In July 2026, the California Choice Energy Authority (CalChoice) will officially launch a Disadvantaged Community Green Tariff (DAC-GT) program for three associate members: Lancaster Energy, Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy and San Jacinto Power. The program will provide eligible customers in disadvantaged communities 100% renewable energy and a 20% total bill discount funded by the CPUC.

“We are excited to launch Smart Access, PRIME Access and PureGreen Access,” said CalChoice Interim CEO Rob Johnson. “As California continues to transition to clean energy, it is important that disadvantaged communities are not overlooked in the process, so this program is crucial to ensuring that equitable program access is possible.”

Disadvantaged communities are identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Cal EnviroScreen, and are areas that are affected most from a combination of economic, environmental and health burdens. The joint agreement works to improve access to renewable energy for residential customers living in these types of communities.

Participants must be a community choice aggregation (CCA) customer, eligible for California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) and live in a disadvantaged community. The program prioritizes households at risk of disconnection. Eligible CARE customers are automatically enrolled, starting with those most in need. As new space becomes available, enrollment will continue on a first-come, first-served basis. If customers prefer to not participate, they may un-enroll at any time by contacting their respective CCA. 

“This is an important step toward a more equitable and clean energy future,” continued Rob. “Every household deserves the opportunity to benefit from affordable, reliable and renewable power.” Read more about the CCA’s involved in the DAC-GT program here. CalChoice will provide the three CCA’s oversight during the implementation process.