Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)

PG&E manages transmission, distribution and delivery of a CCA customer's electricity, including meter reading, billing, maintenance and outage-response services. Other PG&E services available to CCA customers include:

• Energy efficiency rebates
• California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE)
• Medical Baseline
• Balanced payment plans (generally only on PG&E delivery charges)
• Net metering
• California Solar Initiative
• Other solar programs
• Some demand response programs
• eBills
• Automated payment services

NOTE: Programs administered by the CCA may differ from those provided by PG&E.

No, PG&E's deposit requirements will remain the same. However, the CCA may also have its own deposit requirements.

The following options are not available to customers participating in CCA programs:

• E-RSMART - Residential SmartRate Program
• E-SLRP - Scheduled Load Reduction Program
• E-PDP – Peak Day Pricing
• Solar Choice

If you are on any of the pricing options listed above, you must opt out of a CCA program in order to maintain your pricing election. If you do not opt out, you won't receive this pricing unless the CCA program offers it independently.

For more information concerning customer rights, obligations and updates regarding the CCA program, visit the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)

Once a city or county implements or joins a CCA program, state law requires that residential customers within a CCA member's jurisdictions be enrolled in CCA service unless they choose to opt out. In some instances, a CCA may choose to phase in program enrollment. As part of the CCA notification process, customers will receive at least two notices during a 60-day period prior to CCA service commencement and at least two additional notices during a 60-day period after CCA service commencement. These notices will inform the customer how to opt out of the program if he or she chooses to do so. Once a CCA completes its enrollment process, all new customers establishing service in that area will be enrolled in CCA service unless they opt out.

All PG&E residential customers in a CCA program’s service area automatically become customers of that CCA program (which may occur in phases) unless they choose to opt out of the CCA program.

If a customer moves to a city or county that has started a CCA program, the customer would become a customer of the CCA program by default unless they take action to opt out. If a customer does not opt out of the CCA program at the time they start service, the customer would receive 2 notifications from the CCA program during the initial 60-day period that include opt-out instructions.

Always contact PG&E to start or stop your electric service.

CCAs continue to grow. The following are current CCA's operating within PG&E's service territory:

• Central Coast Community Energy (3CE)
• CleanPowerSF (CPSF)
• East Bay Community Energy (EBCE)
• King City Community Power (KCCP)
• MCE Clean Energy (MCE)
• Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE)
• Pioneer Community Energy (PIO)
• Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA)
• San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE)
• Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE)
• Sonoma Clean Power (SCP)
• Valley Clean Energy (VCE)

In many cases, customers who identify themselves in neighboring communities are actually located within the CCA’s jurisdictional area. This is often the case if you reside in an unincorporated area of a county. If you believe that your service location is ineligible for CCA service, please contact the CCA that sent the solicitation.

When a PG&E Net Energy Metering (NEM), Virtual Net Energy Metering (NEMV) or NEMV from a Multifamily Affordable Solar Habitat (NEMVMASH) customer becomes a CCA customer, they're automatically enrolled in the CCA's NEM, NEMV or NEMVMASH program, if one is available. PG&E will perform an initial true-up when you are enrolled in CCA. This ensures that you will have the same anniversary date on both PG&E and CCA NEM Programs. PG&E will continue to calculate your monthly charges or credits for non-generation and will perform an annual true-up of those charges and credits, while the CCA will be responsible for determining your generation related charges and credits.

The CCA's NEM Program may be different from PG&E's NEM, NEMV or NEMVMASH program. Please contact your CCA for more information about their Programs.

Yes, CARE, FERA and Medical Baseline are state programs which provide a discounted rate for electricity to qualifying low-income households. These programs are administered to all customers by PG&E, including those who choose to receive service form a CCA. If you’re enrolled in CARE/FERA/Medical Baseline and start service with a CCA, your account will remain enrolled in these programs and you’ll continue to receive your full discount under your new provider. New enrollments and re-enrollments for CARE/FERA/Medical Baseline must be done through PG&E.

PCIA is the portion of your bill intended to ensure that any above-market costs of electric resources PG&E procured on behalf of customers who switch to another electric generation provider are not transferred to remaining PG&E electric supply customers. PG&E collects above-market costs from customers who receive their electric supply from PG&E in their bundled generation rate. The PCIA is included in PG&E's 'non-generation charges' and the PCIA rate typically changes annually.

The State of California requires investor-owned utilities like PG&E to charge all residential customers on a tiered rate structure. With tiers, electricity is charged at a progressively increasing rate based on a household's electricity usage. That is to say, the higher the tier, the more the customer will pay for a kilowatt-hour of electricity. You can find your baseline quantity on page 1 of your monthly PG&E energy statement.

As a CCA customer, this tiered rate structure remains in place for your delivery (non-generation) charges and is included in the Conservation Incentive Adjustment section of PG&E delivery charges.

The Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA) is the portion of your bill intended to ensure that any above-market costs of electric resources PG&E procured on behalf of customers who switch to another electric generation provider are not transferred to remaining PG&E electric supply customers. PG&E collects above-market costs from customers who receive their electric supply from PG&E in their bundled generation rate. The PCIA is included in PG&E's 'non-generation charges' and the PCIA rate typically changes annually.

The portion of PG&E's generation rate that needs to be recovered through the PCIA depends on the year in which the customer began receiving generation supply from the CCA (i.e., a vintage PCIA). Up to that point, PG&E was responsible for undertaking generation commitments to serve the customer. The customer's PCIA vintage does not change, but the PCIA rate for the vintage will likely change every year.

The Conservation Incentive Adjustment (CIA) will be a credit in Tiers 1 and 2 and a charge in Tier 3. While the CIA will not change the energy charges for PG&E's bundled customers, the impact to bills of CCA customers will depend on whether the CCA matches the same flat structure – and level – of PG&E's generation rate.

Customers who receive their electric supply from a third-party provider are billed a Franchise Fee Surcharge (FFS). PG&E collects the FFS from customers who receive their electric supply from PG&E in their bundled generation rate. The money collected through the FFS is paid to municipalities for the purpose of supporting vital local services. PG&E acts as a collection agent for this fee.

If you have questions about the PG&E charges on the bill, you should contact PG&E at 1-866-743-0335. If you have questions about the CCA charges on your bill, you should contact the CCA.

You may also need to contact one or both service providers for inquiries other than billing. For example, PG&E will continue to help with any questions related to PG&E service charges such as the delivery of electricity, changes to your rate schedule, or service requests such as gas pilot relights, CARE, Medical Baseline or new service arrangements. However, you would need to contact the CCA for any inquiries related to CCA service, such as the charges associated with their generation rates or any questions regarding their program.

East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) is now Ava Community Energy (Ava). Ava is a public agency focused on investing in our community through renewable energy, competitive rates, and local programs. Ava is governed by representatives from each member jurisdiction.

Ava began serving Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro, Union City, and unincorporated Alameda County in June 2018. In April 2021 Ava began service to the cities of Newark, Pleasanton, and Tracy.

For more information about Ava Community Energy, call 1-833-699-3223 or visit avaenergy.org.

AVA/EBCE and PG&E comparisons

PG&E – AVA joint rate comparisons (PDF)
EBCE -Electric power generation mix (PDF)

3CE is a community-owned public agency governed by board members who represent each community served. Sourcing electricity from clean and renewable energy resources, revenue generated by 3CE stays local and helps keep electricity rates competitive for customers, while also funding innovative energy programs designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate economic development. 3CE serves customers in communities throughout Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz counties.

For more information about 3CE, call 1-877-455-2223 or visit 3cenergy.org

3CE and PG&E comparisons

PG&E – 3CE joint rate comparisons (PDF)
3CE - Electric power mix (PDF)

CleanPowerSF provides San Francisco residents and businesses with renewable energy at competitive rates.

Operated by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, CleanPowerSF is a not-for-profit program with public oversight and stable rates. Customers have two options for cleaner electricity: Green and SuperGreen. Green service is at least 50% renewable and SuperGreen service is 100% renewable.

For more information about CleanPowerSF, call 415-554-0773 or visit CleanPowerSF.

CleanPowerSF and PG&E comparisons

PG&E – CleanPowerSF joint rate comparisons (PDF)

CleanPowerSF - Electric power mix (PDF)

King City Community Power provides electricity to the residents of King City. KCCP is a not-for-profit public agency and sets its rates to be competitive with PG&E.

KCCP started providing service to residents in King City in July 2018.

For more information about KCCP, call 1-833-888-KING (5464) or visit www.kingcitycommunitypower.org.

KCCP and PG&E comparisons

PG&E – KCCP joint rate comparisons (PDF)
KCCP - Electric power generation mix (PDF)

MCE is a not-for-profit public agency that offers renewable energy to its customers. MCE's service area includes communities throughout Contra Costa, Marin, Napa and Solano counties.

MCE has provided service to customers since 2010.

For more information about MCE, call 1-888-632-3674 or visit MCE Clean Energy

MCE and PG&E comparisons

PG&E – MCE joint rate comparisons (PDF)
MCE - Electric power mix (PDF)

PCE is a not-for-profit public agency that offers renewable energy to its customers. PCE's service area includes San Mateo County and the city of Los Banos.

PCE has provided service to customers since October 2016.

For more information about PCE, call 1-866-966-0110 or visit Peninsula Clean Energy

PCE and PG&E comparisons

PG&E – PCE Los Banos joint rate comparisons (PDF)
PG&E – PCE San Mateo joint rate comparisons (PDF)
PCE - Electric power mix (PDF)

Pioneer is a locally-governed, not-for-profit, public agency now purchasing electricity on behalf of Placer County residents and businesses to provide more choice. Electricity from Pioneer is delivered to you by PG&E, who remains an essential partner for power distribution, service and billing.

For more information about Pioneer, call 1-844-937-7466 or visit Pioneer Community Energy

PIO and PG&E comparisons

PG&E – PIO joint rate comparisons (PDF)
PIO - Electric power mix (PDF)

RCEA is a joint powers agency located in Humboldt County. RCEA offers renewable energy to its customers. PG&E delivers electricity from RCEA and we remain an essential partner for power distribution, service and billing.

RCEA has provided service to customers since May 2017.

For more information about RCEA, call 1-800-931-7232 or visit Redwood Coast Energy Authority

RCEA and PG&E comparisons

PG&E – RCEA joint rate comparisons (PDF)
RCEA - Electric power mix (PDF)

San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE) is a program of the city of San Jose that increases the use of renewable energy and investment in the local community.

SJCE began service to city accounts in September 2018 and to residents and businesses in March 2019.

For more information about SJCE, call 1-833-432-2454 or visit San Jose Clean Energy

SJCE and PG&E comparisons

PG&E – SJCE joint rate comparisons (PDF)
SJCE - Electric power mix (PDF)

SVCE is a community-owned agency that offers renewable energy to its customers. Participating communities include Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and unincorporated Santa Clara County.

SVCE has provided service to customers since April 2017.

For more information about SVCE, call 1-844-474-7823 or visit Silicon Valley Clean Energy.

SVCE and PG&E comparisons

PG&E – SVCE joint rate comparisons (PDF)
SVCE - Electric power mix (PDF)

SCP is a not-for-profit public agency that offers renewable energy to its customers. SCP's service area includes Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

SCP has provided service to customers since May 2014.

For more information about SCP, call 1-855-202-2139 or visit Sonoma Clean Power.

SCP and PG&E comparisons

PG&E – SCP Joint rate comparisons (PDF)
SCP - Electric power mix (PDF)

Valley Clean Energy is a not-for-profit, public agency that sources renewable energy to its customers. VCE's service area includes the city of Davis, the city of Woodland, the city of Winters, and unincorporated Yolo County.

VCE has provided service to customers since 2018.

For more information about VCE, call at 1-855-699-8232, or visit valleycleanenergy.org.

VCE and PG&E comparisons

PG&E – VCE joint rate comparisons (PDF)
VCE - Electric power mix (PDF)

Customers must contact the CCA to opt out. PG&E cannot process opt-out requests.

Customers may opt out of CCA service during the enrollment period, or at any time after starting service with the CCA. CCA programs are required to send potential customers at least four notifications that include opt-out instructions—twice during a 60-day period in advance of the date of automatic enrollment and twice during a 60-day period following enrollment in the CCA program. During these periods, customers can opt out of the CCA program without any cost. To opt out, CCA programs will require customers to take some type of action, such as calling a toll-free number, sending a self-addressed return postcard or letter or completing an opt-out form on the internet.

PG&E can't assist with your request to opt out of CCA. To opt out, each CCA program will require customers to take some type of action, such as calling a toll-free number, sending a self-addressed return postcard or letter or completing an opt-out form on the internet. A CCA is required to notify customers in writing to explain which opt-out methods will be available should they decide to opt out of the program.

Yes, a customer who opts out of a CCA program can join the program at a later date. However, if a customer opts out of a CCA program after the first 60 days of service with the CCA, the customer will be required to remain with PG&E's bundled service for one year. In order for a customer to join a CCA program after opting out, the customer must contact the CCA program directly.

Yes, you can opt out of a CCA program at any time. If you opt out during the notification period, you can return to PG&E's bundled service without terms or restrictions. You also have the right to return to PG&E's bundled service after the notification period. However, you should check with the CCA to see if any charges might apply. PG&E offers the following options for returning to bundled service during this later period:

1. You can notify your CCA program at least six months before the date that you want to return to PG&E bundled service. When you return to bundled service six months later, you will pay the then-existing bundled electric generation rate, which will be identical to similarly situated PG&E customers in your customer class.
2. If you do not provide PG&E with a full six-months’ notice, you can return to PG&E bundled service at any time, but you will pay the then-existing Transitional Bundled Commodity Cost (TBCC) – which may be higher or lower than the then-existing bundled electric generation rate – until six months after PG&E receives notice from your CCA. Thereafter, you will pay the bundled electric generation rate (identical to similarly situated PG&E customers in your customer class).

With either option, you’ll be required to make a one-year commitment to PG&E bundled service.