With Procurement, Default Supplier Roles Of Utilities In Question, Campaign Launched To Promote Municipal Aggregation In California

The California Community Choice Association (CalCCA) has announced the launch of the Bright Energy Future CA campaign, described as, "a statewide coalition committed to building a stronger, greener, more reliable electric system — and preserving and promoting the role of local, not-for-profit Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs in California’s rapidly evolving energy system."

The campaign is launched amid a review of the future of Pacific Gas & Electric, and, more broadly, the role of the state's investor-owned utilities in procuring power for default service customers, and acting as the default supplier (see background here)

"With the governor and Legislature thinking broadly about the future of California’s energy system, community choice providers want to be part of the solution," said Beth Vaughan, executive director of CalCCA. "The Bright Energy Future campaign offers a platform for all of our partners — our constituents, our ratepayers, and many other stakeholders and allies — to contribute and advocate for a safer, more reliable, more affordable clean energy future."

The Bright Energy Future campaign outlines the following principles:

• Prioritize Safety & Reliability: Re-focus utilities and regulators on ensuring the state’s transmission and distribution infrastructure reaches the highest standards of safety and reliability

• Empower Local Action: Empower local governments to develop and expand their role in providing electricity services, while supporting a range of community clean power choices

• Facilitate the Transition: Work collaboratively with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure customers maintain continued access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy throughout the transition