Central Coast California: Who Powers The Region?

who provides electricity on central coast california

Central Coast Community Energy (also known as CCCE or 3CE) is a public agency that provides electricity to California's central coast. It was formed in 2017 and serves several cities and counties in the region, including San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz. 3CE sources its electricity from renewable energy resources, including wind, solar, and geothermal power plants, with a goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2030. The agency also offers various energy programs and incentives to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and improve energy equity and affordability for its customers.

Characteristics Values
Name Central Coast Community Energy (3CE/CCCE)
Type of Provider Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)
Energy Sources Wind, solar and geothermal power plants
Coverage 6 cities in SLO County, parts of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz counties
Expansion City of Atascadero and unincorporated areas of SLO County
Goal 100% clean energy by 2030
Progress On track to meet goal of 44% clean energy in 2024 and 60% by 2026
Additional Programs Electric vehicle rebates, electric school buses, all-electric housing projects
Alternative Provider Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)

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Central Coast Community Energy (3CE)

As a clean energy provider, 3CE sources its electricity from a network of wind, solar, and geothermal power plants across Southern California, as well as some in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. 3CE is committed to providing 100% renewable energy and released its 2024 Annual Impact Report, demonstrating its progress in delivering clean, renewable electricity and community energy programs. The agency is on track to meet its goal of 44% clean energy use in 2024 and 60% by 2026, with a long-term goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2030, 15 years ahead of the state goal set by Senate Bill 100.

3CE offers various energy programs and incentives to its customers, including rebates for electric vehicles (EVs), EV chargers, and electrical upgrades through its Electrify Your Ride program. In the last fiscal year, 3CE provided $4 million to help over 2,000 people purchase electric vehicles and funded 17 electric school buses and new all-electric housing projects. The agency also works to improve air quality by encouraging all-electric homes and removing diesel buses, promoting a fundamental change toward electrification in agricultural communities.

Central Coast Community Energy was previously known as Monterey Bay Community Power (MBCP) or Monterey Bay Community Energy and is now expanding its service to include the city of Atascadero and all unincorporated areas of SLO County. Eligible customers in these new coverage zones can choose to stick with their current power provider or switch to 3CE, with the transition occurring automatically unless they opt out.

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3CE's clean energy goals

Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) is a public agency that provides electricity to communities in Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara counties. 3CE is committed to providing 100% clean and renewable energy to its customers and has set ambitious goals to achieve this.

One of 3CE's main goals is to source all of its energy from clean and renewable resources by 2030, 15 years ahead of California's energy goal. To achieve this, 3CE is investing in new projects and innovative energy solutions, such as new solar, geothermal, and wind generation, as well as new energy storage resources. By the end of summer 2023, 3CE had brought enough new renewable generation online to power more than 230,000 Central Coast households.

Another key goal of 3CE is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate community investment. 3CE is dedicated to reinvesting in the communities it serves through energy program rebates and incentives that assist customers in switching from fossil fuel power to clean energy solutions. For example, 3CE offers rebates and incentives for electric vehicles, EV chargers, and home electrification projects, such as heat pump installations.

In addition to its focus on clean energy and emissions reduction, 3CE is also committed to keeping electricity rates fair and providing reliable energy services to its customers. 3CE is locally controlled and governed by board members who represent each community served by the agency. This local control allows 3CE to be responsive to the unique needs of its diverse Central Coast community.

Overall, 3CE's clean energy goals are centered around sourcing 100% clean and renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reinvesting in communities, and providing fair and reliable energy services to its customers on the Central Coast of California.

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3CE's community programs

Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) is a public agency that provides competitively priced electricity from clean and renewable energy sources. 3CE offers various community programs aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and promoting the adoption of clean energy technologies.

One of 3CE's notable community programs is the "Electrify Your Ride" initiative. This program offers rebates and incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs), EV chargers, and electrical upgrades. The program simplifies the process by providing a "one-stop-shop" experience for customers seeking post-purchase rebates. By encouraging the use of electric vehicles, 3CE helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a cleaner environment.

Additionally, 3CE has introduced the "Electrify Your Home" program in partnership with TECH Clean California. This initiative provides cash incentives to contractors for qualifying heat pump projects within the 3CE service area. The program aims to incentivize the transition from natural gas to electricity, powered by renewable sources, in homes across the Central Coast.

The "Electrify Your Fleet" program targets Central Coast Community Energy Member Agencies, offering direct rebates for the purchase or lease of eligible light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty battery electric vehicles. This program helps reduce emissions from public fleets and promotes the adoption of clean transportation options.

Furthermore, 3CE offers the "Charge Your Fleet" program, which provides rebates for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle service equipment. This includes covering the costs of materials and work required to install chargers at Member Agency sites.

Another important initiative is the Residential Battery Rebate Program, which assists both solar and non-solar customers in managing their energy consumption and reducing costs. This program encourages the use of batteries to store energy generated during the day, enabling customers to utilize this power during peak evening hours when electricity prices are typically higher.

Through these community programs, 3CE actively reinvests in the communities it serves, promoting the adoption of clean energy solutions, reducing carbon emissions, and driving positive environmental changes across the Central Coast region.

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PG&E

Pacific Gas & Electric Company, commonly known as PG&E, is one of the electricity providers on the Central Coast of California. PG&E serves customers across northern and central California, including some areas of the Central Coast.

In addition to its electricity services, PG&E also provides support for its customers looking to electrify their transportation. Through its rebates and discounts, PG&E can help make the transition to electric vehicles more affordable for its customers.

On the Central Coast, PG&E's services overlap with those of Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), a locally governed public agency that provides competitively priced, clean and renewable electricity. 3CE was formed in 2017 and currently serves several cities in San Luis Obispo County, as well as residents and businesses in parts of Monterey, San Benito, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz counties.

While some residents in the Central Coast region have the option to choose between PG&E and 3CE for their electricity needs, the transition to 3CE is automatic unless customers choose to opt out. 3CE is committed to achieving 100% clean energy by 2030, 15 years ahead of California's goal outlined in Senate Bill 100.

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Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)

In California, Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) is a program that allows local governments to purchase power on behalf of their residents, businesses, and municipal accounts. CCAs are currently authorized in 10 states, including California, Illinois, and New York.

Through CCAs, communities can aggregate their electricity load to purchase clean energy and develop local projects and programs. This gives them more control over their electricity sources, allowing them to choose greener power sources and negotiate better rates with suppliers. CCAs work in partnership with the region's existing Investor-Owned Utility (IOU), which continues to deliver power and maintain the grid.

California has 25 operational CCAs, serving over 14 million customers. One example is Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), a public agency providing competitively priced electricity from renewable energy sources. 3CE has released an Annual Impact Report, highlighting its commitment to providing clean, renewable electricity and community energy programs.

Participation in CCAs is voluntary, and customers are given the option to opt out of the program. CCAs can have a tiered structure, with a standard option and a "greener" premium option. CCAs are a positive force, helping communities meet climate action goals, increase energy options, and drive economic development.

Frequently asked questions

Central Coast Community Energy (also known as CCCE or 3CE) is the main electricity provider for California's Central Coast.

3CE is a locally-governed public agency that provides competitively priced electricity from renewable energy sources.

Customers in eligible areas are auto-enrolled in 3CE, unless they opt out.

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