Going Deep Green with MCE

Guest Blog from MCE

MCE’s mission is to address climate change by reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions with renewable energy and energy efficiency at cost-competitive rates while offering economic and workforce benefits, and creating more equitable communities. As California’s first Community Choice Aggregation Program, MCE is a groundbreaking, not-for-profit, public agency that has been setting the standard for energy innovation in our communities since 2010.

MCE offers cleaner power at stable rates, significantly reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions and enabling millions of dollars of reinvestment in local energy programs. MCE’s Deep Green selection provides customers with 100% more, or twice the amount, of clean energy than traditional electricity service, at a premium of only $5 a month for average-sized 2 story home. MCE is also 90% greenhouse gas-free.

MCE provides electricity service to more than 480,000 customer accounts and more than one million residents and businesses in 36 member communities across four Bay Area counties: Contra Costa, Napa, Marin, and Solano. MCE customers are greening our electricity supply while helping invest in local energy programs.

The City of Novato joined MCE in 2011 by vote of the City Council. The decision to join MCE allowed residents and businesses to finally have a choice in their electric service provider and renewable energy content. They could choose MCE, a not-for-profit local agency focused on community benefits and renewable energy services, or PG&E, the Investor-Owned Utility. It’s been our mission since we launched service in 2010 to be excellent partners to our community, providing benefits that are uniquely tailored to our customers.

As a resident or business located in Novato, you have the option to choose between MCE’s three energy service options, along with PG&E service.

1. MCE’s standard service is a minimum of 60% renewable and 90% greenhouse gas free.

2. You can also choose one of MCE’s 100% renewable service options including Deep Green or Local Sol. Our Deep Green service option costs about $5 more a month for the average residential customer and means 100% of the energy needed to power your home or business will be generated by California wind and solar energy. As an added benefit, half of what you pay for your Deep Green service will be dedicated to the creation of local renewable energy projects and programs.

3. MCE’s Local Sol option is 100% renewable energy generated from the Cooley Quarry project located right here in Novato.

During the first ten years of service, MCE has been able to reinvested over $180 million back into the local economy through energy programs and local renewable energy projects such as the 1-megawatt Cooley Quarry solar farm. This project was built with prevailing wage and local hire requirements ensuring that your dollars are spent in the local economy.

Taking advantage of MCE’s energy services means you’re choosing to invest in a clean energy future that supports jobs, environmental equity, and community resiliency. You can learn more about MCE’s accomplishments during its first decade in service in the recent MCE 10-year Impact Report.

Thanks to customers like you, MCE has reduced over 340,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions during our first decade of service alone. This is equivalent to taking more than 73,000 cars off our roads for an entire year. As of January 2021, just under 73% of Novato customers have chosen MCE has their electric service option, with 3% opting up to Deep Green! To help combat climate change, we encourage you to join others in opting up to deep green 100% renewable energy at this link. It really adds up to ensure a more sustainable community for all.