On October 27, 2021, the City of Escondido voted to partner with the Clean Energy Alliance (CEA) to bring community choice energy to the City’s residents and local businesses. CEA will work with Escondido, the joint power authority’s fourth member, to develop and submit an implementation plan to the California Public Utilities Commission before the end of 2021. The program is expected to launch in Escondido in Spring 2023.
“Escondido’s decision to join CEA marks a significant milestone in our City’s sustainability efforts,” said Escondido Mayor Paul McNamara. “We are eager to launch our partnership with CEA and start offering our community a choice beyond the local private utility as well as several renewable energy options at competitive rates.”
Prior to Escondido City Council’s unanimous approval to join the CEA, the City completed a feasibility study to assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of the proposal. The study found that the program is both technically and financially viable. Additionally, the study showed that joining the Clean Energy Alliance could facilitate Escondido’s initiative to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, as specified in their Climate Action Plan.
“We are proud to be Escondido’s chosen partner in their efforts to launch a CCA program,” said CEA Board Chair Kristi Becker. “We have given thoughtful consideration to expansion strategies, and it is exciting to see those efforts come to fruition. We look forward to working with the City to offer innovative programs that benefit their residents, the environment and their local economy.”
CEA has provided electricity services to the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar and Solana Beach since May 2021. With a population of approximately 150,000 residents, the new partnership with Escondido will approximately double CEA’s total electrical load.
CEA may recruit additional North County cities in the near future. This process is already underway, as three other cities in North San Diego County—Oceanside, Vista and San Marcos—are considering joining CEA and launching programs in 2023. Additionally, the City of San Clemente has expressed interest in joining CEA, with a potential launch in 2024.
Learn more about the Clean Energy Alliance at TheCleanEnergyAlliance.org.