Opportunity for Public Comment at December Board Meeting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 21, 2022
MCE Press Contact:
Jenna Tenney, Marketing & Communications Manager
(925) 378-6747 | communications@mceCleanEnergy.org
SAN RAFAEL and CONCORD, Calif. — Bay Area clean electricity provider, MCE, is expected to vote on a potential rate increase at their Board of Directors meeting on December 15, 2022, while still aiming to offer lower rates compared to PG&E. Residents and businesses that receive MCE service are encouraged to attend.
Residents and businesses on MCE’s service are expected to save $90 million this year compared to PG&E. As the cost of energy increased in 2022, MCE absorbed the costs to provide relief to ratepayers during a financially difficult year. MCE is now proposing a rate increase to bring the cost of service back in line with the cost of power.
“Over the last year we’ve provided significant cost savings and expect to still offer lower costs compared to PG&E in 2023,” said Dawn Weisz, MCE CEO. “MCE has always had a strong focus on fiscal responsibility and the proposed rate increase will ensure a secure financial position for the future.”
Wholesale electricity prices in California have increased significantly over the last year, driven by a power supply shortage from drought conditions and natural disasters, COVID-19 disruptions, and inflation. The proposed rate change would:
- Go into effect on January 1, 2023,
- Result in an average $0.04 per kilowatt-hour increase, or $7 a month for the average household,
- Still provide the average household with an estimated savings about $3 a month compared to PG&E,
- Help MCE maintain rate stability in 2023.
MCE also offers programs that support bill savings including energy efficiency programs, electrification for income-qualifying households, and load shifting programs to reduce energy consumption when costs are higher. In 2023, MCE will continue to offer significantly more renewable energy than PG&E at lower costs, confronting climate change while fostering energy equity.
Visit MCE’s Board and Committee meetings page to view the agenda packet and staff report when ready and to watch the live-streamed meeting at 7 p.m. on December 15.
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About MCE: MCE is a not-for-profit, public agency that has been setting the standard for clean energy in California since 2010. MCE offers 60% renewable power at stable rates, significantly reducing greenhouse emissions and reinvesting millions in local programs. Serving a 1,200 MW peak load, MCE provides electricity service and innovative programs to more than 575,000 customer accounts and 1.5 million residents and businesses in 37 communities across four Bay Area counties: Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano. For more information about MCE, visit mceCleanEnergy.org, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
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