ENERGY

CCA

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY: Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Campaign Gears UP

COMMUNITY CHOICE LOCAL POWER
Marin County is looking to implement community choice electricity aggregation (CCA), an exciting new way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate local "green" businesses by rapidly scaling up renewable energy, efficiency and conservation. Under California law, CCA allows cities, counties and water agencies to get more control over their energy future.

CCA offers a potential 50% increase of renewable power in less than five years — while meeting or beating PG&E rates AND managing risk and price volatility better than current supply portfolios. Under CCA, local governments can serve as a virtual "electricity buyer's cooperative" for local residents, businesses and government agencies. Day-to-day securing of electricity supplies is managed by a qualified and experienced third party, while the local government acts as strategic planner, contracting with existing licensed suppliers called "electric service providers", It's municipal power without the risks or liabilities — in fact, CCA is a risk-avoidance device to smooth energy price volatility.

By greatly increasing energy and even water efficiency and conservation as well as renewables, CCA promises large, long-term CO2 emissions reductions from electricity generation — more than renewable portfolio standards (RPS) or other approaches — an important reason why Sierra Club California (RCC) endorsed CCA statewide early in 2006.

MARIN IMPLEMENTATION PHASE
Marin County authorities, with Marin cities and Navigant Consultants, are currently writing a business plan for a CCA joint powers authority (JPA). A previous Navigant study endorsed feasibility of CCA for Marin and several dozen other California cities and counties who partnered in the study. Next meeting of Marin cities and County officials is scheduled for September 27, 2007 to consider a Navigant draft plan.  See also Hydroforce Workshop Proceedings on CCA , September 2006.

BUILDING CCA  ALLIANCE
If you'd like to join SUSTAINABLE MARIN in informing civic, environmental and business groups about moving CCA ahead in Marin to grow local jobs, clean the air, protect the climate and keep electricity rates stable, e-mail.  Sustainable Marin is looking for qualified part-time volunteers, especially with marketing, publicity, speaking and technical skills, but also those will a general interest in receiving free training.

WHAT CAN YOU DO

To help make CCA a reality in Marin, you can
    • Join the campaign as a volunteer, for as much or little time as you like. info@sustainablemarin.org

    • Let your local Marin city managers and city council members know you think CCA makes good sense and want them to join with County of Marin in setting up a CCA business plan.

    • Ask Marin County Board of Supervisors, especially your individual district's Supervisor, to move ahead on CCA. Contact them at bos@co.marin.ca.us or 415-499-7331 OR write [your supervisor's name], Board of Supervisors, County of Marin, 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 329, San Rafael, CA, 94903.

Link to County of Marin CCA http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/CD/main/comdev/ADVANCE/BEST/CCA/CCA.cfm

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