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Supervisors back study into joining Marin Clean Energy as alternative to stalled Clean Power SF
Summary
The board approved an ordinance asking staff to study whether San Francisco can partner with Marin Clean Energy to provide community choice aggregation (CCA) electricity, after Clean Power SF was blocked by the local utilities commission.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted in favor of an ordinance to study the feasibility of implementing a community choice aggregation (CCA) program with Marin Clean Energy, a regional CCA serving Marin County and Richmond.
Supervisor John Avalos, who introduced the item, said Marin Clean Energy (MCE) now serves roughly 120,000 customers and offers a “light green” product (about 50 percent renewable) at a lower price than PG&E and a “deep green” 100 percent renewable option for a premium. Avalos said moving to 100 percent renewable electricity is among the single largest steps San Francisco can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Why it matters: The ordinance is a response to the stalled Clean Power SF program, which the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission declined to implement last year. The study would have staff explore whether San Francisco can join or partner with Marin Clean Energy rather than proceed unilaterally.
Supervisor Sandra Fewer Moore and other backers emphasized a regional approach to climate goals and urged the mayor and the Public Utilities Commission to work with the city. The Department of the Environment told the board that the initial Clean Power SF rollout had been projected to deliver substantial annual CO2 reductions; Avalos cited an estimated reduction of about 52,881 tons of CO2 per year from an earlier 30‑megawatt plan.
The board approved the measure on first reading by roll call, recorded as 11 ayes. The ordinance directs staff to request a formal feasibility study from Marin Clean Energy and return recommendations to the board for further action.
Details: Under the proposed study, Marin Clean Energy would first provide a feasibility proposal and cost estimate; initial feasibility work could be funded from the city’s CCA planning fund. If the feasibility study recommends partnership, further decisions would follow by the board and the Public Utilities Commission.
