Update Regarding PG&E’s Application for a Voluntary Green Option (April 12, 2013)

PG&E has reached an agreement with a diverse group of consumer and clean energy groups to enhance its proposed “Green Option” to give electric customers an opportunity to support 100 percent renewable energy. The revised proposal, which was submitted on April 11th for approval by the California Public Utilities Commission, would provide participating customers with energy from new small- and mid-sized solar projects located in PG&E’s service area.

PG&E original proposal, issued last year with support from elected officials and the environmental community, provided customers with an option to buy renewable energy certificates from new and existing projects, including those outside PG&E’s service area. The new proposal would allow customers to directly support the development of new projects that generate clean energy in and around the communities that PG&E serves.

PG&E worked closely with The Utility Reform Network, Coalition of California Utility Employees, the Joint Parties and other parties to shape this program.

Under the new plan, participants will pay the full cost of the new renewable energy supplies built in direct response to their enrollment. Those additional supplies—provided under long-term contracts by third-party developers—will be incremental to the clean energy that PG&E purchases for all of its customers. Participating customers will also receive credits for avoided PG&E generation costs, making the program more affordable. PG&E will actively market the plan throughout its service area, including low-income and minority communities.

PG&E is asking the California Public Utilities Commission to approve the enhanced Green Option by later this year.