MCE’s Deep Green 100% renewable energy has become the default electricity service in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa and Solano counties. Homes and businesses starting new electric service will automatically start with 100% renewable energy, with the freedom to choose from several other options from MCE or PG&E.
The move to make 100% renewable the default service is a powerful decision that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since its launch in 2010, MCE has a track record of at least doubling the renewable energy offered by PG&E — increasing its default energy service from 28% in 2010 to 100% in 2023.
More than 100,000 new electric accounts are expected to start 100% renewable service in 2023, reducing more than 1,600 metric tons of greenhouse gasses each year. That is equivalent to more than 4 million miles driven in a gas-powered passenger vehicle.
“Simply by setting the default at 100% renewable energy, our communities are easily and dramatically reducing emissions to help combat climate change,” said Dawn Weisz, MCE’s CEO. “We’re also covering the premium for folks with lower incomes to eliminate cost barriers to participating — an important environmental justice provision supported by our locally-elected Board of Directors.”
As a not-for-profit public agency, MCE is committed to honoring each customer’s ability to choose their electricity provider and service level. Residents and businesses will continue to have the option to choose MCE’s 60% renewable Light Green service, or PG&E’s 49% renewable service.
The transition to Deep Green default service will:
Begin on January 1, 2023,
Only cost the average residential customer $1.40 more per month than PG&E’s 49% renewable service,
Provide Deep Green at no additional charge for residents with lower incomes on a CARE or FERA discount rate.
Low-income households face a disproportionately higher energy burden. Energy burden is defined as the percentage of gross household income spent on energy costs. To minimize this burden and ensure equitable access to the clean energy revolution, low-income customers will receive 100% renewable service at no extra cost. In 2023, MCE expects around 12,000 new enrollments from lower income customers who will get 100% renewable with no extra cost.
MCE will notify customers of their enrollment into Deep Green service and their other options with three notices mailed or emailed within the first 60 days of starting new electricity service.
