The City of San Francisco held a meeting on July 4, 2025, to discuss the potential establishment of a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. The agenda focused on exploring partnerships with existing energy authorities, specifically the Marin Energy Authority (MEA) and Sonoma, to facilitate the launch of a CCA in San Francisco.
The meeting began with a review of MEA's two membership programs: one for affiliate members and another for those requiring special consideration. San Francisco, with over 40,000 potential customers, would qualify as a special consideration member. Discussions revealed that MEA staff expressed willingness to engage with San Francisco on expanding their program, which could involve a letter of intent and subsequent studies.
Jason Fried from LAFCO provided insights into various options for San Francisco to establish a CCA. He outlined three primary pathways: joining MEA or Sonoma's existing programs, forming a new Joint Powers Authority (JPA) with other interested communities, or creating a hybrid model that would allow San Francisco to maintain control over its program while utilizing MEA's administrative capabilities.
Fried noted that while Sonoma is currently not in a position to engage in discussions, Marin remains a viable option. He emphasized the importance of separating San Francisco's program from Marin's to avoid overwhelming their existing customer base. Legal considerations were also highlighted, particularly regarding the SFPUC's role in setting rates for the proposed program.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further exploration of these options, as well as the importance of timely actions to promote the CCA initiative. The discussions underscored the city's commitment to advancing its energy goals while navigating the complexities of collaboration with existing energy authorities. Further steps will involve legal consultations and continued dialogue with MEA to refine the approach to launching the CCA program.