demands of their constituents to more easily acquire electricity from preferred sources. The local utility (such as PG&E in Northern California) still provides transmission, distribution, billing, and repair services. Participation in a CCA is automatic for all electricity account holders within a jurisdiction that offers CCA, but customers who do not want to participate and prefer to purchase power from PG&E can opt out of the CCA.

More information about MCE

MCE provides electricity and related programs in Marin County, Napa County, and the cities of Richmond, San Pablo, and Benicia.
By acquiring a greater percentage of electricity from renewable electricity generators (such as biogas, solar and wind power) and supporting the development of local clean energy sources, MCE is able to reduce the percentage of fossil fuel energy in the electricity consumed by its customers. At present, 51% of MCE’s energy comes from renewable sources, compared to 22% at PG&E. MCE’s electricity rates are currently slightly less than those of PG&E. For more information on MCE....

Why is the City interested in a CCA?

The El Cerrito Climate Action Plan (CAP), adopted May 2013, directs the City to “Explore opportunities for instituting or joining a regional Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) effort.” This was identified as one of the more cost-effective ways to reduce the pollution that causes climate change, because it results in large reductions in greenhouse gas emissions but requires only minor investment on the part of the City. The City’s Environmental Quality Committee has discussed CCA and the possibility of joining MCE multiple times during 2014. In July 2014, the City Council passed a resolution requesting that MCE conduct a membership analysis for the City of El Cerrito.

Related Documents and Presentations:

City Council Public Hearing

December 16, 2014 - first reading
January 6, 2015 - second reading
El Cerrito City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Avenue

Visit the agenda archive center for meeting agenda packets.

Community Meeting

Wed., December 3, 2014
El Cerrito City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Avenue

The City of El Cerrito is seeking input from El Cerrito residents and businesses as it considers joining Marin Clean Energy (MCE), a local government Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) joint powers authority. Come hear how CCA and MCE work, the benefits to electricity customers, and possible next steps if the City Council decides to join. MCE provides electricity to customers in Marin County, Napa County, and the cities of Richmond, San Pablo and Benicia. For more information, email City staff or call Maria Sanders at 510-215-4361.

Provide comments on-line at www.el-cerrito.org/CCAforum through December 15, 2014.

City Council Study Session on MCE

Tuesday, November 18, 2014 | Meeting begins at 7 PM
El Cerrito City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Avenue
View a video of the Council Study Session.

The City Council will receive information and provide policy direction regarding the benefits and risks of El Cerrito joining MCE. View the City Council Agenda Report and related material ...

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