San Luis Obispo is moving forward with a plan to achieve a net zero carbon footprint by 2035, as well as develop a Community Choice Energy Program, or CCE.
The Council voted 5-0 Tuesday in favor of a climate action plan. City leaders say emissions have decreased 10 percent since 2005, and the goal is to reduce emissions by 15 percent by the year 2020. Governor Jerry Brown announced a similar goal for the entire state, with the goal being to have a net zero carbon footprint by 2045.
The Council also adopted a resolution to create Central Coast Community Energy. It would allow participating cities to pool electricity demand and become the primary electricity provider. The Council says this would decrease greenhouse gas emissions and lead to more investments in local renewable energy programs.
CCE programs already exist in other areas in California. PG&E delivers the services through the existing electricity grid.
The City of San Luis Obispo is working with the City of Morro Bay to develop the program locally. It would launch in 2020. Customers would still receive a bill from PG&E, but it would include CCE’s rates. San Luis Obispo leaders say getting services through CCE could lead to lower local energy bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase the use of renewable resources like solar and wind.
To learn more about the program, click here.
