Calabasas First in County To Approve Choice Energy Program

From Calabasas City Council: The Calabasas City Council has taken the first step to joining the L.A. County Community Choice Energy Program (LACCE) by approving the LACCE Joint Powers Agreement with Los Angeles County. The action will become final after a second reading of the ordinance, scheduled for August 23, 2017. In the meantime, the City will conduct a public forum and media outreach to more fully inform residents of the program and receive feedback.

LACCE potentially provides lower rates and greater energy choices for residents and businesses, promotes electrical rate price stability, addresses climate change by reducing energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, creates jobs, and encourages development of local green energy projects.

“Saving money on utility bills and using cleaner energies like solar or wind is a win-win outcome for our residents,” said Calabasas Mayor Mary Sue Maurer.

“As the first city in L.A. County to approve this innovative program, Calabasas is proud to lead the way in helping California achieve the goal of getting 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.”

“The LACCE offers residents the opportunity to lower utility bills, grow the green economy, and, more importantly, combat climate change,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl who authored the County motion that created the LACCE. “The City of Calabasas and its mayor deserve a lot of credit for having the vision to take this important step toward creating a cleaner and more sustainable future. I look forward to other cities within the County following its lead.”

LACCE is a way for governments to buy and/or generate electricity for residents and businesses. LACCE creates a partnership between the municipality and existing utility providers like Southern California Edison, giving local governments the option to purchase up to 100% renewable electricity such as solar, wind, bioenergy, geothermal, and hydroelectric at competitive rates. Municipalities like Calabasas can buy from cleaner sources while using existing utilities to deliver energy to residents.

Through the program, residents can choose to buy electricity through LACCE or “opt out” and stay with Southern California Edison. In either case, Southern California Edison will continue to handle transmission and billing. For more information, visit http://green.lacounty.gov/wps/...

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