Officials in San Clemente are exploring the possibility of collaborating with the Community Choice Energy group in order to provide residents with green energy at an affordable price.
Escondido, Oceanside and Vista are a few cities that have already joined the group. The goal is to create a joint powers authority that will buy the energy their cities need straight from the power suppliers instead of purchasing it from utility providers like San Diego Gas and Electric, the current energy supplier for San Clemente.
The new power authority would select its own sources of power and set its own rates. This would give consumers the opportunity to choose what percentage of their home’s power is sourced from green power. The power authority would be tasked with transmitting the energy, maintaining the lines, and collecting revenue from bills. An official letterhead will likely be seen on any bills.
The energy alliance would tap into power sources such as hydro, natural gas, nuclear, solar, and wind. The city will then be able to purchase its power at competitive rates and set up a billing system. Officials said the revenue could be used to pay for special programs like rebates.
If San Clemente decides to join the Community Choice Energy Group, the city would need to pay an initial $50,000. The city would be able to start tapping into the group’s energy sources by 2024.
