MCE is pleased to announce the release of our first-ever supplier diversity report. This report reflects MCE’s commitment to The Utility Supplier Diversity Program, which aims to increase the number of utility contract dollars spent on woman-, minority-, LGBTQ-, and disabled veteran-owned businesses in California. Many utilities have voluntary contracting quotas for these businesses. As of 2019, electricity load-serving entities like Community Choice Aggregations (CCAs) are included under the reporting umbrella of the California Public Utilities Commission’s General Order 156 program for supplier diversity. This change requires CCAs like MCE to submit an annual plan for increasing procurement from certified businesses, as well as small, local, and diverse businesses.
While Proposition 209 in the California Constitution bars public entities like MCE from making decisions based on identity characteristics, we are pleased to report the following summary of certified expenditures and how MCE is supporting and advocating for a more diverse local business community:
- A multiyear engagement with the Supplier Diversity Program and related publications
- Community reinvestment through customer programs, local renewable energy projects, and sponsorship opportunities
- Annual Certify & Amplify workshops, which introduce local businesses to the benefits and opportunities available through the Supplier Diversity Program
- Capacity building, technical assistance, and educational events for local businesses to learn more about energy management, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology
- Contracting priorities and opportunities
Download a copy of MCE’s 2021 Supplier Diversity Report and check out our current contracting opportunities.
If you’re a diverse small business owner, register for MCE’s annual Certify & Amplify virtual workshop on June 10th to learn about statewide contracting opportunities and the benefits of certification to access California’s multimillion-dollar utility contracting clearinghouse.
