Author: VCE Admin

Where to Spot Sunflowers in Yolo County in 2024

Posted on by VCE Admin

If Yolo County had an official flower, it would be a sunflower. In June and July, fields all across the region turn bright yellow when hundreds of acres of sunflowers bloom. 

California’s sunflower seed growers have supplied the world with hybrid seeds for many years, most of which are grown for sunflower seed oil. Even though two seed companies recently moved out of state, you’ll still find plenty of Yolo County farmers growing giant, cheerful blossoms. 

Sunflower viewing is one of our favorite summer activities at VCE! Here are a few suggestions for how to charge up your own Instagram feed with some solar (flower) power: 

Where to See Flowers

  • I-80 and Route 113 are great starting points for your flower-hunting adventure. You’ll have better luck seeing the fields up close, however, once you hit the byroads. 
  • You can often find plenty of sunflowers on the county roads between Winters and Davis and on the outskirts of Woodland. (In fact, Bullseye Farms south of Woodland participates in VCE’s AgFIT program!) 
  • If you’d prefer a birds-eye view, take a sunrise flight with Yolo Ballooning Adventures. The excursions depart from downtown Winters.  

Flower Photography Tips

  • If you’re driving on a two-lane road and spot a field that would make a great backdrop for a sunflower selfie, park very carefully and pay attention to fast-moving traffic. 
  • Remember: Farmers make their living from these sunflowers! Don’t enter the fields and damage economically important crops.
  • The golden hour – early evening, before sunset – is usually the best time to photograph sunflowers. Not only will your pictures turn out better, you’ll stay cooler by avoiding the noontime glare!

Want to Bring Sunflowers Home With You?

If you’ve spent the afternoon taking sunflower photos but don’t want to return home without a bouquet, Killdeer Farms in West Sacramento and Park Winters in Winters host pick-your-own-bouquet afternoons on weekends. Spots book up fast, so make your reservation a few weeks in advance. 

At VCE, we’re proud of Yolo County’s role in producing this colorful crop – and our agricultural sector in general. Solar power in action!

7 Ways You Can Take Action on World Environment Day

Posted on by VCE Admin

Steps you can take at home and in your community to improve the environment — and how VCE can help you do more.

In 1972, the United Nations declared June 5 “World Environment Day.” Since then, people all over the planet have gathered together on World Environment Day to clean up their communities. 

As part of a statewide movement to change the way California generates and delivers energy, Valley Clean Energy is grateful to the organizers of that first World Environment Day for inspiring efforts like ours. 

As a not-for-profit local agency, we also share the proceeds of our work with the community. The 2024 Rate Discounts we’ve just announced will result in $1.6 million in savings this year for our customers. Our mission isn’t just to source electricity from clean, renewable sources while saving customers money. We also want to help everyone in Yolo County reduce their carbon footprint.

On our website, you can learn about our e-bike incentives and the Electrify Yolo Project, which is building a stronger network of EV charging stations in our community. 

Here are 7 steps you can take to make a difference in your home and in Yolo County:

Make a Difference at Home

  1. Ditch the car when you can. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, transportation is responsible for 29% of America’s greenhouse gas emissions. You don’t always need a gas-powered car to get around! You can take Yolobus around the county or as far as Sacramento. Bicycling is a fun way to get around the community, and electric bikes can help you go even farther. And an electric vehicle is the biggest step of all in cutting down your use of fossil fuels. 
  1. Buy second-hand. It takes a lot of energy to make and transport new clothes and household goods. When you shop at places like Big Blue Barn Thrift Store or use the Davis & Yolo County Thrift Store Guide, you’re not just saving money — you’re saving energy and reducing your environmental impact, too.
  1. Improve your home’s energy efficiency. Even in Northern California’s mild winters, it takes a lot of energy to heat and cool our homes. Replace both your furnace and air conditioner with an electric heat pump, and you’ll likely see your monthly energy bill drop. Dual pane windows can also make your home more comfortable all year round. 
  1. Opt up to UltraGreen. VCE’s goal is to source 100% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Until then, you can sign up for our UltraGreen option to power your home with 100% renewable energy for a few dollars extra a month. Small cost to you, big benefit for the planet. 

Take Action in Your Community

  1. Check out the Yolo Basin Foundation. The UN’s theme for the 2024 World Environment Day is “Generation Restoration.” Join the global effort to restore our forests and waterways right at home by giving tours, teaching classes, or helping with wetlands restoration projects at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. In the process, you’ll learn more about our region’s natural habitats and all the wildlife they support. 
  1. Explore the Yolo County chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby. The news about climate change can feel overwhelming. How much of an impact can just one person make? This nonpartisan group gathers to discuss solutions — and find ways for individuals to take action together.
  1. Connect with the UC Davis Sustainability Office. Are you a UC Davis student? If so, the university can help you find study, volunteer, or internship opportunities around the region. You may find new passions, or even a lifelong career, as you work to protect the planet.

On this 52nd World Environment Day, it’s clear that there’s still so much work to be done — and so much each of us can do to reduce our carbon footprint and improve air and water quality. At Valley Clean Energy, we’re committed to making progress on World Environment Day and every day!

California Reaches a Major Energy Goal

Posted on by VCE Admin

VCE was honored to be part of an event headed by Governor Gavin Newsom to celebrate California’s achievement of a major energy goal: 10,000 megawatts of battery storage. This is a 1250% increase since 2019!

The celebration took place at the Putah Creek Energy Farm outside of Winters, from which VCE buys 100% of the electricity generated. The facility is a 3 MW single-axis tracking photovoltaic system with 3 MW (4 hour duration) of battery storage. Recently California reached a record of battery storage discharge exceeding 6,000 MW in a day. Batteries will continue to play a huge role in California’s grid stability as we make progress toward VCE’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2030.

During the celebration event, the Governor was joined by key Administration energy officials and local legislators, as well as VCE Board Vice-Chair and Davis City Councilmember Bapu Vaitla. Also attending on behalf of VCE were former Board Chair and Winters City Councilmember Jesse Loren, and Mitch Sears, VCE’s Executive Officer.

Not only did we celebrate California’s leadership in sustainability and renewable energy, it showcased a local energy project and acknowledged the ability of CCAs to contribute to California’s energy reliability and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

The Power in Your Money: How the money you pay is reinvested in your community

Posted on by VCE Admin

If you’ve taken a look at your electric bill recently, you may have noticed that rates have gone up. Do you ever wonder where that money goes? At VCE, we get this question pretty often, and we’d like to provide some insight on the various costs included in your electric bill (spoiler alert: VCE electric generation is a much smaller percentage than you’d think!)

Valley Clean Energy (VCE) is committed to investing in the communities we serve. We’re keeping  electricity costs lower for our customers while we transition to providing 100% renewable energy for all customers by 2030. Our Board of Directors recently made the decision to provide $1.6 million in rate relief to our customers, in the form of a discount on your monthly electric bill. 

 

Commitment to Lower Rates

As energy prices continue to increase, VCE stands firm in its commitment to provide lower rates for our customers. We understand the importance of accessible clean energy, and we offer a 3.5 % discount for low-income and medically vulnerable customers, on top of their state-provided discounts. All other customers receive a 1% discount. 

 

Community Impact Through Reinvestment

Being a public, not-for-profit agency sets us apart. We reinvest your dollars back into the community, not the pockets of shareholders. This means that some of the money you pay for your electric bill contributes to programs such as rebates for electric vehicles and incentives for energy efficiency upgrades. Knowing that a portion of your dollars directly benefit our community adds a meaningful dimension to paying your electric bill. When VCE negotiates new power contracts, we make sure that hundreds of thousands of dollars are set aside for workforce development, and that pollinator habitat is available in projects sited near agricultural land. You can feel good about where your money goes when it’s supporting programs and power contracts that result in more renewables on the grid, and put more dollars back in everyone’s pocket.

 

Positive Change Since 2018

VCE has offered a choice of electricity suppliers since 2018, putting the control back in the hands of our customers. Our reinvestment into community-benefiting programs and energy generation projects has made an enduring impact. From generating 378 MW of clean energy to delivering over $1.5 million in savings to our customers, we take pride in  providing more clean energy with cost savings for our customers. Paying your electric bill isn’t always easy, but we hope to make it a little easier, knowing you’re directly supporting important programs and initiatives right here in Yolo County. 

 

For anyone struggling to pay their electric bill, please see several programs for which you may qualify here: https://valleycleanenergy.org/financial-assistance/.

3 Ways You Can Make a Difference on National Renewable Energy Day

Posted on by VCE Admin

Renewable energy isn’t just about solar and wind versus coal. It’s about more jobs, and healthier jobs, for our community. At VCE, our goal is to be 100% renewable by 2030 – an ambitious goal in the face of ever-rising power costs. But it’s important to us to make a meaningful impact on climate change in the best way we know how – through our power portfolio.

The climate crisis is making the need for renewable energy solutions increasingly evident. We need to switch our reliance on dirty, polluting fossil fuels to cleaner sources that naturally replenish themselves. Various organizations, environmentalists, and advocates joined forces to establish a day dedicated to promoting and celebrating clean and sustainable energy. National Renewable Energy Day has evolved and gained traction as a way for communities nationwide to recognize the importance of individual action contributing to the collective actions that can drive the necessary change toward a more sustainable future.

As we celebrate National Renewable Energy Day, it’s crucial to go beyond just acknowledging the importance of clean energy sources. It’s an opportunity for each of us to take actionable steps that keep our air and water cleaner.

 

Reduce Energy Consumption

One of the most effective ways to support renewable energy is by minimizing overall energy consumption. Simple actions like turning off lights and appliances when not in use, investing in energy-efficient technologies, and practicing energy conservation at home and in the workplace can make a significant impact. If you are able to, unplug the plugs not in use (or shut off power strips) to decrease “vampire load.” TVs, desktop computers and gaming consoles are the main culprits in using electricity while plugged in but not in use. This can also help you save money on your electricity bill.

 

Invest in Renewable Energy

Consider energy choices like UltraGreen, where you can opt to receive 100% renewable energy for your home or business. The average cost for a household to opt up is only about $7-10 per month, a small price to pay for the long-term benefits of cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint. By choosing renewable energy options, you directly contribute to the growth of the renewable energy sector and help build a more sustainable energy infrastructure for your community.

 

Promote Renewable Energy Education

Raising awareness about the benefits of renewable energy is crucial for fostering a collective commitment to a cleaner future. Share information within your community through various channels such as organizing educational events, webinars, or social media campaigns. By empowering others with knowledge, you play a vital role in encouraging the adoption of renewable energy practices. Highlighting the positive impacts of sustainable energy sources not only educates but also inspires individuals to make informed choices that contribute to a cleaner climate.

Reducing energy consumption, promoting renewable energy education, and investing in clean energy sources are 3 easy ways to contribute to a sustainable future. By taking small actions now, you can become a driving force for positive change, inspiring others to join the movement toward a healthier planet.

Get to know our Community Advisory Committee Members

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The Valley Clean Energy Community Advisory Committee (CAC) serves as a key driving force for community engagement, offering insights and recommendations regarding VCE policies, operational objectives, and goals. Collaborating closely with both the VCE staff and the Board of Directors, the CAC embodies a spirit of teamwork and commitment to the communities VCE serves. In this blog, we’re thrilled to introduce you to some of our CAC members – individuals who generously volunteer their time and expertise to further our clean energy mission.

Rahul Athalye

Rahul Athalye has been a valued member of the CAC since the summer of 2022 and currently serves as the CAC’s Vice Chair. Rahul and his family have taken steps towards greener living, with plans for solar installation on their home in December 2023. Although he’s not an Electric Vehicle (EV) driver currently, he and his family are interested in making the transition to electric vehicles in the future. Rahul embraces sustainability in his bike-friendly community of Davis by using a cargo bike for transportation for school and recreational activities. Rahul is also a participant in the OhmConnect demand response program, actively reducing energy consumption through his thermostat.

Rahul’s motivation for joining VCE stems from a desire to actively participate in his local community, helping to make Davis and Yolo County even more sustainable. He views VCE as the perfect platform in which to share his expertise, and to have a significant impact on the journey towards sustainability. As a CAC member, he aspires to assist VCE in its transition to 100% carbon-free electricity while also working to lower electricity rates, ensuring that renewable energy and sustainability are accessible and affordable to community members. Additionally, he aims to support VCE’s community engagement efforts through various programs and incentives, solidifying his commitment to a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Rahul serves as the Technical Director of Codes and Standards at NORESCO, where he leads a team of engineers and analysts specializing in consulting and technical analysis support for entities like the California Energy Commission, as well as other jurisdictions across the United States. With a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Rahul’s expertise lies in building science, modeling, and energy policy, making him well-equipped to contribute to VCE’s mission.

Danielle Ballard

We’re excited to introduce the newest member of the CAC, Danielle Ballard, who joined the committee in September 2023. As a homeowner in Woodland and a Valley Clean Energy customer since its inception, Danielle brings a fresh perspective to the table. Being mindful of her transportation choices, Danielle drives a hybrid Ford Maverick, which not only offers excellent gas mileage but also proves to be a versatile and enjoyable vehicle for navigating the fields of the farm where she works.

Danielle’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond her choice of vehicle. She actively practices composting at home, recognizing it as one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce one’s carbon footprint. Her dedication to making environmentally responsible choices is a testament to her passion for creating a greener world. This passion for sustainability, coupled with a desire to become more engaged in her community, led Danielle to join the CAC. Her alignment with VCE’s goals and her belief in the value of Community Choice programs have fueled her desire to contribute to the ongoing improvement of her community and the world at large.

Danielle’s biggest goal is to be a strong advocate for the agricultural sector. Recognizing the significant local power consumption of farms, she sees an opportunity for the sector to make a substantial impact and is excited about the potential for collaboration and positive change. Her farm’s participation in VCE’s Agricultural Flexible Irrigation Technology (AgFIT) program, a groundbreaking program that provides growers automation incentives and a dynamic rate tariff to save them money and shift electric load off peak, is evidence of the fruitful relationship between agriculture and sustainable energy initiatives. We can’t wait to see the impact Danielle’s leadership will have on VCE and her community.

Dr. Keith Taylor, MPA

Keith Taylor joined the CAC in 2021, and chairs the Programs and Outreach Task Group of the CAC. As a UC Davis Professor specializing in community economic development and rural cooperative businesses, Dr. Taylor aims to contribute diverse perspectives to the utility landscape. One of his primary goals is to explore ways in which we can promote equity among customers who aren’t homeowners. Through his involvement with VCE, he hopes to foster innovative solutions that benefit not only traditional homeowners but also lower-income and marginalized individuals, enabling them to transition to cleaner energy options like electric vehicles.

When it comes to sustainability, Dr. Taylor is committed! He is an avid composter and takes pride in his conscious consumer habits, understanding that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to positive change.

Dr. Taylor’s involvement with VCE is driven by his expertise in electric cooperatives. He recognized a significant opportunity to leverage his knowledge and connections to support the growth and development of clean energy within his community.

Dr. Taylor brings ambitious aspirations for his time serving on the CAC. He aims to facilitate the maturation and expansion of CCAs by fostering connections with the national electric cooperative sector. He is also dedicated to helping VCE and other CCAs evolve into world-class utilities, ensuring they provide top-tier services and clean energy solutions to their communities.

Diccon Westworth

Diccon has been a valued member of the CAC since July 2023. He joined us with a desire to contribute to the green electric transition in his community. His passion for sustainability and commitment to a zero-carbon lifestyle aligns perfectly with VCE’s mission.

Diccon’s commitment to sustainability shines through in every aspect of his life. He is not just an advocate for green energy, but a living example of it. With a zero-carbon home powered by solar energy sourced through UltraGreen from VCE, a heat pump HVAC system, and an induction stove, he is making significant strides in reducing his carbon footprint. The addition of a heat pump water heater in January will further solidify his commitment to a greener lifestyle. Diccon’s home proudly sports an UltraGreen VCE lawn sign, representing his partnership with VCE and dedication to a sustainable future.

As an EV driver, he makes sure his Model 3 is charged with zero-carbon electricity. He takes a conscientious approach to waste management, as he not only composts but uses a Food Cycler, ensuring that his kitchen scraps go back into his garden as immediate, usable compost, all while preventing methane emissions.

Diccon has adopted a vegan diet and significantly reduced air travel. He plays a vital role in promoting sustainability as a director at the Veterinary Sustainability Alliance, a non-profit organization, and as a lead clinician at his VCA veterinary hospital, where he actively champions sustainability in veterinary medicine. Diccon’s influence doesn’t stop at his workplace; he travels around the United States to deliver lectures on the subject, choosing eco-friendly transportation whenever possible. Diccon also volunteers as an active member of the Climate Reality Sacramento Chapter, advocating for climate action and working towards a sustainable future.

During his time as a CAC Member for VCE, Diccon is excited to support the transition to 100% renewable, 100% carbon-free electricity for the entire VCE community and beyond. Additionally, he is enthusiastic about promoting the electrification of homes and vehicles, striving to create a zero-carbon community, which includes advocating for EV adoption and EV charging infrastructure development. Diccon’s dedication and vision for a sustainable future are truly inspiring.

We are honored that the members of our CAC choose to volunteer their time with us. Their expertise and opinions are greatly valued by staff and leadership within our organization. We have a deep appreciation for the time they dedicate to their roles with VCE. Their actions make a difference within our communities.

Learn more about our Community Advisory Committee including available seats and public monthly meetings here.

5 Budget-friendly Ideas to Keep Cool in Late Summer While Reducing Energy Consumption at Home

Posted on by VCE Admin

It’s no secret that even late summer can be hot in California. Known for its heat waves, Californians are no strangers to Flex Alerts this time of year and the need to stay cool. We have five budget-friendly ideas to help you stay cool this month and use less energy at home, double win! The most important part of getting out of the house to conserve energy is to be sure you set your thermostats above 78 degrees while you’re away from home. Statistics show that every degree above 78 can potentially lead to a cost savings of up to 2%.

Visit a Community Pool

When the temperatures soar, a community pool can be an oasis of relief. Many towns and neighborhoods offer public pools with affordable entry fees, and some even have free entry days or discounts for residents. Taking a dip in a refreshing pool not only helps you stay cool, but it’s also a great way to exercise and unwind with friends and family. Plus, by heading out to a community pool, you can give your air conditioner at home a much-needed break, thus reducing your energy usage.

We found a few local community pools that offer recreational swim hours:

Catch a Summer Movie Special at Your Local Theater

Beat the heat and indulge in some cinematic magic by catching a summer movie special at your local theater. Many theaters offer discounted tickets during the summer months, making it an economical way to stay cool and entertained. The cool air-conditioned environment will be a welcome escape from the sweltering heat outside. Regal Theaters in Davis offers a few promotional specials including Mystery Movie Monday ($5), Summer Movie Express series ($2), and Regals Crown Club Value Days.

Visit a Local Museum

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to keep cool while enriching your mind, consider visiting a local museum. Museums are often well air-conditioned, and many offer free or reduced admission on certain days. Explore the fascinating exhibits, learn about art, history, or science, and let your imagination wander while enjoying a cool and comfortable atmosphere. Not only will you stay refreshed, but you’ll also gain new insights and knowledge in the process.

Try some of these local favorites:

Spend the Day at Lake Solano

Nature has a way of providing natural coolness, and spending the day at a nearby lake can be incredibly rejuvenating. Pack a picnic, bring your favorite summer read, and enjoy the serene surroundings while dipping your toes into the water to cool off. Lakes and natural bodies of water offer a refreshing escape from the heat, and the best part is that they don’t rely on electricity, making it an eco-friendly option for beating the heat without increasing your energy consumption.

Lake Solano is a great option for a day well spent outdoors during the summer. Day use is available year round and the campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Canoes and kayaks are allowed on the lake and available for rental if you don’t own one. Fishing is also permitted! We recommend checking the website prior to visiting to ensure you’re familiar with the rules and regulations for using the lake.

Cook Outside

During the scorching August days, cooking inside can raise the temperature of your home significantly. Instead, take advantage of the warm weather and cook outside on a grill or have a picnic. Grilling not only keeps your home cooler, but it also adds a fun and enjoyable outdoor dining experience. Prepare some delicious summer recipes and invite friends and family over for a potluck-style gathering. Not only will you avoid using your oven or stovetop, but you’ll also create wonderful memories. You could stay entertained throughout the day with outdoor lawn games, card or board games, or an evening neighborhood bike ride.

Pro Tip: A take and bake pizza will fit perfectly on a traditional briquette-style BBQ grill. An easy summer dinner for the whole family!

Staying cool without skyrocketing your energy consumption is possible with these budget-friendly ideas. So, beat the heat while having a great time visiting a community pool, catching a summer movie, exploring local museums, enjoying the serene beauty of Lake Solano, and cooking outside. Embrace these creative ways to keep cool and save energy, and you’ll have a fantastic and eco-conscious month!

A Look Back on 5 Years of Service

Posted on by VCE Admin

Valley Clean Energy is proud to be the clean electricity provider for Yolo County. Over the past five years we’ve grown to serve over 60,000 customers and fulfilled our mission to provide clean electricity, product choice, and greenhouse gas emission reductions — all with local control at competitive prices. Since inception we’ve hit the ground running and made sizable impacts on the communities we serve.

The Beginning

In 2018, Valley Clean Energy was born out of a need for an alternative energy solution to investor-owned utilities for the residents and businesses within Yolo County. These communities hold a true passion for the option to take control of the type of energy they use and reduce the amount of greenhouse emissions they deploy. It made sense for a CCA to answer this need and take the lead.

The path to getting started wasn’t always smooth. VCE overcame challenges to secure funding in our early years that would continue to serve our customers as time passed. We’ve invested in public EV chargers, provided EV rebates, and offered clean energy at competitive rates. Our diligent and committed leadership, staff, board members, and CAC members are the true heroes of the VCE story. Without the hard work of these individuals, our organization would not have been able to make as big of an impact as it has so far. We are truly proud to be part of a community that cares so deeply about clean energy.

We’re Making a Difference

It’s hard to believe that we’re already in our fifth year of service and it is incredible that we’ve been able to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time. We’ve expanded our service territory, secured contracts to ensure clean energy for our customers, launched our AgFIT pilot program (and won an award for it!), and serviced over 60,000 customers. Not to mention, we’ve contracted for many new energy generation projects including 243 MW of renewable energy, 128 MW of battery storage, and 7 MW of demand response. Our local projects serving Yolo County have created jobs for local residents and kept money in our local economy. The best part? We are just getting started! It is our goal by 2025 to bring an additional 13 MW of solar energy generation and 13 MW of battery storage to Yolo County. These installations will keep money in our local economy all while providing more clean energy throughout the county.

Providing clean electricity to our customers is our mission, however we also believe it is our responsibility to support our customers along the path to a clean energy future. Over the past five years, VCE has secured $1 million for irrigation automation, launched a successful Ultragreen program with nearly 500 opted-up customers using 100% clean energy, and saved CARE and FERA members throughout our service territory over $1.5 million on electricity bills.

In Fall of 2022 we launched our EV Rebate Program. Since then, we’ve been able to grant nearly $120,000 in rebates to new EV owners throughout Yolo County. We are proud to have been able to help our customers save even more money on their investment in an electric vehicle. This is just one more way we’re committed to reducing greenhouse emissions. VCE will remain committed to this cause and we plan to release phase two of our EV rebate program this year.

Celebrating in Central Park

June marked Valley Clean Energy’s fifth anniversary and in commemoration of this milestone, we took the opportunity to connect with the communities throughout our service area. We hosted two customer appreciation events, one in Woodland and the other in Davis. These events gave members of the community an opportunity to meet our team, converse with other VCE customers and EV drivers, hear from leaders within our state government, connect with local businesses, receive a free meal from a local food truck, and enjoy an afternoon outdoors.

At the Davis event, we offered an EV ride and drive and facilitated 60 new EV experiences! Participants were given the option between a Kia EV6 or a Ford Mach-E. We also partnered with Friends of Yolo County Animal Services to host a pet adoption during the event. Because, who can resist cute puppies?

We were honored to have been presented with a Special Recognition Congressional Certificate by special guest Rep. Mike Thompson, California, 4th District Congressman. We were also thrilled to have special guest speakers Siva Gunda, Vice Chair of the California Energy Commission, Darcie L. Houck, California Public Utilities Commissioner, and VCE’s Chair, Tom Stallard. We are grateful for their recognition, congratulatory words, and continued support. If you missed the Davis event, you can catch snippets of their speeches in this video. We’ll continue our celebration with another customer appreciation event in Winters this coming July. Check our events page or follow us on social media for event updates.

It’s safe to say that although we’re excited about our accomplishments, we’re even more excited about our future as Yolo County’s clean electricity provider. VCE will continue to expand our customer base and keep providing cost-saving programs for our customers. As we move forward in our goal towards less fossil fuels and more abundant clean energy, Valley Clean Energy remains steadfast in our commitment to our community. Cheers to five years, and many more to come

10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Make Your Home Energy Efficient for Summer

Posted on by VCE Admin

Have you ever noticed that your home seems to hold in heat during the summer? Is your air conditioner constantly running to keep your home cool? Not only can energy bills rise with the temperatures, the demand on the power grid is much greater. Improving your home’s energy efficiency is a sound investment that can save you money and even increase the value of your home. 

Here are 10 actionable ideas to make your home more energy-efficient this summer. From budget-friendly and DIY updates, these considerations can make a big impact.

  1. Feel the Breeze Use natural ventilation to let the outside air flow! If you live in a place where temperatures outside are cool in the evening and early morning hours, open your doors and windows to naturally cool your home. Create a cross ventilation by opening windows at opposite sides of the home so the fresh air can circulate.

  2. Ceiling Fans are Cooler than You Think Ceiling fans have the ability to provide effective cooling while consuming minimal electricity. By running a ceiling fan, you can feel cooler without necessarily lowering the room temperature. This allows you to set your thermostat at a higher temperature, reducing the workload on your air conditioner and ultimately lowering your energy consumption, and your electricity bill!

  3. Power Strips – The Cure for Energy Vampires Making use of power strips throughout your home can >help reduce power when electronics are not in use. If they remain plugged in, many electronics continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. Plug them into power strips and switch off the power strip when not in use to eliminate standby power consumption (aka Energy Vampires!)

  4. Keep Your Energy and Money from Slipping out the Door The simplest and easiest, yet very effective solution is replacing weatherstripping on drafty doors. Door seals are available at local hardware stores and are easily installed.

  5. So long Thomas Edison, hello Nick Holonyak, Jr. It is estimated that 15% of your home’s total energy usage is attributed to lighting. LED light bulbs, which were invented by Nick Holonyak, Jr. in 1962, are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs because they use 90% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent. On average, households can save over $200 per year by switching all of their lights to LEDs.

  6. Hot or Knot: Keep it Cool with Thermal Curtains Thermal drapes or curtains are made using thick materials that block the heat from coming in. As a result, the temperature in the home stays cooler and there is less of a need to use the air conditioner. Keep the curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day for best results. Looking for something other than curtains? There are several types of window coverings that are proven to be energy efficient. Some include exterior window attachments. Depending on your budget, you can find the option that suits you.

  7. Sealing Round Two There are several effective ways to seal your windows and improve energy efficiency in your home. One option is to use weatherstripping, which involves applying adhesive strips of foam, rubber, or vinyl to the edges of the window frames to create a tight seal when closed. Another method is to use caulk to seal any gaps or cracks around the window frames. Silicone caulk is a popular choice because it is durable and provides a waterproof seal. Additionally, applying window film can help insulate your windows by reducing heat transfer and preventing drafts. Window film can be easily installed and is available in different thicknesses and styles. Window insulation kits are also available which typically consist of plastic shrink film and double-sided tape which create one more layer of protection from outdoor weather. These kits are affordable and easy to install, helping to minimize drafts and save on heating costs during the winter. By employing these methods, you can effectively seal your windows and create a more comfortable and energy-efficient living environment.

  8. Schedule a Professional Home Energy Audit A home energy audit is an assessment that measures the energy efficiency of your home. The auditor is a trained professional that can provide a report that should be used as a roadmap for improving your home’s efficiency. Home energy audits do a thorough evaluation of your home from top to bottom, including a determination on how air-tight your home is. This tells you how much air is escaping or entering your home through unsealed windows or doors.

  9. Regulate the Temperature Smarter, Not Harder It is estimated that a smart thermostat can save you 10% each year. Using a smart thermostat allows you to have complete control over temperatures 24/7, even if you aren’t home. By setting smart thermostats to recognize when you are away from your home, you can automatically regulate to a higher temperature so your air conditioner doesn’t run unnecessarily. Additionally, some smart thermostats include options to lower usage during peak times. This reduces energy consumption and helps save money.

  10. Keep Your Attic Cool Not all homes have attic insulation. If you’re unsure if your attic is insulated, or how much insulation it has, you can have this addressed during a home energy audit. By adding more insulation to your attic, you are essentially adding a seal or lid over your home to keep temperatures more regulated. Proper home insulation is an investment that will benefit your home’s efficiency year-round.
We hope these simple tips inspire you to make your home more energy efficient.

Stacking Electric Vehicle Rebates Can Make EVs Accessible

Posted on by VCE Admin

Electric vehicles (EVs) are fun to drive, simple to charge, and cost less to fuel and maintain – not to mention being better for the environment, especially when powered by the clean energyValley Clean Energy (VCE) provides. That’s why VCE is supporting customers in the transition by providing rebates for EVs.The initial cost of switching to an EV makes the transition more challenging for some-fortunately, there are various incentives and rebates available that can help make EVs more accessible and affordable.We recently had the chance to speak with a VCE customer, Christina Chang, one of the first recipients of the VCE EV rebate. Christina had been considering an EV for over a year as part of her commitment to the environment. Previously she was driving a minivan that wasn’t getting great gas mileage and it was time for a change. After a bit of research on vehicles and incentives, Christina decided the Chevrolet Bolt EV was the best fit for her.

A major factor in Christina’s decision to finally make the switch to electric was the availability of several incentives for which she qualified. Christina was able to stack state incentives on top of receiving the full $4,000 rebate from VCE. Additionally, at the time of purchase, Christina took advantage of a $5,000 price reduction and in-home charger installation offered by the manufacturer. In all, Christina drove off in her new Bolt with thousands of dollars in savings!Christina shared she had great interactions with the VCE team throughout the rebate process(thanks, Christina!)and is happy to have received the rebate to help offset the cost of the vehicle. All in all, Christina loves everything about the Bolt, including the fact that she never has to visit gas stations.

If you’re a VCE customer and considering an EV purchase, check out the VCE EV rebate program to see if you’re eligible.

Income-qualified Valley Clean Energy Customers May Benefit from California Electric Bicycle Incentive Program Coming Soon

Posted on by VCE Admin

Our region is a demonstrated leader in fostering bicycling as an alternative method of transportation. As the first city in the nation to legislate and standardize bike lanes, Davis is known as the “Bicycle Capital of America.” Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation in California. With the ability to help riders travel farther and faster with less effort, e-bikes are a great option for commuting, running errands, or just exploring the great outdoors. To help those living under 300% of the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL) enjoy the benefits of e-bikes, the state of California will introduce a new incentive program that offers rebates to those who qualify and purchase an eligible e-bike. 

What is the California e-bike incentive program?

The California Electric Bicycle Incentives program aims to make sustainable transportation more accessible to low-income residents and promote equity, while reducing carbon emissions and transportation costs. The program is expected to launch in late Q2 2023 and offer $1,000 for eligible electric bicycles, an additional $750 for electric cargo bicycles or adaptive/recumbent e-bikes. A smaller incentive of $250 will be available for people below 225% FPL. 

Electric bicycle prices range from $600 – $8,000 with an average cost being between $1,000 – $2,000. Higher end e-bikes typically provide more powerful motors or may include room for more than a single rider. When considering an e-bike as an alternative to cars, the cost is minimal. You will not only save on the cost of the vehicle, but the cost of gasoline compared to charging an e-bike can make a big difference for your wallet. The e-bike incentives will only further your savings.

What e-bikes are eligible for the rebate?

All e-bike classes will be eligible for the rebate: 

  • Class 1: Limited speed up to 20 mph, pedal assist only 
  • Class 2: Limited speed up to 20 mph, pedal assist and throttle 
  • Class 3: Maximum speed up to 28 mph, pedal assist only

How do I apply for the rebate?

The rebate is expected to launch in Q2 of 2023 and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Funds will be reserved for those who meet the priority requirements. 

Where can I learn more about e-bikes?

If you are new to e-bikes and want to learn more about them, there are a number of resources available. Cycling News has a great primer for beginners. The League of American Bicyclists also has a wealth of information on e-bikes, including a guide to e-bike laws and policies in all 50 states.

The California e-bike incentives program is a great opportunity for qualifying California residents. By taking advantage of this program, you can not only save money on your e-bike purchase, but also reduce your carbon footprint and improve your health by choosing a more sustainable mode of transportation. 
Follow updates from the California Bicycle Coalition as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) rolls out this program.

VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY PUTS THE POWER BACK INTO THE HANDS OF WINTERS COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Posted on by VCE Admin

By Jesse Loren, Winters City Council member and VCE Board member

Starting in January, Winters residents and businesses will take a giant step toward a more sustainable energy future as the community becomes a full-fledged member of the Valley Clean Energy Alliance. The City of Winters and Mayor Cowan and I have been representing Winters on the VCE Board for over a year and we are excited that our start date is getting closer! 

How does it work? VCE pools the electricity demands of our communities and purchases power with higher renewable and lower greenhouse gas content than is offered by PG&E. VCE customers pay exactly the same amount for this clean, low-carbon power as they would for traditional electricity provided by PG&E.  

Meanwhile, PG&E continues to deliver electricity to our homes and businesses, maintains the power lines, handles customer billing and responds to new service requests and emergencies. 

Founded in June 2018 by the cities of Davis and Woodland and the county of Yolo, the locally run electricity utility has been offering clean, green, renewable energy at competitive prices to its nearly 58,000 customers since then. As a not-for-profit agency, VCE re-invests its revenues right back into local communities, including ours. 

Come January, you’ll be automatically enrolled in VCE unless you choose to opt out and stay with PG&E for your electricity. However, if you do opt out, here’s what you’ll miss: 

  • Cleaner, less polluting electricity: In the past two years, VCE exceeded its targets for renewable energy and carbon-free power. 
  • Choice for everyone: A standard energy portfolio includes power that is 75% carbon-free and 45% renewable, while customers may opt up to an “ultra-green” portfolio that is 100% carbon-free and 100% renewable. Choosing the enhanced option costs just 1.5 cents more per kWh than the standard service. 
  • Fiscal responsibility: $1.5 million in start-up loans from the participating government agencies were paid back well ahead of schedule. Additionally, VCE has repaid more than $1.5 million in deferred payments to SMUD, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, for operating services provided to the nascent agency. 
  • Better solar benefits: VCE’s solar customers are paid 1 cent per kWh more than PG&E pays for any excess power they generate. 
  • Emission-free driving: A $2.9 million grant from the Sacramento Area Council of Governments is bringing an extensive electric vehicle charging network to Yolo County, including new charging stations at the Community Center and new stations at the new lot at First and Abbey.  
  • Local control: VCE is governed locally by elected officials from the four participating agencies who understand the community and work to provide benefits that align with community values. VCE’s directors are accountable to voters, not shareholders. I am one of two Winters City Council members who serve on the board. 
  • Re-investment and involvement in our communities: VCE has committed to renewable energy contracts close to home and is working to secure more. Furthermore, VCE is a good neighbor: The agency contributed $1,500 to the Greater Winters Fire Relief Fund; purchased and donated 500 reusable face masks to RISE Inc., a nonprofit organization that serves the Latinx community and Western Yolo County; and contributed $2,500 to the Yolo Food Bank at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • Not-for-profit and for the people: VCE does not have shareholders, keeping the benefits focused on its customers. 

Have these wonderful new benefits come at a price for the city of Winters? Yes, a small one: We submitted a $25,000 membership fee to offset costs associated with joining the joint powers agency. However, according to VCE’s membership policy, that fee is due to be refunded upon enrollment of Winters customers in VCE in 2021. 

And make no mistake: This is not an experiment. With more than 20 operational programs already serving more than 10 million California customers, community choice energy agencies such as VCE are providing a clear path to a well-managed, economically beneficial, clean energy future. Dozens more of these agencies are in the planning stages throughout the state and the nation. 

It’s a terrific time for Winters to join the fold. Valley Clean Energy’s leaders have accomplished some remarkable achievements in just 2½ years of operation, and their plans for the future are even more ambitious. I can’t wait for Winters to have a voice in what’s to come!  

### 

About VCE: Valley Clean Energy is a not-for-profit public agency formed to provide electrical generation service to customers in Woodland, Davis, Winters and the unincorporated areas of Yolo County. Its mission is to source cost-competitive clean electricity while providing product choice, price stability, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emission reductions and reinvestment in the communities it serves. For more information about VCE, visit valleycleanenergy.org or call 855-699-8232.  

 

In Celebration of VCE’s 2-year Anniversary

Posted on by VCE Admin

As Valley Clean Energy reaches its two-year anniversary, memories of my role in its formation keep popping into my head.

Way back in 2002, it was my job as a lobbyist representing a statewide association of cities to advocate on behalf of cities before the California Legislature. This included the legislation that became law and authorizes cities and counties to buy electricity on behalf of their residents and businesses. These are known as Community Choice Aggregation (or CCA) programs.

Little did I know that, 18 years later, this new law would blossom and flourish into 21 operating CCAs throughout California, successfully serving 10 million customers in more than 170 cities and counties.

More amazing to me is that the new law ultimately enabled my own city of Davis and my county, Yolo (along with Woodland), to form their own CCA — Valley Clean Energy. Frankly, this is a very humbling experience.

VCE reflects the best of local government — local control, transparency, community engagement and expert administration — to provide services to residents and businesses it serves. I’ve had a front-row seat in VCE’s formation and evolution, from my involvement in the legislation that authorized CCAs, to membership on the Davis Advisory Committee charged with evaluating whether Davis should form a CCA, and concluding with chairing the VCE Community Advisory Committee.

It’s been an honor to serve with so many talented and dedicated individuals on the Community Advisory Committee. Not only are they knowledgeable about energy and utility issues, they have their respective fingers on the pulses of their communities and offer thoughtful input to the VCE board and staff.

It is exciting to observe how VCE has changed the energy landscape in Yolo County. Yes, our rates are competitive with PG&E’s, and the amount of renewable energy VCE buys is higher than PG&E’s.

What truly sets VCE apart from PG&E, though, is what was originally envisioned 18 years ago in the authorizing legislation — local energy decision-making that’s accessible to all, combined with expert staff and community members dedicated to designing programs that reflect the needs of the communities they serve.

For example, an emphasis on local community economic development and local energy development is at the core of VCE. In May, the VCE board of directors approved renewal of a small contract to purchase electricity produced at the Indian Valley Hydro Power Facility, owned and operated by the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.

And VCE recently approved a long-term power purchase agreement to buy 50 megawatts of renewable energy from a new solar project in the Central Valley. VCE is also negotiating to buy electricity from another new solar project; our involvement will help get both of these projects built.

Finally, in April, VCE issued a request for offers to purchase renewable energy from qualifying local projects, either here in Yolo County or from the six adjacent counties.

While all of these accomplishments are important, what truly delights me is how VCE engages with the communities it serves. Do you have a question about your bill or about how VCE’s rooftop solar program works? Would you care to comment about a proposed new program or policy or pose a question about VCE’s budget?

It is easy to connect with VCE — either drop by the VCE office (when that becomes feasible again), attend a live or virtual VCE board of directors or Community Advisory Committee meeting, or simply call or email your question at 855-699-8232 or info@valleycleanenergy.org.

You can also stay informed about what’s going on by signing up for an email list at https://valleycleanenergy.org/get-in-touch/.

VCE believes in meeting community members where they live — literally. Over the last two-plus years, I’ve enjoyed helping at the VCE booth at the Winters Carnitas Festival, the Woodland Honey Festival, and Capay Almond Festival (yes, lots of festivals here in Yolo County) and the Davis Farmers Market.

This entails more than just hanging up the VCE banner. These events offer opportunities to listen to and talk with residents to answer questions, hear their concerns and suggestions and trouble-shoot possible problems for VCE’s customers and family.

My friends know that I like to collect T-shirts, and the turquoise-green VCE T-shirt is one of my favorites. I’ve worn it while meeting camels in Mongolia, piranha fishing on the Amazon River and hiking at Machu Picchu. It is my way of staying connected even when I’m miles away in a different reality. But VCE is always close to my heart.

So, happy anniversary, Valley Clean Energy. Here’s to many more years of successfully serving our community.

— Yvonne Hunter is a longtime Davis resident and chair of the Valley Clean Energy Community Advisory Committee.

WHAT A YEAR IT’S BEEN!

Posted on by VCE Admin

The end of each calendar year offers an opportunity to sit back and reflect on the goals reached over the past 12 months and to look forward to a new year of possibilities and challenges.

At Valley Clean Energy — your local not-for-profit electricity provider— we’re working hard to fulfill our mission to deliver clean electricity, energy product choice and greenhouse gas emission reductions, all with local control at competitive prices.

Since June 2018, we’ve been serving 55,000 customers in the cities of Woodland and Davis plus the unincorporated area of Yolo County. That number grew when the city of Winters became an official member of VCE this month.

Thanks to the creativity and dedication of our professional staff, and the visionary leadership of my colleagues on the board, the past year has been jam-packed with accomplishments. Here’s a brief review:

Higher renewables:

An audit of our first year of electricity purchases reveals that we have fulfilled our promise to buy the cleanest, greenest power we could afford for our customers. In fact, we exceeded our own expectations!

While we pledged a minimum of 42 percent renewable energy, we found that our portfolio actually contained 48 percent renewable energy, compared to 39 percent for PG&E. Furthermore, a growing number of VCE customers are “opting up” for our UltraGreen 100 percent renewable portfolio, for an additional cost of only 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Early loan payback:

Gaining approval for a $500,000 start-up loan from each of our jurisdictions — Yolo County and the cities of Davis and Woodland — was quite a victory for VCE, allowing us to launch in June 2018. The only thing better than landing those critical loans has been our ability to pay them back early; that’s exactly what we accomplished this past October.

It is with tremendous pride that our board has repaid this $1.5 million investment far ahead of schedule, particularly since VCE has not experienced smooth sailing every step of the way with state regulatory actions having financial impacts that CCA’s like VCE have had to absorb. However, our board continues to make wise decisions that represent the best interests of our customers while helping us to meet our environmental sustainability goals even sooner.

Welcome, solar customers:

We’re thrilled to begin enrolling our legacy solar customers — those who installed their solar systems prior to VCE’s launch — beginning in January. Solar customers (both residential and commercial) have already demonstrated a financial commitment to renewable energy, and it will be terrific to have them in the VCE fold. We appreciate their patience as we have delayed their enrollment while we worked through some unforeseen program and budgetary constraints.

If you own solar panels, you’ll be automatically enrolled in VCE’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) program during your true-up month in 2020. And here’s one exciting difference between our solar program and PG&E’s: VCE will pay you one cent more per kWh for the excess power you generate.

Customer dividend program:

This program, which launches in 2020, is designed to reward our customers for their loyalty and support and to share VCE’s positive financial performance with customers.

A dividend will be credited to residential customers once per year (on their October bill) and to commercial customers twice per year (on their April and October bills), after specific financial targets are met.

These dividends are among the many ways in which VCE gives back to its local communities.

Bid for PG&E assets:

On Oct. 18, VCE offered PG&E $300 million to purchase its physical assets — poles, lines and, other infrastructure — in Yolo County. The board sees PG&E’s bankruptcy filing as a unique opportunity to take over these assets and rebuild a safer more stable, reliable, and cost-effective electric utility in our service area.

We are among numerous communities throughout the utility’s Northern California territory to consider taking control of our electric systems after PG&E shut off power to millions of customers this fall — including many in Yolo County — to avoid the risk that high winds would damage its equipment and spark wildfires.

While our offer was initially rejected, a final decision could be made by the court overseeing PG&E’s bankruptcy rather than by the management of the San Francisco-based utility.

Winters joins VCE:

Our neighbor to the west is the fourth local jurisdiction to join VCE, with the decision made official this month by the VCE board. Adding Winters to our service territory further strengthens our locally controlled power agency.

The West Sacramento City Council also has voted to join VCE as an associate member, giving that city a seat at the table as discussions continue concerning PG&E’s future.

On behalf of the board and staff of Valley Clean Energy, I wish you all happy holidays as we look ahead to an exciting new year. As always, if you have any questions about your local electricity provider, please visit our website at valleycleanenergy.org, email us at info@valleycleanenergy.org, stop by our administrative office at 604 Second St. in downtown Davis or call us at 530-446-2750.

—Tom Stallard serves on the Valley Clean Energy board of directors (chair in 2019) and is a member of the Woodland City Council.

A Reflection on High Summer Utility Bills

Posted on by VCE Admin

It’s been a long hot summer, but those cool autumn days aren’t too far off…
And thanks to Valley Clean Energy, local electricity customers are not paying any more to run their air-conditioners than they would have paid under PG&E. At the same time, they are reaping the environmental benefits of a greener energy portfolio.

Community choice programs like VCE can keep their rates competitive by buying electricity through a process that encourages private energy companies to compete to provide clean, renewable power.

Partnering with SMUD, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, also keeps VCE’s rates in line with PG&E’s. SMUD has been doing the kind of work VCE requires for more than 70 years. It has the operational and technical expertise to offer VCE flexible, efficient solutions that will help it be successful over the long term.

Recent frustration over soaring summer energy bills has provided VCE an opportunity to remind its customers that the local utility may cost the same as PG&E but it delivers so much more:

  • Local control: VCE is governed by a six-member board made up of elected officials from the jurisdictions it serves — the cities of Woodland and Davis and the unincorporated area of Yolo County. The board and VCE’s all-volunteer Community Advisory Committee hold their monthly meetings in public, alternating between Davis and Woodland. Members of the public are always welcome.
  • Customer dividends: With no shareholder investors expecting dividends, VCE can “invest” in its customers by rewarding them for their loyalty and support. If VCE does well and meets its financial targets, our customers do well. Dividends will be credited to residential customers on their October bill and to non-residential customers on their October and April bills. The program is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2020.
  • Community investments: VCE and its local partners won a $2.9 million grant last fall from the Sacramento Area Council of Governments to install up to 60 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the region. The grant also provides for up to 10 mobile EV chargers and an electric bus serving the community.
  • Going green: VCE’s standard electricity service option is 42 percent renewable and 75 percent carbon-free. It is cost-competitive with PG&E’s standard product, which is 33 percent renewable. Our goal is to eventually increase the percentage of renewable energy in our standard service option.
  • Going greener: VCE customers also have the ability to opt up to the UltraGreen premium service, which is both 100 percent renewable and 100 percent carbon-free. Generated from completely renewable sources including solar and wind energy, UltraGreen costs 1.5 cents per kilowatt hour more than the standard service, so the additional cost typically ranges from $7 to $10 per month, depending on how much electricity is used.

Through Valley Clean Energy, we’re able to take giant steps toward a carbon-free future by purchasing our electric power from clean, renewable sources such as solar, wind, biomass, bio-waste, geothermal and small hydro projects.

Thanks to Valley Clean Energy, our region’s electricity customers are moving in the right direction.

 

— Tom Stallard, a member of the Woodland City Council, chairs the Valley Clean Energy board of directors. For more information about VCE, visit valleycleanenergy.org.

Community Choice Energy: One Part of the Solution to Climate Change

Posted on by VCE Admin

Climate change is here. The impacts are becoming ever more serious. Fossil fuel combustion is the main cause. We need to lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions rapidly. Community Choice Energy programs such as VCEA can be part of the solution.

Sea level rise, increased drought and floods, higher temperatures and more devastating wildfires are among a number of indicators that have been telling us for quite a number of years that climate change is impacting our lives, our health and our ecosystems. The recent fires in our state including the devastating Camp Fire of this past year, are just harbingers of what is to come.

Burning fossil fuels leads to CO2. This is bad for at least two reasons. First, physics tells us that the CO2 produced from burning fossil fuels traps heat in our atmosphere. The more CO2 that is produced, the more heat is trapped. This trapped heat warms the air, the ocean and the land. This warming is termed the greenhouse gas effect, thus CO2 is termed a Greenhouse Gas (GHG). The ultimate result of burning fossil fuels is climate change.

Second, increased CO2, when it dissolves in water, leads to increased acidification in our oceans. This is a double whammy for ocean life as warm and higher acid conditions are not optimal for ocean ecosystem survival.

The science is clear, we need to lower GHG emissions and rapidly. To do this we need to pivot from fossil fuels to renewable, clean energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal. Recent studies including the IPCC report of September 2018, the 4th National Climate Assessment and the 4th
California Climate Change Assessment highlight the need for rapid decline in GHG emissions. The IPPC study warns that we have just 12 years to rapidly lower GHG emissions if we are going to avoid the truly catastrophic effects of climate change. We are in a “climate emergency”.

The need to rapidly reduce GHG emissions is a daunting task and one that will require leadership from the federal and state level as well as at the local level. CCAs offer the opportunity to be transformative in the energy they deliver their local customers. VCEA’s mission statement includes the phrase that they will deliver “cost-competitive clean energy”. At the moment the renewable content of the base electricity provided by VCEA is 42%, compared to 33% for base electricity supplied by PG&E. VCEA also offers an opt-up to electricity that is 100% renewable— a good option.

Climate change and the role that CCAs in general and VCEA in specific can play in helping to address it is the subject for much more than this introductory blog. Other blogs in the future, from me and other Community Advisory Committee (CAC) members, will delve into a variety of related topics. Be sure to see the initial blog from CAC Chair Gerry Braun and the short and long term vision statements posted here.

Christine K. Shewmaker, Ph.D. is a retired plant molecular biologist. She has been active in the climate and environmental arena for over a decade. Presently she is on the Board of Directors of Fossil Free California where she leads the legislative effort.

It’s Time for Smart Cities and Counties to Provide Smart Energy

Posted on by VCE Admin

Yolo County, Davis and Woodland have taken an important first step by creating Valley Clean Energy. VCE has a legislatively mandated responsibility to buy and resell wholesale electricity. It is importing higher-renewable-content electricity for the communities it serves at costs competitive with PG&E’s electricity imports.

It has an opportunity to do more, i.e., bring clean local energy resources on stream, strengthening local economies in the process. This will require keeping rates competitive with PG&E’s and having money left over to source more clean electricity locally.

That’s not all. Regardless of what VCE does, the electricity sector will be undergoing profound changes in the next decades. Local energy systems will be much smarter and more completely integrated with building energy and local transportation infrastructure.

VCE hopes to guide its customers and communities through a process that results in greatly increased local energy resilience and much greater local energy self-reliance. This will take innovative local programs, innovative rate-setting, innovative procurement processes plus deep engagement with customers, communities, UC Davis, PG&E, state agencies, etc.

VCE can carve out a role that facilitates collaboration and local integration. This will require visionary leadership. The VCE Community Advisory Committee is committed to support such leadership in every way possible.

Via brief blogs, our members will be explaining the individual elements of VCE’s long-term vision — what’s at stake and what it will take to get there.

We look forward to rich conversations with many of you.

Gerry Braun Chair, Valley Clean Energy Community Advisory Committee

Gerald Braun is a utility and solar industry veteran and founding director of federal, state, utility and university-based renewable energy RD&D programs. He founded and manages IRESN, Inc., a registered nonprofit business league focused on local energy integration and collaboration in the U.S.

VCEA Vision – Near Term*

The near-term vision for VCEA is to provide electricity users with greater choice over the sources and prices of the electricity they use, by:

  • Offering basic electricity content, at a rate competitive with PG&E;
  • Developing and offering additional low-carbon or local generation options at modest price premiums;
  • Establishing an energy planning framework for developing local energy efficiency programs and local energy resources and infrastructure; and
  • Accomplishing the goals enumerated above while accumulating reserve funds for future VCEA energy programs and mitigation of future energy costs and risks.

*Effective October, 2017; recommended by VCEA’s Community Advisory Committee and Approved by VCEA’s Board of Directors

VCEA Vision – Long Term

The future vision for VCEA is to continuously improve the electricity choices available to VCEA customers, while expanding local energy-related economic opportunities, by:

  • Causing the deployment of new renewable and low carbon energy sources;
  • Evaluating and adopting best practices for planning and operational management;
  • Substantially increasing the renewable electricity content of basic electricity service, with the ultimate goal of achieving zero carbon emissions electricity production and storage;
  • Developing and managing programs for energy resources to increase localized investment, employment, innovation and resilience;
  • Accelerating deployment of local energy resources to increase localized investment, employment, innovation and resilience;
  • Working to achieve the climate action goals of participating jurisdictions to shape a sustainable energy future; and
  • Saving money for ratepayers on their energy bills.
  • Remaining open to the participation of additional jurisdictions.

A New Year

Posted on by VCE Admin

A new year offers a clean slate — a chance to celebrate achievements, assess the challenges of the past and start the new year with fresh energy.

Our biggest achievement in 2018 was the launch of Valley Clean Energy (VCE), our local public electricity program. With years of planning and lots of community support, we officially started serving the cities of Woodland and Davis and unincorporated Yolo County last June. Over the last 6 months VCE has been providing greener energy, customer choice, local control and reinvestment in the community.)

VCE’s standard portfolio of electricity includes 42 percent renewable energy, compared to 33 percent provided by PG&E. This allows VCE customers to help our region and our state take a big step toward changing our fossil fuel-based economy.

Another notable achievement in 2018 was the VCE partnership with Davis, Woodland and Yolo County to apply for a $2.9 million grant from the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), which we ultimately received. The grant will provide dozens of new, publicly available electric vehicle chargers and lay the foundation for electric vehicle charging and lower carbon transportation options in the region.

Although 2018 was a banner year for the effort to bring local energy control to Yolo County, we also faced significant headwinds from State regulators. Due to decisions by the California Public Utilities Commission that favored investor owned utilities like PG&E, and requirements from the California Energy Commission, VCE took a $4.7 million hit to our young program’s budget, leaving us with many difficult choices — one of which was the decision to delay the enrollment of existing solar customers.

Since both of us are solar customers, we were disappointed that we could not sign up right away for the local energy program we help run. But as board members we understand that this delay is simply a bump in the road on a long journey toward completely renewable, more affordable electricity. We also understand why some folks may be unhappy about the delay of enrolling solar customers, but the VCE board’s difficult decision was made with the long-term good of the program in mind.

Despite these challenges we are reminded that our communities launched Valley Clean Energy last summer to bring cleaner energy at competitive rates to local residents and businesses while reinvesting earnings into our economy by creating local green energy programs and projects.

We have been successful in taking the important first steps toward these goals because VCE is accountable to the communities it serves, not to shareholders. VCE offers choice, local governance and transparency — everything local energy customers have sought for years.

One of the tangible, immediate impacts of our local energy program is the fact that VCE customers are reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by automatically receiving a higher percentage of renewable electricity than that provided by PG&E, and they can up the ante by choosing that 100% of their power come from renewables for a small premium. We are proud that VCE customers are each doing their small part to help California avoid the growing consequences of climate change like the tragic wildfires of 2017 and 2018 that devastated our sister communities in northern California.

VCE’s customers are joined in these efforts by the 18 other CCE programs which are already serving more than 8 million customers in more than 160 communities across California. Dozens more communities are recognizing the benefits of taking local control of their energy futures and are lining up to form or join CCE programs. We encourage and welcome them to this energy renaissance that is challenging the old ideas that clearly no longer serve the best interests of our communities.

With Valley Clean Energy, we’ve taken a big step toward a more sustainable future. As solar customers ourselves, we’re willing to wait another year to join the program, knowing we’re already doing our part for renewable energy.

Because VCE is in the business of delivering value to the customers and communities we serve instead of shareholders and Wall Street, we have the advantage of being able to take the long view. As we reflect on 2018 we are reminded that the success of our community choice energy program is our higher priority because it is poised to deliver decades of value to our communities.

—Tom Stallard is a Woodland City Council member and board chair of Valley Clean Energy. Don Saylor is a Yolo County supervisor and a member of the VCE board. To learn more about Valley Clean Energy, visit valleycleanenergy.org or email customerservice@valleycleanenergy.org.

PG&E Exit Fees

Posted on by VCE Admin

In a disappointing decision, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) recently voted to approve increases to the “exit fees” charged to Valley Clean Energy (VCE) customers by PG&E. Valley Clean Energy is our official locally governed electricity provider, bringing cleaner energy at competitive rates to Davis, Woodland, and unincorporated Yolo County. It began serving 55,000 customer accounts this past June.

The decision by the CPUC to raise the exit fee affects all 19 community choice aggregation (CCA) programs in the state, including VCE.)

The exit fee is called the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment, and if you are a VCE customer, you will see it on your PG&E bill. This fee is charged by each of the utilities to all CCA customers to compensate for electricity generation they built or contracted for in past years.

Valley Clean Energy believes a reasonable exit fee is fair as long as these costs are shared equitably by all PG&E and CCA generation customers. Unfortunately, we don’t find this recent ruling by the CPUC to be fair. It over-compensates PG&E for past investments and leaves out reasonable cost-control measures that would hold the utility accountable for its past business decisions. Not only did the CPUC allow the utilities to include these costs in the exit fee, they did so before even considering whether they were reasonable. What is even more puzzling is why the CPUC took this action against the advice of their own expert Administrative Law Judge who had studied the issue for a year and held extensive hearings where evidence was provided by all sides—including representatives for VCE.

The end result of the CPUC ruling is an exit fee formula that will increase the amount of money PG&E will get from CCA customers by tens of millions of dollars in 2019 alone. The scale of the new fees and the lack of effort by the CPUC to mitigate costs mean that CCAs are facing significant financial challenges—with parallel threats to California’s renewable energy goals— despite having lower overhead costs than the investor owned utilities.

Valley Clean Energy’s share of the additional annual exit fee costs in 2019 are about $3.5 million dollars. This financial hit has forced your VCE Board of Directors to make some challenging decisions to help manage program costs wisely while meeting VCE’s long-term goals of service to the communities it serves. Those difficult decisions include staffing cost reductions, delaying enrollment of solar customers, and adjusting electricity rates to be at parity with PG&E’s prices.

It’s disappointing to make these program adjustments so early in the game, but take heart — there are experienced industry organizations, lobbying groups, and 19 CCA programs across the state representing over 160 cities and counties that are fighting hard to reverse this decision. Should we succeed, VCE will act quickly to reinstate the customer advantages that were originally offered.

In the meantime, remember that VCE is a not-for-profit public energy program that has been created by our communities to benefit all of us. VCE, together with the other CCA programs operating successfully across the state of California, are already saving their customers millions of dollars a year, reducing greenhouse gas production by tens of millions of tons, and creating jobs as they contract for and build renewable energy facilities in California.

California CCA’s are buying and building renewable energy faster than any other type of electric provider in the State, but changing the status quo in a fossil fuel-based economy is a pretty big deal—nobody said it was going to be easy. And even though our growing pains have set in earlier than we would have liked, VCE’s dedication to comprehensive community benefits remains, including:

  • Local control: The VCE board — composed of elected officials from Davis, Yolo County and Woodland — make decisions with the benefit of their constituents in mind as opposed to Wall Street. We welcome your opinions at our public meetings. Consider joining us when you can.
  • Energy choice: VCE ends the electricity monopoly, offering a choice of electricitygeneration providers and an option to opt up to 100% renewable energy, or to opt out.
  • Sustainability: VCE provides higher levels of renewable energy. Our current portfolio is 42% renewable compared to 33% for PG&E. We will strive to go higher in the years ahead.
  • Reinvestment in the community: Net revenues will be reinvested in the community in the form of energy projects and programs, including local renewable generation, energy storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, and/or energy efficiency.
  • Competitive rates: We strive to be competitive with the electricity-generation rates offered by PG&E.

The latest update on PG&E’s “exit fee” will be discussed at Valley Clean Energy’s next Board meeting, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, in the Community Chambers at Davis City Hall, 23 Russell Blvd. Unlike the investor owned utilities, our Board meetings are public – you’re welcome to attend.

Regular Board meetings are on the second Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting location alternates between Davis City Hall and the Woodland City Council Chambers, 300 First St. in Woodland.

Please visit our website for additional information at valleycleanenergy.org.