Updated on 3/18/22, originally published on 5/11/2020
If you’re new to MCE service, we know you may have questions. Who is MCE? Is MCE cheaper than my previous service with PG&E? How are my services changing? Will I need to pay another bill? MCE is here to help answer these questions so that you can feel great about your new energy options.
Who is MCE?
MCE is a groundbreaking, not-for-profit, public agency that has been setting the standard for energy innovation in our communities since 2010. MCE offers more renewable power at stable rates, significantly reducing energy-related greenhouse emissions and enabling millions of dollars of reinvestment in local energy programs. MCE provides electricity service to more than 540,000 customer accounts and more than one million residents and businesses in 37 member communities across four Bay Area counties: Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano.
In comparison to the traditional utility, MCE offers cleaner, locally-controlled, cost-competitive electricity options with almost twice the amount of renewable energy. MCE customers are greening our electricity supply while helping invest in local energy programs such as electric vehicle charging stations, development of local renewable energy projects, and support of workforce development and local jobs.
How is my service changing?
Now that MCE is your electricity service provider, you have access to additional service options and programs like those mentioned above. Prior to MCE, your default service was 39% renewable. MCE’s standard service, Light Green, offers 60% renewable energy at stable and competitive rates. You can also choose 100% renewable energy through MCE’s Deep Green service, sourced from 100% wind and solar energy for $5 more a month for the average residential customer. Half of the premium you pay for Deep Green goes towards local projects and programs, helping support the local economy.
Is MCE cheaper than my previous service with PG&E?
MCE’s mission is to keep rates stable and competitive, making renewable energy affordable for all customers. As of March 1, 2022, all MCE customers, regardless of rate plan, are paying less compared to PG&E.
MCE residential customers are saving an average of $13 a month on their electricity bills with Light Green 60% renewable compared to PG&E’s 31% renewable. MCE’s premium Deep Green 100% renewable option is less expensive than PG&E’s 31% renewable service, saving customers an average of $7 a month. Customers can choose MCE Deep Green 100% renewable energy to save on their electric bill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to confront the climate crisis.
*Based on a typical usage of a residential customer in our service area at current PG&E rates and MCE rates effective as of March 1, 2022
under the E-1 rate schedule. Actual differences may vary depending on usage, rate schedule, and other factors.
**Renewable energy content as reported to the California Energy Commission’s Power Source Disclosure Program.
***Exit fees charged by PG&E are based on the year your community began service with MCE.
MCE’s financial strength has allowed the agency to continue to reduce costs for customers while supporting the clean energy economy, local workforce development, and energy equity. Over MCE’s 10 years of service, MCE has reinvested more than $180 million into Bay Area communities, including more than $70 million in bill savings, and has saved customers over $68 million on their electricity rates. While MCE can’t always guarantee we will be less expensive than PG&E, MCE’s mission is to keep rates stable and competitive, making renewable energy affordable for all customers.
MCE’s rates are set by our Board of Directors in a fully transparent process through a series of public meetings. We encourage customers to attend these meetings and voice their opinions about potential rate changes. Historically, we have not changed our rates more than once per year.
For current residential cost comparisons, please visit mceCleanEnergy.org/rates/. For current commercial cost comparisons, please visit mceCleanEnergy.org/commercial-rates/. For Fairfield customers, please visit mceCleanEnergy.org/fairfield/.
Will I need to pay another bill?
MCE customers will continue to receive one bill from PG&E that you can pay as your normally would, whether that’s online, by phone, or by mail. MCE’s electric generation charges will be listed on your PG&E bill, and replace PG&E’s electric generation charges; they are not an additional charge. If you’d like help evaluating your bill, please call 1 (888) 632-3674 or email info@mceCleanEnergy.org.
Electric delivery provided by PG&E and highlighted in blue above.
Electric generation provided by MCE and highlighted in green above.
If you have more specific questions, please call MCE at 1 (888) 632-3674, Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm or send an email to info@mceCleanEnergy.org.
