Why is MCE my new electric service provider?
Over the last several months, many people have seen advertisements in local papers and on social media about MCE clean energy, but some customers may still have questions. If you’re looking for the best info on what MCE Clean Energy is and what it means for you, Del Sol Energy compiled this info for our readers. One of the most common points of confusion may be based on the underlying geography – we are not in Marin – so, why is a Marin based agency taking over electric service for our utilities out in the far East Contra Costa County? The truth is, they aren’t! It is all in the name.
What is MCE Clean Energy and What Do I Need to Know?
MCE, formerly known as Marin Clean Energy, is a not-for-profit, public agency that replaces PG&E’s role of sourcing power for the local community at large. MCE is different than PG&E because they choose power sources that are more renewable and non-polluting while offering local control over your electric service options, local economic and workforce benefits, and most importantly, choice in your electric service provider
What Does That Mean?
The idea of energy sourcing is not something many of us are familiar with. Historically, PG&E has generated energy and delivered it to our homes and businesses. MCE “sources” our energy, which means that electric generation will be through MCE. However, it also means that PG&E will still deliver our electricity. Changing over to MCE means that you will still pay PG&E to deliver your electricity, but MCE will generate the electricity they deliver. It is a team effort. PG&E is part of the movement to provide cleaner energy options to their customers. PG&E will also continue to maintain the wires and provide gas service. You also still receive just one bill from PG&E, but you can now expect to see your generation and delivery changes broke out into separate line items instead of combined. Learn more about what your billing will look like at: www.mcecleanenergy.org/billing
What Are my Options with MCE?
MCE offers three electricity generation options for their customers to choose from.
- MCE Light Green: (this is what everyone goes on automatically)
- A lower rate than current PG&E rates
- 50% minimum of energy comes from a renewable source, (though they expect to report 61% renewable for 2017
- 69% carbon-free emissions (89% carbon-free in 2017)
- MCE Deep Green:
- 1 cent more per kilowatt hour (about $2 more per month than your regular PG&E bill)
- 100% of energy comes from renewable sources
- Green-e Energy certified wind and solar from CA
- Completely emission-free
- Half of the premium funds the build-out of new local solar farms such as MCE Solar One
- MCE Local Solar:
- All power comes from a solar farm located 16 miles from Contra Costa County in Novato, California
- Guaranteed long-term rates at 14.2 cents a kilowatt hour (approximately 30% more than Deep Green)
- Completely emission-free
- Premium directly funds a local solar project
- Promotes the growth of a local, fossil-free economy with local green-collar job
- PG&E
- This is an MCE “opt-out” option
- Keep current electric generation with PG&E’s current 33% renewable energy services.
- 2-5% more expensive than MCE Light Green
- Call MCE or go online to opt-out
Where is MCE Available?
MCE has been serving Bay Area customers since 2010 and is the primary electricity provider in Danville, Concord, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Pinole, Pittsburg, San Ramon, El Cerrito, Lafayette, San Pablo, Richmond, Walnut Creek, and unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County, as well as Napa County, Marin County, and Benicia.
When is This Happening?
It is already here! For Contra Costa County, the MCE initiative kicked off on April 1 of this year. However, MCE has nearly a decade-long history serving local communities.
Why is This Such A Big Deal?
MCE is a big deal for a lot of reasons. First, MCE Light Green service costs 2-5% less than PG&E and contains more renewable energy, and that is only one of the multiple options. Additionally, MCE has REDUCED rates in the last two years – while PG&E has increased rates. Third, you can choose WHO provides your power and how much electricity comes from renewable sources. This alone is important because utilities are not an area where consumers typically have a voice. We must follow the whole “you get what you get” mentality and, well – get what we get. For those more environmentally driven, MCE allows for services to come from renewable and carbon-free sources, such as solar, wind and bioenergy, geothermal, and small hydroelectric.
Communities Make Decisions – Not the Corporation
MCE member communities, NOT private shareholders make decisions about MCE energy. It is the member communities that determine their own energy sources through a Board of Directors, composed of elected officials. Furthermore, MCE does NOT use tax dollars. MCE reinvests in the member communities being services by providing low and stable rates, fostering the build-out of local, renewable projects, and supporting green-collar work.
Why is This Such A Big Deal?
MCE is a big deal for a lot of reasons. First, MCE Light Green service costs 2-5% less than PG&E and contains more renewable energy, and that is only one of the multiple options. Additionally, MCE has REDUCED rates in the last two years – while PG&E has increased rates. Third, you can choose WHO provides your power and how much electricity comes from renewable sources. This alone is important because utilities are not an area where consumers typically have a voice. We must follow the whole “you get what you get” mentality and, well – get what we get. For those more environmentally driven, MCE allows for services to come from renewable and carbon-free sources, such as solar, wind and bioenergy, geothermal, and small hydroelectric.
Communities Make Decisions – Not the Corporation
MCE member communities, NOT private shareholders make decisions about MCE energy. It is the member communities that determine their own energy sources through a Board of Directors, composed of elected officials. Furthermore, MCE does NOT use tax dollars. MCE reinvests in the member communities being services by providing low and stable rates, fostering the build-out of local, renewable projects, and supporting green-collar work.
What if I have Solar or Want to Go Solar?
MCE has a pretty generous Net Energy Metering Program. If you are a solar customer, that’s what you are automatically enrolled in. You go through the regular process with PG&E to get your panels interconnected along with other required steps to get your solar panels to start producing energy for you, you will still get your bill from PG&E. MCE will pay retail + $.01 for kWh for any excess generation you may have. We also offer customers the opportunity to cash out, if you have more than $100 for any excess credit, you will be eligible to cash out in a form of a check.
Interested in Solar? Contact Del Sol Energy for a Free Quote!
Primary information for this article was taken from the official website for MCE and you can reach out to MCE directly at info@mcecleanenergy.org, by phone at 1-888-632-3674, or by checking out their Contra Costa-specific webpage at www.mcecleanenergy.org/contracosta.
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