MCE official outlines CCA benefits as residents question renewable claims and executive pay

Sebastian Khan, Marin Clean Energy’s community development and local government affairs lead, told the Corte Madera Town Council on May 5 that MCE supplies the town’s electricity generation and offers higher renewable content and local programs while PG&E continues to deliver power over the utility’s poles and wires. Khan said MCE’s default service is marketed at a baseline of 60% renewable but noted the 2024 power‑content label put its light‑green product at about 69% renewable and that customers can opt up to a 100% renewable “Deep Green” option.

Khan described governance and recent cost actions: MCE is governed by a board of local elected officials, the organization recently created a standing finance committee and the board approved a 14% reduction in generation rates. He highlighted local investments including about 22 renewable projects in the four‑county service area and an expanded MCE Cares program, a $10 million set‑aside to provide monthly bill credits for income‑qualified customers and small businesses.

The presentation prompted questions from council members about governance, transparency and the financial implications of withdrawal. Khan said the JPA structure generally does not extend MCE debts and liabilities to member cities and offered to provide a more formal written response to specific legal questions. He also said MCE’s finances are independently audited and that roughly “95% of our revenues at MCE go directly back into buying power for our communities.”

Public commenters pressed fewer claims and asked for clearer public messaging. Roy Wolford said MCE’s contracting and accounting make the company’s renewable claims confusing and urged the council and MCE to clarify what customers actually receive. “I don't I I've got a problem with MCE keep saying that, hey, you're getting 100% renewables,” Wolford said, adding that contracting, hedging and carbon credits can obscure the underlying mix.

Former council member Bob Revazio called attention to executive compensation reported in media coverage and said a published figure showed MCE’s executive director earning $703,000 in 2024, urging the council to press the JPA’s board for greater oversight. “The board has lost control of the organization and the finances,” Revazio said, and said he was considering withdrawing his support for MCE until leadership and finances are addressed.

Khan responded directly to the public comments, emphasizing that MCE’s power‑content label is verified by the state and that any alternative accounting methodology is inconsistent with state standards. He committed to providing written follow‑up to the council and members of the public who called in.

The council did not take formal action on MCE’s presentation; staff said they would follow up with written material and that members could request further details at a future meeting.