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Stockton to Default to AVA Community Energy; Enrollment Notices Underway
Summary
City leaders heard a detailed AVA Community Energy briefing and outreach plan March 4. AVA will be the default electricity generation provider for Stockton customers in April with a discounted standard product and an optional 100% renewable option; enrollment notices and targeted outreach begin immediately.
Stockton officials heard from AVA Community Energy on March 4 about the agency’s plan to begin generation service for city customers and the outreach that will accompany the transition.
Alex DiGiorgio, AVA’s senior manager of public engagement, told the City Council that AVA is a local joint‑powers public agency that supplies generation while PG&E continues to deliver and bill customers. DiGiorgio said Stockton customers will default into AVA’s standard discounted product — currently about 5 percent below PG&E’s comparable generation charge — and can opt up to a 100 percent renewable product for a modest premium (about $3–$5 per month for the average household).
DiGiorgio outlined the consumer protections and timeline: four mailed enrollment notices (the second had recently gone out), a mid‑March opt‑out deadline if residents do not want AVA service in April, and bill changes appearing on May statements. He also said AVA is preparing targeted notices for customers with rooftop solar to align any transition with their utility “true‑up” cycles and will mail checks to surplus generators with $100 or more in credits.
Council members pressed for materials the city can share: Vice Mayor Jason Lee asked for shareable social‑media assets and district‑level forums; Councilmember Mario Enriquez requested recordings of AVA webinars and suggested the city host additional neighborhood briefings. DiGiorgio said AVA will co‑brand mailed notices with the City of Stockton, provide Spanish language content, and deploy outreach at community events, webinars and targeted in‑person presentations.
DiGiorgio said about 1,400 residents (roughly 1.2% of Stockton accounts) had opted out by the date of the meeting, and stressed those customers can return to AVA service if they change their minds. He reminded the council that opt‑outs submitted after 60 days of service may be subject to PG&E limitations on returning, depending on timing.
The council did not vote on AVA’s presentation; it was an informational briefing. Council members asked staff to coordinate additional community forums and to make materials available on the city’s website so residents can learn how the transition will affect bills, solar customers and low‑income programs.
