What is Community Choice Energy?

Community Choice Energy (CCE) has been operating in California since 2002 following passage of Assembly Bill 117. CCE programs enable local government control over energy procurement to purchase power, set competitive rates, and collect revenue. The local utility still maintains the electricity grid, deliver energy, and bill customers. CCEs offer automatic enrollment to businesses and residences in its jurisdiction, with the ability for the customer to opt out and continue to purchase electricity from the utility. Customers have the option of choosing increased percentages of renewable energy. CCE programs in California generally procure and resell a power mix between 50 percent and 100 percent renewable energy to their customers.

On September. 25, 2018, the Irvine City Council approved conducting a feasibility study to determine the pros and cons of implementing a CCE program, including potential economic benefits for the community.