ADVOCACY WORK Taking action at the local, state, and federal level LEAN Energy US is dedicated to accelerating the country’s transition to clean and renewable power, support competition and customer choice in the energy sector, and maintain affordable electricity rates. We provide information resources and market expertise to a national network of local governments, commercial and non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and individuals wishing to pursue or expand CCA in their states and/or communities. ​ LEAN Energy US actively supports legislation and regulatory policies that protect and enhance CCA communities across the nation. Joint Letter of Support to Federal Agencies As part of our continued efforts to advocate for the development of CCA across the country, LEAN Energy US sent a Joint Letter of Support to federal agencies on October 17th, 2023. This letter encourages the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Transportation to further support Community Choice Aggregation programs. ​ Approx. 70 companies, organizations, communities, advocacy groups and individuals signed the letter. 2023 National CCA Study 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. Our Webinar with the U.S. Department of Energy LEAN Energy US and Vrinda Inc. organized an engaging webinar with a panel of experts from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and energy industry. ​ Topic: Applying for Federal Funding to progress Clean Energy and resilience in your community Technical and Strategy Support LEAN Energy US is proud to have supported CCA expansion efforts, CCA investigations, as well as CCA formation in several states. We also provide technical and strategy support for new states interested in authorizing CCA. Learn more about what we do here .

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

Our Latest Webinar 2024 Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnership (GRIP) grants: Applying for Federal Funding to progress Clean Energy and resilience in your community SLIDES ARE AVAILABLE BELOW QUESTIONNAIRE FOR COMMUNITIES DEADLINE: December 8th, 2023 LEAN Energy US and Vrinda Inc. organized an engaging webinar with a panel of experts from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and energy industry. This webinar focused on: Overview of DOE GRIP funding opportunities and expectations US trends and need for grid flexibility and resilience Lessons learned from recently concluded GRIP Grant awards Role of LEAN Energy US in supporting communities with DOE Grants Partnership opportunities to fill the gap at the local level Panelists: - Isabel Sepulveda (Senior Project Manager, Smart Grid - GRIP, U.S. Department of Energy) is the Project Manager for the GRIP Smart Grid Grants in the Grid Deployment Office at USDOE. She oversees the selection, award, and ongoing management of a $3B portfolio of smart grid modernization projects across the United States. - Navneet Trivedi (Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer - Vrinda Inc.) works with utilities, policymakers, regulators in US and internationally to deploy innovative business models to harness the full potential of emerging technologies. - Alison Elliott (Executive Director - LEAN Energy US) has participated in the launch of several California Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)s and has developed a strong understanding of the energy sector and CCA history and politics across the US. - Claire Dépit (Director of Public Policy - LEAN Energy US) is responsible for engaging with federal agencies and facilitating CCA growth strategy nationally. About: - The U.S. Department of Energy: As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Grid Deployment Office is administering a $10.5 billion Grid Resilience a nd Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program to enhance grid flexibility and improve the resilience of the power system against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change. These programs will accelerate the deployment of transformative projects that will help to ensure the reliability of the power sector’s infrastructure, so all American communities have access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity anytime, anywhere. - LEAN Energy US (www.leanenergyus.org ) is a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2011 that 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 or expand Community Choice Aggregation (“CCA”) in their states and/or communities. - Vrinda Inc. (www.vrindainc.com ) is a boutique international strategy implementation firm helping deploy innovative business models to harness the full potential of emerging technologies. Vrinda leverages deep expertise in the clean energy and utility industry, real-world experience, and an extensive partners’ network to ensure success in every project. > WATCH THE RECORDING <

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​

LEAN Energy US' 2023 Study Community Choice Aggregation: A Cost-Effective Policy Tool that Accelerates Competitive Renewable Power Addition and Carbon Reduction at Scale 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 . Author: Claire Dépit Contributing Editors: Alison Elliott, Mike Gordon, Paul Grover, John Kelly Click on report coverpage to view document

OHIO Ohio was among the first states to authorize Governmental Electricity Aggregation (GEA) as part the Energy Choice Act of 1999 (SB3). As of March, 2023, 632 communities have enabled CCA in Ohio and 354 have an active program for approximately 2.3 million customer accounts. 632 communities wi th Local CCA Authorization 354 active CCA community 278 inactive CCA communities 19,400,000 MWh of annual load (2022) 46% statewide population participants 2,300 ,000 total c ustomer accounts 1 to 3 -year electricity supply contracts Use this interactive map to explore CCA communities across Ohio. Use your mouse to zoom in and click on flags for more information. HISTORY Ohio is served by a patchwork of several electric distribution companies, electric co-ops and municipal electric utilities, as shown on this map . ​ Direct Energy has written an excellent 2-page history of energy deregulation and customer choice in Ohio. The remainder of this history section is condensed from that source. ​ In July 1999, Ohio restructured its energy market to allow consumers to choose their energy provider, effective January 1, 2001. Customers could choose to buy energy from Certified Retail Electric Suppliers (CRES) instead of automatically receiving it from their local utility company. Four activities that had previously been performed by investor owned utilities (IOU) were separated. ​ Electric Utilities, also known as Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs), would control transmission and distribution (aka “poles and wires”) Marketers would sell retail service to residential and commercial customers Brokers or aggregators would contract with retailers on behalf of groups of buyers Governmental aggregators (County, municipal, or local community governments) would contract with suppliers for service on behalf of their residents and businesses The first few years of deregulation were rocky. Customers were hesitant to switch to new suppliers or aggregators due a lack of price differences. Meanwhile, changes in the market landscape left many without choices. The northern (primarily urban) part of the state had more energy suppliers, while the southern (rural) part had fewer. Consequently, in areas where suppliers were sparse, customer choice was often effectively limited to community aggregation or the incumbent utility. Litigation over compliance with SB3 also delayed the transition to full market pricing. ​ In May 2008, Governor Ted Strickland signed Senate Bill 221 into law to revise PUCO’s regulatory structure. It required incumbent utilities to offer a Standard Service Offer (SSO) for customers who did not actively choose a retail supplier. PUCO was given broad authority to make sure certain utilities’ SSO proposals were “fair and equitable” to consumers. ​ SB 221 also required each incumbent utility to shed its power generation operations and become an electric distribution utility (EDU). ​ Aggregation in Ohio must be approved through a local ballot measure and, like Illinois, local governments facilitate the aggregation contract but do not assume day-to-day administration of the program. ​ Average CCA rates have remained stable compared to the default utility rates in Ohio. Several communities offer various “green power” options through the purchase of unbundled renewable energy credits (“RECs”) to offset the greenhouse gasses emitted by their sources of generation. From standard energy products to 100% renewable energy offerings, most communities purchase Green-e Certified RECs from wind power resources, as it is one of the most inexpensive renewable resources in the Midwest. In 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated 19 CCA communities in Ohio as “Green Power Communities” for offering a high amount of renewable power at competitive prices (SOPEC, 2023). FAST FACTS In an unprecedented move in August 2022, NOPEC announced it was moving 550,000 (about half) of its customers back to FirstEnergy utilities. NOPEC's and other retailers' current electric rates in the state are higher than the utility's price to compare because the utility's rate was determined largely in auctions conducted before April, when energy prices were considerably lower. NOPEC’s Standard Program Price would have been almost double Ohio Edison’s price to compare. In April, 2023, NOPEC announced it is relaunching their program to its previously dropped customers, with a summer rate of half the utility's default price. Clean Energy Columbus was the third-largest CCA in the nation when it launched on June 1, 2021. Clean Energy Columbus buys RECs from Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Oklahoma and spurred proposals from developers to build Ohio-based renewable energy facilities. The oil and gas industries did not want competition from renewables and used their powerful lobbying presence to spur the state legislature to take action. Most notably, Senate Bill 52 , was passed in October, 2021, which set up additional hurdles in local approval that solar and wind – but not oil and gas – must obtain. Despite the hurdles, in 2023, the program's supplier is in talks with eight Ohio-based solar and wind projects in various phases of development. Most are projected to be online by mid-2025. NOPEC has saved its customers more than a quarter billion dollars since 2000. Ohio’s alternative energy portfolio standard is 3.5% in 2017 and 12.5% by 2027. See this page for more details. Ohio maintains a public Do Not Aggregate list for customers who do not want to be “opted in” to a GEA, but few people have registered themselves on it. CCA PROGRAMS INFORMATION RESOURCES NOPEC: Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (list of participating communities) SOPEC: Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (list of participating communities) ​ NOAC: Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition (list of participating communities) ​ Clean Energy Columbus ​ EAI: Energy Alliance Aggregation Programs (list of participating communities) ​ Miami Valley Communications Council (MVCC) ​ Individual CCA programs (list of participating communities) ​ CCAOSC programs (list of participating communities) Ohio Public Utilities Commission PUCO’s interactive map of all Ohio aggregation programs Energy Choice Ohio CCA-Enabling Legislation: SB 3 , SB 221 US Energy Information Administration, Ohio State Energy Profile Energy Choice Ohio Energy Choice Ohio's Apples to Apples Electric Comparison Chart Sustainable Columbus Power For A Clean Future Ohio INVESTOR OWNED UTILITIES AEP Ohio AES Ohio Dayton Power & Light Duke Ene rgy FirstEnergy The Illuminating Company Ohio E dison Toledo Edison RECENT PRESS Large Municipal Aggregator Seeks "Power Broker" License . July 17, 2024, Energy Choice Matters Clean Energy Columbus saved residents $38 million last year. It helps environment and our wallets . May 15, 2024, The Columbus Dispatch Fairfield official: 'Significant savings' for residents in electric aggregation. February 17, 2024, Journal-News, Hamilton, Ohio Columbus electric customers to see higher bills after city renegotiates green energy deal. January 4, 2024, The Columbus Dispatch ​ NOPEC responds to critique, avows commitment to clean energy and serving member c ommu nities . August 18, 2023 , Ohio Capital J ournal AEP Ohio Electric Bill Prices Spike by Nearly 30% . August 8, 202 3, CNET ​ Electric aggregatio n bringing lower rates to Lima . July 25, 2023, Hometown Stations ​ Effort to cut residents’ utility bills by hundreds of dollars is working in area cities taking part. June 23, 2023, Dayton Daily News ​ What we know about Cleveland’s new electric rates . June 16, 2023, Fox8.com Group representing local cities approves electric rate deal that’s 39% cheaper. Dayton Dailey News, June 16, 2023 ​ Energy aggregator NOPEC is back after surviving an upheaval in electricity markets . April 28, 2023, ideastream.org ​ Springfield residents: What to know about city’s electric program, new Ohio Edison rates . April 24, 2023, Springfield News-Sun ​ FirstEnergy default electricity prices will double in June. Here's why . March 25, 2023, Akron Beacon Journal ​ NOPEC can resume electric aggregation — what it means for your bill . March 8, 2023, fox8.com

TESTIMONIALS LEAN is proud to have supported CCA expansion efforts in New York with the creation of Westchester Smart Power as well as early investigations in Utah, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Virginia. In California, we’ve supported CCA formation in every part of the state, whether as advocates, advisors or under contract. “San Diego is on the cusp of adopting Community Choice in part because of the guidance and mentorship of Shawn Marshall and LEAN Energy. From the very beginning in 2013, LEAN Energy was instrumental in educating, supporting and inspiring many of San Diego’s current Community Choice champions . LEAN Energy gave us the confidence and competence to promote Community Choice as the single most effective climate strategy available to our community. It has taken us many years to be poised to implement Community Choice, but Shawn has remained a partner and mentor to our entire region. Thank you for all you do, LEAN Energy!” Nicole Capretz Executive Director Climate Action Campaign “We found LEAN to be quite a valuable partner as we introduced CCA to New York State in 2012 & 2013. We organized at the grass roots and LEAN educated local activists quite effectively. It gave folks the comfort to move ahead. This local confidence allowed us to confidently propose a legislative pilot. That got New York’s regulatory gears grinding. LEAN created clear material, articulated it simply and effectively, and backed their experience up with data throughout the nation . We were and are pleased to be associated with the LEAN team.” Mike Gordon Chief Executive Officer Joule Assets “Shawn and LEAN Energy have been invaluable to CREA in our efforts to understand Community Choice Aggregation and how we might make it work in Oregon. Her knowledge of CCA’s not only in California but elsewhere and ability to use that information in a collaborative manner with interested parties in Oregon has been extremely useful in our efforts. In addition to interactions with key stakeholders and local officials , Shawn has been effective in formal testimony before State legislators .” Brian Skeahan Executive Director Community Renewable Energy Association “After almost 40 years in the electric energy business, I was skeptical that any meaningful form of competition could upset the status quo of incumbent monopolies in Arizona. Shawn aptly provided CCA education support and information-sharing to advance CCA’s potential in Arizona. the benefits and challenges have been clearly articulated and she guided our group and the Arizona Independent Scheduling Administrator’s Association (AZISA) board and members through the steps to establish a path forward. We can use this knowledge to rally the many municipalities desiring to provide more renewable electricity, expand economic growth and advance their carbon-neutral goals to become a community choice aggregator. We anticipate additional resources and direction as our partnership expands. If you are not familiar with the many success stories, please seek Shawn Marshall and LEAN’s advice.” Vicki Sandler, J.D. Executive Director Arizona Independent Scheduling Administrator’s Association CCAS WE’VE LAUNCHED UNDER CONTRACT: OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL CLIENTS:

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

JOIN US BECOME A MEMBER CCA is delivering immediate and significant progress on previously intractable energy challenges. That is why supporting LEAN’s work matters so much. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution to LEAN Energy US! Every dollar matters, and we so appreciate your support. Membership Benefits ​ Networking: Access to LEAN's extensive network of CCA contacts, related vendors/supporters Presentation opportunities during LEAN webinars and meetings Recognition on LEAN’s website, and in newsletters and webinars ​ Regular reporting and resources : ​ Member Only Access to: Monthly federal funding opportunities reports CCA metrics database Resource library (coming soon) Member directory (coming soon) ​ ​ 2024 Initiatives ​ Individual State Engagement Monitor CCA activity in all states, both with and without enabling legislation Quarterly newsletters and/or webinars with activity reports and highlights Emergent State CCA Peer Network monthly meetings CCA metrics database tracking several data points for every CCA in the US Continue to support enabling legislation and/or pilot projects in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Philadelphia Federal Government Engage ment Assist CCAs and municipalities find and apply for funding opportunities Educate Federal Agencies, including the DOE, on the value of CCA in achieving climate action and Justice40 Goals Leverage LEAN's extensive network of industry leaders and members/donors to advocate for the expansion of resources and support for CCAs in both established and emerging markets Monthly federal funding opportunities (as relevant for CCAs) reports Organize a coalition of stakeholders in response to upcoming funding opportunities associated with IIJA Section 40103(b) Quantifying CCA Status and Market Potential through the development and publication of an analytical CCA White Paper and national CCA survey/metrics database (view HERE ) SUBMIT YOUR MEMBERSHIP INQUIRY MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TODAY JOIN OUR MAI LING LIST Suggested Membership Levels CCA Supporter-$250-$1,000 (Local Governments, Individuals) Small Company-$3,000 (Net annual revenues under $2M) Midsize Company-$5,000 (Net annual revenues from $2M-$10M) ​ Large Company-$10,000 (Net annual revenues over $10M) Expansion Champion Sponsorship $15,000 and up Thank You Supporting Members and Partners!

In April, 2021, the Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 768 —Montgomery County Community Choice Energy Pilot Program, that gives Montgomery County the authority to implement an opt-out Community Choice Energy program. HISTORY In March, 2020, the Maryland House of Delegates passed HB 561 that requires state agencies to draft rules allowing local communities to negotiate directly with energy utilities to set strong renewable energy goals and lower electricity rates. The COVID pandemic forced the General Assembly to end its session early. ​ Maryland lawmakers passed HB 768 in April, 2021 that allows a community choice energy pilot program in Montgomery County. Since the bill passed, the County has been developing an implementation plan and is participating in a Public Service Commission workgroup that will develop the regulatory framework for the pilot. The working group comprised of county staff, retail suppliers, climate action groups, apartment and building associations and consultants has been set up to draft legislation and develop regulations that would govern the program. With many varied viewpoints and priorities at the table, it has been a challenging process, but they are making progress. Consultants involved with the program launch are assisting with regulation development, educating elected officials, power mix options and pricing. Currently, work is being done on finalizing regulations for the program, with rulemaking sessions scheduled with the Public Service Commission this summer. There continues to be some differences between the views of the County and Commission staff regarding how the program should operate and the role the Commission plays in oversight. In addition, they are wrestling with questions about how Standard Offer Service electricity would be procured in the County following the launch of the CCA, which is complicated by the fact the County is served by three different utilities. INVESTOR OWNED UTILITIES INFORMATION RESOURCES Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) Delmarva Power Potomac Edison Company Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECO) Choptank Electric Cooperative ​ ​ State of Maryland Office of People's Counsel Testimony: HB 768 Endorsement . March 23, 2021 ​ CCA-Enabling Legislation: HB 768 ​ ​ ​ RECENT PRESS STATE AGENCIES ​ Cities are banding together to buy renewables at scale . September 2, 2021, GreenBiz ​ Maryland's First Community Choice Energy Legislation Becomes Law . June 1, 2021, Food and Water Watch ​ Maryland General Assembly Passes Community Choice Energy Pilot Program Enabling Montgomery County Residents More Affordable and Equitable Access to Renewable Energy. April 15, 2021, Montgomery County, MD press release ​ Tom Hucker: Allow Maryland Communities to Expand Clean Power. February 16, 2021, Maryland Matters MARYLAND