Paradise Council hears Pioneer Community Energy update, staff outlines opt‑out and outreach plan for 2027 CCA expansion

Pioneer Community Energy representatives briefed the Paradise Town Council on the community choice aggregation (CCA) expansion the town joined earlier this year and outlined outreach and enrollment steps ahead of a potential October 2027 service launch. Jake Trumbull, a Pioneer representative, summarized how CCAs work and the benefits Pioneer expects for member communities.

"A community choice aggregator or CCA allows local government to purchase electricity on behalf of the customers in place of the investor‑owned utilities," Trumbull said, explaining that Pacific Gas & Electric will continue to deliver electricity and handle billing. He cited Pioneer’s record of customer savings and recent power purchase agreements supporting local renewable projects.

Lisa Rhodes, Pioneer’s community outreach manager, presented a five‑phase public education plan that begins with research and early outreach and ramps to paid media, town halls and direct mail as the launch approaches. Rhodes said the program will provide multiple notices and an FAQ to address common questions about customers’ bills and solar enrollment.

In a round of public and council questions, Rhodes and Trumbull responded to concerns about automatic enrollment and net energy metering for solar customers. Rhodes said residents will be enrolled automatically but can opt out; staff will send the required regulatory notices 60 and 30 days before enrollment and provide simple opt‑out instructions. "It's a very simple process to opt out," Rhodes told the council, and she said net energy metering (NEM) customers will not lose their NEM status because of joining Pioneer.

Council members and residents pressed Pioneer on the timing and on savings estimates. Trumbull pointed to Pioneer’s multi‑jurisdictional experience and a historical savings figure shared in the presentation; councilmembers asked staff to ensure clear outreach so customers understand deadlines and the effects of opting out.

Next steps described by Pioneer included training for a town appointee to Pioneer’s board, development of a website and FAQs in coordination with town staff, and a town‑level education campaign. Rhodes said she and Pioneer staff would coordinate with Paradise staff and the Paradise Ridge Chamber to present at civic groups and community events.

The council did not take an action tonight; staff and Pioneer will continue outreach and return with updates as the launch timeline evolves.