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  • New Jersey | LEAN Energy US

    NEW JERSEY In New Jersey, Community Choice Aggregation is called Government Energy Aggregation ("GEA"). Plumstead Township was the first community to launch a GEA in New Jersey in 2012, followed by Toms River, Montgomery and Monroe Townships. Due to regulatory barriers, as of February, 2023, only one GEA program is active in New Jersey, whereas at least 131 communities have enabled GEA local law and actively aim to continue or start a program. 131 communities with Local CCA Authorization 1 active CCA community 130 inactive CCA communities 534,000 MWh of annual load (2022) <1% statewide population participants 33,000 total c ustomer accounts 3 to 24 -month electricity supply contracts Use this interactive map to explore CCA communities across New Jersey. Use your mouse to zoom in and click on flags for more information. HISTORY Community Choice in the Garden State came into being in 1999 as part of the electricity deregulation movement. It was followed by a more specific Government Energy Aggregation Act in 2003, but an opt-in requirement and cost cap stymied the growth of GEAs. Subsequent legislation removed these barriers and the first GEA programs launched in 2012. ​ New Jersey’s experiment with opt-in aggregation demonstrated that CCAs really need to be designed as opt-out programs in order to succeed. Only with the automatic enrollment of all customers, except those who opt out, can a CCA reach the critical mass necessary to attract suppliers and succeed as a business. ​ Despite the rise of interest in GEA programs in the past years, the New Jersey GEA market is currently facing major challenges. Current market specialists note that they are unable to compete with the Price to Compare (“PTC”) rates. The Board of Public Utilities (“BPU”) requires GEA rates be lower than the PTC rate, unless the GEA rate includes more than 24.5% of class I and II renewable energy sources (a.k.a. the New Jersey minimum renewable energy requirement for 2022 and 2023), as per N.J.A.C 14:4-6.9. While this requirement may be seen as protective of customers, New Jersey regulators have unfortunately established a formula to calculate the PTC that, currently, GEAs are unable to compete with. ​ GEA consultants and advocacy groups have been working for many years to change the PTC formula as it is not reflective of the current market. Many New Jersey communities are waiting for the hedges to roll off in the next few years for competitors to join the market again and start a GEA program. According to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, 4 million electric customers are eligible for GEA in 2023 (NJBPU, 2023). ​ By law, CCA energy contracts in New Jersey cannot be longer than 24 months. GEA programs may offer REC opt-up options as part of their electricity supply contracts. The only active GEA community, the city of Hoboken, offers three types of product offerings: Standard offering: state minimum renewable energy requirement (24.5%) + 10% renewable energy sources Basic offering: state minimum renewable energy requirement (24.5%) 100% Green offering: 100% renewable energy sources FAST FACTS New Jersey's PTC (Price to Compare) formula, which active GEA programs need to to be lower than, equals the average standard utility rate from the past three energy auctions –there is one energy auction per year. Currently, GEAs that offer a standard rate without enhanced renewable content, cannot compete with the PTC rate since the 2021 utility rates were much lower at the time and yet are still considered in the current PTC formula. New aggregation programs are initiated by majority vote of the municipality’s elected body and must be approved by the Board of Public Utilities . ​ New Jersey allows automatic enrollment of residential customers, but it still requires commercial and municipal accounts to opt-in during a specified period. CCA (a.k.a. GEA) PROGRAMS STATE RESOURCES RECENT PRESS ​ New Jersey Aggregation (NJ AGG) The Hunterdon Area Energy Cooperative (HAEC) Teaneck Community Energy Aggregation (TCEA) Sustainable Essex Alliance Energy Procurement Cooperative (“SEAEPC”) Colts Neck Community Energy Aggregation Hamilton Commun ity Energy Aggregation Lacey Community Energy Aggregation Manchester Community E nergy Aggregation Old Bridge Community Energy Agg regation Plainsboro Community Energy A ggregation West Amwell Community Energy Aggregation West Orange Community Energ y Aggregation Montgomery Community Energy Aggregation (MCEA) Princeton Com munity Renewable Energy (PCRE) Piscataway CEA Bloomfield Community Energy Aggregation Gloucester/Somerdale Government Energy Aggregation Winslow Energy Aggregation Progr am Howell Energy Aggregation Program Margate Energy Aggr egation Program Franklin Energy Aggregation Program Andover Energy Aggregation Program Hardyson Energy Aggregation Program Little Falls Energy Aggregation Program The Morris Area Energy Cooperative (MA EC) ACES – Alliance for Competitive Energy Services (Purchases electricity and natural gas for 430 NJ school districts) Board of Public Utilities (BPU) CCA-Enabling Legislation: AB 2165 State of New Jersey "NJ Power Switch" NJ Government Energy Aggregation - Program Summary ​ INFORMATION RESOURCES U.S. Energy Information Administration, New Jersey State Energy Profile New Jersey Clean Ene rgy Program Food and Water Watch Sustainable Jersey INVESTOR OWNED UTILITIES Haverhill Residents Not Receiving Discounted Electric Rate Have Another Chance to Enroll . whav.net, January 16, 2023 ​ N.J. shakes up offshore wind industry with historic $1B plan . politicopro.com, October 27, 2022 ​ Old Bridge voters to decide fate of clean energy program . mycentraljersey.com, October 26, 2022 ​ Mayor Kramer Promotes 'Two Environmentally Friendly Energy Programs . tapinto.net/towns/franklin-township, October 3, 2022 ​ As SOMA Returns to PSE&G for Electricity, Town Leaders Work to Find Cheaper Options . Village Green NJ, September 12, 2022 ​ Morris Township Moves To Lower Energy Costs by Exploring Energy Aggregation & Natural Gas . Morristown Minute, September 4, 2022 ​ South Orange & Maplewood Electric Bills Likely to Rise as Towns Return to PSE&G as Supplier . The Village Green, August 29, 2022 ​ New pilot program will help residents save money and protect the environment . Essex News Daily, March 13, 2022 Atlantic Electric Company Jersey Central Power & Light Public Service Electricity & Gas Rockland Electric Company

  • Virginia | LEAN Energy US

    VIRGINIA Community Choice Aggregation is called "Municipal Aggregation" in Virginia, which was established in 1999. Counties, cities, municipalities and other political subdivisions may establish a Municipal Aggregation for electricity service however, no programs have yet been launched. HISTORY Municipal aggregation has been allowed in Virginia since 1999, when it was introduced in the Electric Utility Restructuring Act (SB 1269). The Act added to the Code of Virginia in Title 56 section 56-589 Municipal and state aggregation, which was amended in several sessions throughout the years as follows: ​ 1999 Session; Chapter 441 . Introduces § 56-589 Municipal and State Aggregation ​ “Counties, cities and towns (hereafter “municipalities”) and other political subdivisions of the Commonwealth may, at their election and upon authorization by majority votes of their governing bodies, aggregate electrical energy and demand requirements for the purpose of negotiating the purchase of electrical energy requirements from any licensed supplier within this Commonwealth.” ​ Residential, commercial and industrial retail customers may on a voluntary, opt-in basis select the municipality or other political subdivision as its aggregator, which may not earn a profit but must recover the actual costs incurred in such aggregation. One or more municipalities may aggregate the consumption of electric energy of their governmental buildings, facilities and any other governmental operations. 2000 Session; Chapter 991 . § 56-588 – Licensing of Aggregators The aggregation of the governmental buildings, facilities and any other governmental operations of one or more municipalities does not require a license from the State Corporation Commission. ​ 2003 Session; Chapter 795 . § 56-577 – Schedule for transition to retail competition; Commission authority; exemptions; pilot programs Provides for the State Corporation Commission to develop and implement municipal aggregation pilot programs in an opt-in, opt-out or any other type of municipal aggregation. ​ 2004 Session; Chapter 827 . Introduces the possibility for an opt-out basis, eliminates the requirement that customers must opt in to select such aggregation, and eliminates the requirement that the municipality or other political subdivision may not earn a profit from the aggregation. ​ 2007 Session; Chapter 888 , Chapter 933 . The aggregation is subject to the provisions of subdivision A3 of § 56-577 . ​ Provides that one or more municipalities can aggregate the consumption of electric energy of their governmental buildings, facilities and any other governmental operations “for the purpose of negotiating rates and terms, and conditions of service from the electric utility certificated by the Commission to serve the territory in which such buildings, facilities and operations are located,” and “that no such electric energy load shall be aggregated for this purpose unless all such buildings, facilities and operations to be aggregated are served by the same electric utility.” FAST FACTS In early April, 2022, the Loudoun County finance committee approved anonymously to explore CCA. They will be taking 3-6 months to look carefully at the legal and financial aspects/issues for a pilot to launch. The home of a large concentration of data centers, commercial emissions are of great concern to the community. Many believe a CCA program in the county will enable a dramatic drop in commercial emissions. Virginia Clean Energy is working in Arlington County and Alexandria on initial outreach and education. These communities are considering a feasibility study for a multi-jurisdictional JPA. In 2004 Dominion Virginia Power (DVP) filed an application to implement a Municipal Aggregation Pilot for aggregation of residential and small business customers and a Commercial and Industrial Pilot. The pilots were limited in loads (MW) and in number of customers. In January 2004, 77,491 customers (69,317 residential, 8,104 businesses and 70 churches) volunteered to be part of a buying group selected to receive an offer from an alternative supplier as part of Dominion’s competitive bid supply service pilot, while 1,970 non residential customers volunteered to participate in the commercial and industrial pilot (201 participants were selected for this pilot). Customers could return to Dominion for the electricity supply service at any time at their current rate. The pilots were foreseen to end in July 2007. [ 1 ] INVESTOR OWNED UTILITIES Appalachian Power Dominion Virginia Power Kentucky Utilities STATE AGENCIES RECENT PRESS INFORMATION RESOURCES Virginia Department of Public Utilities CCA-Enabling Legislation: HB 1590 U.S. Energy Information Administration, Virginia State Energy Profile Virginia Clean Energy Virginia Clean Economy Act (2020) ​ ​ ​ Commercial, transportation sectors contributing most greenhouse gases in Loudoun . October 19, 2022, loudountimes.com Loudoun County to Study Green Energy Buying Options . April 28, 2022, loudounnow.com Fairfax County needs community choice aggregation . June 25, 2021, Fairfax County Times C licking Clean Virginia-The Dirty Energy Powering Data Center Alley . Greenpeace.org, February 13, 2019

  • 2023 CCA STUDY | LEAN Energy US

    Click on report coverpage to view document LEAN ENERGY US’ 2023 report on Community Choice Aggregation is now out! ​ After many months of research, surveys, focus groups, and industry leader interviews, LEAN's study shows the CCA model as an efficient, equitable and cost-effective policy tool for providing competitive pricing and renewable power to a large number of electricity consumers in the United States. The study reviews state-by-state market status, national impacts, and most importantly, an analysis covering the potential of CCAs to accelerate state and national governments' environmental, social and economic goals in the energy sector. ​ The slide presentation from our webinar on June 28th is available to view or download HERE .

  • States Under Consideration | LEAN Energy US

    ARIZONA In early 2022, a move to repeal Arizona’s “energy choice” bill (HB 2101) was introduced, written by Salt River Project and backed by all of the state’s IOUs. The bill passed and repeals the existing energy competition statute. Legislators have agreed to form an energy taskforce to get up to speed on the changing energy market and other viable structures for competition, the changing grid and distributed energy, etc. LEAN is working with advocacy groups in the state on trying to get a seat at that table. ​ In April, 2022, a coalition of climate action groups have drafted a sign-on letter compelling the ACC to open a docket to study CCA, and Prima County may be considering a pilot program. COLORADO In January, 2021, Colorado Governor Jared Polis presented a new plan to reduce greenhouse gas pollution with a goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2040. ​ In April, 2021 HB21-1269 was introduced by Colorado State Rep. Edie Hooton (D-Boulder) which directed the state’s Public Utilities Commission to study the feasibility of CCA. I n January, 2022, the PUC opened a CCE investigatory docket, proceeding number 22I-0027E , entitled "Study of Community Choice for Wholesale Electric Supply”. The Commission invited input from interested parties on the 23 questions and topics that are specified in the bill plus about a dozen additional questions added by the Commission, all of which were aimed at determining how CCE might work best in Colorado if it was implemented by the legislature. LEAN's initial comments submitted on March 1, 2022 can be viewed HERE , reply comments submitted on April 15, 2022 HERE . In early March, 2023, CCA-enabling legislation was drafted and unfortunately did not get approved for "late bill status". ​ As of August 1, 2023, the CCA bill has sponsorship and is being drafted. More detail and updated information can be found on this webpage: energyfreedomco.org/cca.php ​ Note: Colorado advocates and bill drafters are using the term "Community Choice Energy" or "CCE" rather than "CCA" ​​ ​ MICHIGAN The City of Ann Arbor is leading the CCA efforts in Michigan and is working with local legislators to draft legislation that they hope to see introduced “in the near future” (see January, 2021 article HERE ). ​ In the News: Ann Arbor to lobby Michigan legislature for power to choose electricity sources . energynews.us, January 14, 2021 DTE Energy raises concerns about Ann Arbor’s plan for 100% renewable energy . mlive.com, June 3, 2021 Power outages lead to renewed talks of creating public electric utility for Ann Arbor . mlive.com, August 24, 2021 DTE Energy hopes Ann Arbor nixes idea of creating its own electric utility . mlive.com, August 24, 2021 NEW MEXICO Working with Public Power New Mexico, the state made a run unsuccessfully at enabling legislation in Quarter 1 of 2023 (3rd time). LEAN continues to support Public Power New Mexico in 2023 as they convene a working group to study CCA and hopefully re-introduce legislation in 2024. PENNSYLVANIA Currently there is a team of 9 community, CCA, legal, and solar industry experts working on establishing CCA in Pennsylvania. The group consists of individuals from REIV2G Network, Sierra Club of Pennsylvania, Ready for 100, Joule Community Power, PASSIA, Philadelphia Solar Energy Association, eco(n)law and Earthjustice. The team has identified 3 possible pathways to CCA-enabling success: Legislative, regulatory and existing borough statute. The team has decided to forego the legislative path for now due to political challenges, and focus on regulatory and existing borough statute. The regulatory pathway was at first not a consideration due to the possibility that an opt out CCA program would be violating existing legislation, however it has been recently discovered that if the regulatory submission can prove that a CCA program would be in the public interest, the PUC could approve the program. The borough pathway could also be successful because of a statute in the state that allows boroughs to purchase electricity on behalf of their residents, developed decades ago. This statute, however, was not intended to use for CCA, so the team is currently looking deeper into how it could work. ​ More details and regularly updated information can be found HERE . HOW DOES A STATE GET A CCA? We’re often asked “What do you look for when considering CCA in a new state?” “Where does it work best?” The truth is, there’s no single answer nor is it always a straight path to CCA adoption. Why? Because regulatory frameworks, electric power markets and policies/politics are very different around the country. ​ Let’s start with some basic context. At the 50,000 foot level, the US operates within 10 electric power markets and 3 regulatory frameworks[1]: ​ Regulated/Un-Restructured – Vertically integrated investor-owned utilities (IOUs) are the sole source provider of both electric/gas generation and transmission services. It’s a one-stop shopping monopoly model with guaranteed rates of return, centralized oversight and no market competition or customer choice. Over half of US states operate in fully regulated energy markets including WA, UT, AZ, MN and FL. De-regulated/Restructure d – In restructured states, the utility function has been split to allow for electric (and in some cases, gas) supply to be provided by retail energy suppliers on a competitive basis. The utility gets out of the power generation business and is a “poles and wire” company providing power transmission, distribution, line maintenance and some programs. Examples of deregulated/restructured markets are TX, NY, MA and IL. Partially De-Regulated – These states maintain a vertically integrated utility structure but allow some customer classes, usually large commercial and industrial, to access the wholesale, competitive market to procure power for their load. Small commercial, municipal and residential accounts continue to be served on a regulated, monopoly basis by the IOU. Examples of partially de-regulated states are: CA, OR, NV, MI and PA, VA. ​ CCAs are authorized at the state level in one of two ways: 1) through State legislation or 2) through regulation. Of the states in which CCA currently exists, six are de-regulated (IL, OH, MA, NY, RI, NH and NJ), two are partially de-regulated (CA and VA), and zero are in fully regulated states… although we aim to change that. Please see our “What is CCA” page for links to state statutes/enabling legislation. WHAT ARE THE CONSIDERATIONS? Although there are some similarities depending on which electric power market a state operates in, each state has differences including existing regulations, state energy policies, political leadership and customer base. That said, we’ve identified 5 considerations when determining where CCA might work best [2]: Partially deregulated or restructured energy market States with aggressive renewable portfolio standards (RPS) and other clean energy goals Legislative or public action to explore electric competition and/or greater use of clean power (e.g. NV’s 2018 Energy Choice Initiative; Oregon’s SB 978) Local government interest in CCA Electric rates and customer dissatisfaction with incumbent utility INFORMATION RESOURCES Regulated and Deregulated Energy Markets ​ Deregulated Energy States & Markets (Updated 2020) ​ FERC: Electric Power Markets, National Overview ​ CCA: A Community Tool to Boost the Economy and Green the Grid , LEAN presentation in Colorado, March, 2019 ​ CCA For PA Website ​ https://www.ferc.gov/market-oversight/mkt-electric/overview.asp , https://infocastinc.com/insights/solar/regulated-deregulated-energy-markets/ LEAN defines ‘best’ as CCA programs that have a triple bottom line: more customer choice, more affordable rates, more clean power. STATES UNDER CONSIDERATION Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania​

  • ABOUT LEAN | LEAN Energy US

    ABOUT LEAN ENERGY US Our Mission LEAN Energy US (Local Energy Aggregation Network) is dedicated to the accelerated expansion and competitive success of clean energy CCA nationwide. We work in partnership with a range of organizations to actively support the formation and operational success of CCAs around the country. We do this on a pro bono, advisory basis as well as through professional service contracts with states and municipalities interested in authorizing and forming CCA programs. ​ Bringing clarity and direction to a complex arena, LEAN provides information resources and market expertise to a national network of local governments, commercial and non-profit organizations, advocacy groups and individuals wishing to pursue CCA in their states and/or communities. Core Functions and Services LEAN’s programs and priorities are built around a framework of 4 core functions: Outreach, Information and Education Our primary focus is educating state and local officials and stakeholder groups, but we seek to raise awareness about the benefits and functional mechanics of CCA to any audience that wants to learn about it. We offer CCA “how to” presentations, webinars, educational workshops, and web-based resources. We have presented at numerous national and international conferences, and frequently contribute to CCA-related white papers and studies. ​ CCA Formation and Development We track the market and provide information, key contacts, and professional advisory services for communities wishing to pursue CCA and operational programs that need on-going support. ​ Regulatory and Legislative Affairs LEAN supports new state legislation around the United States and participates in regulatory and legislative initiatives in California. ​ New Market Development and Innovation A big part of our job is to export CCA best practices, especially in the area of clean power integration, and support the adoption of CCA enabling legislation in new States. Recent succeses include the State of New York and LEAN is supporting nascent efforts in the states of Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Virginia. WHAT WE DO WHO WE ARE TESTIMONIALS

  • What We Do | LEAN Energy US

    WHAT WE DO LEAN advances the vision of a clean energy America in everything we do. Our mission to support the expansion of clean energy CCAs is carried out through initiatives and activities that are both responsive and proactive. Whether that’s getting the word out through presentations and the media, serving as a subject-matter expert, protecting CCA interests at legislatures and public utility commissions, or sharing ideas and best practices…if it’s about CCA, that’s where you’ll find us. We are here to help! Here are some of the services we provide* *Access to data with state-by-state information, contacts, and resources ​ ​ Technical and strategy support for new states interested in authorizing CCA Periodic bulletins and action alerts to our network of over 3,500 organizations, vendors, NGOs and other allied organizations White paper review/CCA editorial services ​ ​ *Monthly Federal Funding Opportunity reports CCA presentations before a variety of audiences Support for local governments considering CCA *Presentation and networking opportunities before a wide audience of CCA stakeholders Fiscal sponsorship of emergent programs focused on clean energy CCA launch and/or expansion Content-rich webiste ​ ​ Informative quarterly CCA webinars *With annual membership If you’d like to learn more or “plug in” to some or all of these services, please contact us at info@leanenergyus.org . TESTIMONIALS

  • Illinois | LEAN Energy US

    Community Choice is called Municipal Electricity Aggregation (MEA) in Illinois. MEA became wildly popular from 2011 to 2013 because it offered very significant savings to customers. When savings largely disappeared in 2014-15, many MEAs ceased operations, however from 2016 on, MEAs have been re-launching and/or forming with favorable pricing. In 2023, Illinois has almost 400 communities with active MEAs and a strong base of political support. 746 communities with Local CCA Authorization 379 active CCA communities 367 inactive CCA communities 7,807,000 MWh of annual load (2022) 14 % statewide population participants 734,000 total c ustomer accounts 6 to 36 -month electricity supply contracts Use this interactive map to explore CCA communities across Illinois. Use your mouse to zoom in and click on flags for more information. HISTORY Municipal electricity aggregation in the Illinois operates in a competitive retail environment. A functional separation between power generation and power delivery has existed since the 1990s. Municipalities or individual customers are able to sign contracts to buy power from licensed Alternative Retail Energy Suppliers (ARES). However, before the introduction of MEA, few residential customers took the trouble to switch to electricity from alternative suppliers. ​ As in other Community Choice states, Illinois’ large utilities – ComEd and Ameren Illinois – continue to handle power transmission and distribution, line maintenance and customer billing. Because the retail market was already open, the utilities expressed no opposition to the introduction of municipal aggregation. ARES companies supported the introduction and growth of MEA because it reduced their customer acquisition costs. ​ Most CCA communities in the state contract with a consultant to choose the energy supplier during the procurement process. After that, the supplier is in charge of managing the program. It is a shared effort between the local government’s staff, the energy supplier, and the aggregation consultant. ​ In 2012-13 Illinois was the fastest growing community choice market in the nation. The growth was caused by MEAs initially having a pricing advantage of as much as 3 cents/kWh over the incumbent power suppliers. MEAs offered rates of about 5 cents/kWh at a time when ComEd was charging about 8 cents/kWh. ​ Capping this period of heady growth, Chicago voters approved a referendum in November, 2012 to launch an MEA, making it by far the largest US city to embrace community choice. More than 70% of residential and small commercial customers in ComEd’s service region were enrolled in MEA in late 2013. ​ By the middle of 2014 more than 720 Illinois communities had formed MEAs; however, in the second half of 2014 the price advantage that MEAs had enjoyed began to erode and, in some cases, became a price disadvantage - the two large investor-owned utilities were able to obtain cheaper electricity supplies and lower their rates. Consequently, approximately 100 MEAs (including Chicago in 2015) returned their customers to bundled service provided by Ameren Illinois and ComEd. (Doing this did not terminate the existence of an MEA. It essentially suspended the MEA so that it could be restarted if conditions changed, and no new referendum would be required to do so.) ​ By 2016 many MEA programs were once again able to sign contracts with suppliers that offered a slight price advantage (up to 1 cent/kWh) over utility prices to their customers, which stemmed the decline in the number of MEAs. ​ As of May, 2022, Illinois has more communities that have enabled CCA, whether their program is active or not, than all other states combined. To date, 746 communities –including counties, cities, townships, towns, and villages– have enabled a CCA local law, of which, 379 were active as of May 21, 2022. ​ The average CCA rates in Illinois have recently become more attractive in large part because many CCA communities initiated two-year electricity supply contracts at a time when electricity rates were low. FAST FACTS Illinois has more political jurisdictions participating in aggregation programs than all other states combined. ​ According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, 44 of the top 100 Green Power Partnership communities are in Illinois Although rate savings have always been the primary impetus for MEA formation in Illinois, some municipalities have prioritized purchasing electricity generated by renewable resources, particularly wind energy. Other cities – perhaps as many of half of Illinois’ MEAs — purchase energy from coal, nuclear and combined cycle gas plants, but offset the associated greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing unbundled renewable energy certificates (RECs). A recent poll conducted in April, 2019 shows that a super-majority of Illinois residents want to be able to choose their energy supplier, choose clean energy, and want more renewable energy in the Illinois power system. The Illinois Renewable Energy Investment Act SB 316 and HB 1747 , passed in 2021, was a sweeping energy regulation overhaul that aims to phase out carbon emissions from the energy sector by 2045 while diversifying the renewable energy workforce. Included in the bill is a mandate to close fossil fuel plants between 2030 and 2045, depending on the source and carbon emissions level, subsidizes three nuclear plants with $694 million paid over a period of five years, and increases subsidies for renewable energy by more than $350 million annually. The Electric Service Customer Choice and Rate Relief Law of 1997 significantly restructured the Illinois electric industry and provided a transition to competitive retail markets. It allowed alternative retail electric suppliers (ARES) to compete against each other and the utility to service customers. Customer choice was phased-in starting in October, 1999 for commercial and industrial customers and in May, 2002 for residential customers. The Illinois Commerce Commission was charged to promote the development of an effectively competitive electricity market. CCA (a.k.a. MEA) PROGRAMS STATE AGENCIES Plug In Illinois (list of communities) ​ CCA POWER PROVIDERS AEP Energy Harbor Constellation Dynegy Energy Eligo Energy Homefield energy MC Squared Energy Services INVESTOR OWNED UTILITIES Ameren Illinois Exelon Corp (ComEd) MidAmerican Energy Company Illinois Commerce Commission, Electricity Illinois Commerce Commission, Office of Retail Market Development Citizen’s Utility Board Illinois Power Agency ​ INFORMATION RESOURCES Plug In Illinois ​ U.S. Energy Information Administration, Illinois State Energy Profile ​ Illinois Power Agency ​ CCA-Enabling Legislation: House Bill 362 ​ Guide to Municipal Electricity Aggregation ​ ​ RECENT PRESS Riverside sticking with 100% green power program . Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, July 3, 2023 ​ It's time to make your decision on community aggregation. Here's a few things to consider. WCBU.org, June 20, 2023 ​ Lake Zurich making green energy option available to residents . Dailey Herald, June 1, 2023 ​ Paxton reinstating electric aggregation program . Fordcountychronicle.com, February 22, 2023 ​ Galesburg Mayor Explains Why Most Residents Are Protected From Energy Price Hikes . WGIL.com, December 27, 2022 ​ Chicago’s Plan for 100 Percent Clean Municipal Electricity . nrdc.org, August 29, 2022 ​ Central Illinois energy rates to double, stick around for a year . hoiabc.com, June 6, 2022 ​ Think your Ameren energy bill was high last winter? Just wait for this summer. Peoria Journal Star, April 27, 2022 ILLINOIS

  • CCA BY STATE | LEAN Energy US

    CCA BY STATE State-By-State CCA Map Explore the latest CCA market insights and policy updates in all 10 CCA-enabled states. MD RI VA NH NJ AZ CO NM IL NY PA MA OH MI CA Ten states – California, Illinois, Maryland (Montgomery County pilot), Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and Virginia – have enacted Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) legislation that empowers local governments to aggregate the electricity loads of residents, businesses, and/or municipal facilities. Pennsylvania has a decades old state statute that allows boroughs to purchase electricity on behalf of their residents. STATE LINKS Click on the name of a State to learn more about its Community Choice Aggregation programs. ​ California Illinois Maryland Massachusetts New Hampshire New Jersey New York Ohio Rhode Island Virginia CCA programs reflect the values of their governing boards, the communities they serve, and the states in which they operate. Most emphasize reducing the cost of electricity. Some also focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, establishing new revenue streams to support local energy programs, or creating local jobs, and some are designed to accomplish several of these goals simultaneously. CCA LEGISLATION IN 10 STATES California Year Published 2002 Statute Assembly Bill 117 and Senate Bill 790 Notes and Resources Opt-out provision, joint power agencies run programs on behalf of multiple jurisdictions Example of Renewable Offer 33% or 100% green power options in CCAs like in Sonoma County; Marin Clean Energy has 50% and 100% options Illinois Year Published 2009 Statute Municipal Aggregation, House Bill 362 Notes and Resources Opt-out provision; for residential and small business utility customers Example of Renewable Offer Many CCAs offer a 100% green power option Maryland Year Published 2021 Statute House Bill 768 Notes and Resources Montgomery County CCE Pilot Program Example of Renewable Offer To launch in December, 2023 Massachusetts Year Published 1997 Statute Acts 1997, Chapter 164 Notes and Resources Opt-out provision Example of Renewable Offer 100% green power option in several CCAs New Hampshire Year Published 2019 Statute Senate Bill 286 Notes and Resources Opt-out provision Example of Renewable Offer 100% green power New Jersey Year Published 2009 Statute Government Energy Aggregation, Assembly Bill 2165 Notes and Resources Opt-out provision for residential customers; opt-in provision for municipal and commercial customer Example of Renewable Offer 100% renewable option in several communities like Essex County New York Year Published 2014 Statute Governor’s Press Release Notes and Resources Opt-out provision Example of Renewable Offer 100% green power option in CCAs like Westchester County Ohio Year Published 1999 Statute Governmental Energy Aggregation, Senate Bill 3 ; Senate Bill 221 (2007) Notes and Resources Opt-in or opt-out provisions Example of Renewable Offer 100% green power option in CCAs like Cleveland and Cincinnati Rhode Island Year Published 2002 Statute House Bill 7786 Notes and Resources Opt-out provision Example of Renewable Offer Some CCAs have standard green power offering of 5-10% Virginia Year Published 1999 Statute ​§ 56-589 Notes and Resources HB 2319 (2003) authorized the State Corporation Commission to conduct pilot programs for aggregation Example of Renewable Offer Not available

  • California | LEAN Energy US

    CALIFORNIA CCAs in California focus on the rapid transition to highly renewable and/or greenhouse gas-free sources of electricity generation while keeping rates at or below what investor-owned utilities charge. California’s focus on the environmental benefits that CCAs can deliver distinguish it from other states where a focus on lower rates has been the primary driver of the growth of CCAs. 92% average participation rate (2022) 11,258 MW of new renewables since inception 218 (+ 511 unincorporated areas) communities with Local CCA Authorization 218 (+ 511 unincorporated areas) active CCA communities 58,618,000 MWh of annual load (2022) 38% statewide population participants 0 inactive CCA communities 5,862,000 total c ustomer accounts 10 to 25 -year electricity supply contracts Use this interactive map to explore CCA communities across California. Use your mouse to zoom in and click on flags for more information. HISTORY California experimented briefly with electricity deregulation in the late 1990s, but pulled back after the California electricity crisis bankrupted the state’s three large investor-owned utilities (IOUs). For residents and almost all businesses, CCAs (where they exist) are the only alternative to buying electricity from the local IOU. (CCAs are not offered in cities that operate municipal electric utilities . Some large businesses are allowed to purchase power directly from independent electric service providers via “Direct Access , ” but this program has been capped and its expansion is tightly constrained. Legislation to expand Direct Access (SB 237 ) passed in 2018 however a decision recommending against further direct access expansion was passed in 2021. ​ CCAs are opt-out programs and are established by a local ordinance voted on by the governing body of a county, city or special district (e.g. local water agency or public utility district). No public vote or referendum is required. CCAs are set up either by a single jurisdiction (as in the cities of San Francisco, San Jose and Lancaster) or by two or more jurisdictions that create a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to operate the CCA on their behalf. When a JPA is used, each jurisdiction, regardless of its population, usually gets one seat on the JPA’s Board of Directors. Directors are usually elected officials of participating jurisdictions, e.g., a city council member of county supervisor. Directors are appointed by the jurisdiction’s governing body. The JPA approach is favored because it creates a legal firewall between the potential future liabilities of the JPA and the assets of its member cities and towns, although member cities may be required to provide loans or loan guarantees to enable the JPA to secure bank loans for its initial working capital. ​ Once a CCA has operated successfully for a period of time it is possible for it to expand geographically and add customers in other parts of the state, as both MCE and Sonoma Clean Power have done. ​ Initial power supply contracts for new CCAs are typically for 5 years or less, but 15-25 year power purchase agreements (PPAs) for solar, wind and geothermal generation are common for more established CCAs. Development of local renewable energy projects is often a core goal. Most CCAs in California also offer solar net energy metering tariffs that are slightly more generous (e.g., 1 cent per kWh) than those offered by IOUs. Many also offer feed-in-tariff incentives for medium and large-scale local solar projects, energy efficiency programs, and demand response programs. ​ California’s first CCA, MCE , was launched in 2010 to serve customers in parts of Marin County. The program that was once branded as a “risky scheme” has proven to be economically viable and has expanded its service territory and its roster of programs and services. ​ In recent years with new CCA launches and communities opting to join already existing CCAs, total annual loads for these programs have steadily increased. The total CCA annual load in California has increased by 16% between 2021 and 2022 and is set to increase by 11% between 2022 and 2023. ​ FAST FACTS Unlike the process in many other states, communities in California do not have to hold a referendum to start or join a CCA. Local elected officials authorize participation in a CCA by a simple majority vote. ​ ​ Large hydro-electric dams and nuclear power plants are not classified as eligible renewable energy technologies in California, but the electricity they produce is considered to be greenhouse gas free. ​ ​ Every CCA offers both a basic (default) electricity offering (typically 35% to 55% renewable) and also a 100% renewable option for one to two cents more per kWh. ​ ​ Unbundled Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are not widely used by California CCAs, though they are sometimes used during the first year or two of a new CCA’s operation before new solar or wind farms can be built to serve the CCA’s customers. ​ ​ When it began delivering electricity in April 2017, Silicon Valley Clean Energy was the first California CCA whose default offering was 100% GHG-free. ​ ​ Clean Power Alliance is currently California’s largest CCA and serves approximately 3 million customers and 1 million customer accounts across 32 communities throughout Southern California. ​ ​ Formed in February, 2021, California Community Power is a Joint Powers Agency comprised of nine California CCAs. CC Power allows its member CCAs to combine their buying power to procure new, cost-effective clean energy and reliability resources to continue advancing local and state climate goals. The new JPA serves more than 2 million customers in more than 140 municipalities from Humboldt to Santa Barbara. CCA PROGRAMS STATE AGENCIES Apple Valley Choice Energy Baldwin Park Resident Owned Utility District Central Coast Community E nergy Clean Energy Alliance Clean Power Alliance CleanPowerSF Desert Community Energy East Bay Community Energy King City Community Power Lancaster Choice Energy MCE Peninsula Clean Energy Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy Pioneer Community Energy Pomona Choice Energy Rancho Mirage Energy Authority Redwood Coast Energy Authority San Diego Community Power San Jacinto Power San José Clean Energy Santa Barbara Clean Power Silicon Valley Clean Energy Sonoma Clean Power Valley Clean Energy California Independent System Operator (CAISO) California Energy Commission California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) California Air Resources Board INFORMATION RESOURCES California Community Choice Association (Cal-CCA) ​ California Alliance for Community Energy ​ California Renewables Portfolio Standard ​ Center for Climate Protection ​ US Energy Information Administration, California State Energy Profile ​ INVESTOR OWNED UTILITIES Pacific Gas & Electric San Diego Gas & Electric Southern California Edison RECENT PRESS Moody’s Upgrades Investment Grade Credit Rating for Silicon Valley Clean Energy . American Public Power Association, August 2, 2023 SDG&E’s Mission Evolves as Majority Now Buy Power from Community Choice Aggregators . Times of San Diego, June 26, 2023 California Community Power Initiates Request for Information regarding Developing Wind Energy Off California Coast . cacommunitypower.org, April 25, 2023 San Diego Community Power aims to provide green energy alternative to SDG&E . kusi.com, March 15, 2023 Peninsula Clean Energy Signs Four Contracts Expanding Renewable Power, Storage Capability . peninsulacleanenergy.com, January 24, 2023 Peninsula Clean Energy, Renewable America Launch New Merced County Solar Project . peninsulacleanenergy.com, October 26, 2022 Eight more Clean Power Alliance Communities Choose 100% Green Power as their primary energy option to create a healthier and more sustainable future . cal-cca.org, October 24, 2022 California Community Choice Aggregation Group Enters Geothermal Energy Agreement . publicpower.org, October 20, 2022

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