Central Coast Community Energy outlines clean-energy gains, storage plans and local rebates to Paso Robles

A community energy agency serving the Central Coast told the Paso Robles City Council on Aug. 5 that it has increased renewable energy delivery, is investing in energy storage and offers rebates for electrification that city residents and agencies can use.

Spencer Brandt, community relations manager for Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), said 3CE delivered 409 megawatts of renewable electricity in 2024 and estimated the agency avoided about 445,000 metric tons of carbon emissions — “the equivalent to taking over 105,000 gas‑powered cars off the road for a full year,” he said.

Brandt described storage investments as critical to integrating renewables and improving affordability: batteries store daytime solar and dispatch during evening peak hours, reducing reliance on gas peaker plants, and home batteries can increase household resilience. He noted a rapid rise in battery deployment nationwide and a decline in battery failures, and said all 3CE utility-scale storage procurement uses containerized systems with fire suppression and current code compliance.

Brandt highlighted projects coming online or operating in the 3CE service area, including the Willow Rock compressed-air storage center (200 MW when complete), Aratina Solar, Atlas Solar and Victory Pass Solar and Storage. He also described customer programs: Electrify Your Ride (up to $4,000 for qualifying EV purchases), rebates for home electrification and home batteries, and targeted agricultural and public-agency fleet programs. Brandt said nearly 7,000 customers have received rebates from 3CE since 2018, returning more than $11 million to customers.

Brandt pointed to one local example: 3CE paid $22,500 to Habitat for Humanity of San Luis Obispo County for nine all‑electric affordable homes at the Vine Street Paso Robles development. He also said 3CE has up to $300,000 available annually for the city to offset EV chargers and vehicle purchases.

On federal policy, Brandt said recent changes to federal tax credits could reduce the number of utility-scale projects and increase energy prices; he said 3CE and its trade association are pursuing state-level options to preserve access to low-cost western-market electricity.

Council members asked questions but took no formal action. Brandt said member agencies — not 3CE itself — are the land-use authority for siting projects, and he encouraged residents to use rebates and attend outreach events.