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<p>I would like to call attention to two items of particular
interest to Santa Clara County residents, or at least those who
still rely on the grid for any electric use. <br>
</p>
<p>First, CA utilities have separated power generation charges from
transmission and distribution charges. That is clearly noted on
your PG&E bill. The City of Morgan Hill has notified us that
they will change how generation capacity is sourced. The notice
read:<br>
<blockquote type="cite">
<h5 class="media-author"><span class="timestamp"><span
class="timestamp_bookmark notranslate"
data-utc="2017-02-04T00:28:28"></span></span><span
class="notranslate">Starting in April, residents and
business in Morgan Hill will be getting 100% carbon-free
electricity at competitive rates. </span><br>
<span class="notranslate"></span></h5>
<p id="message_42010356" data-class="post-content"
data-story="Starting in April, residents and business in
Morgan Hill will be getting 100% carbon-free electricity at
competitive rates. Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) is a new
non-profit, public agency, formed in spring 2016 by twelve
South Bay communities, including Morgan Hill, to source clean
electricity on our behalf at costs below PG&E’s
comparative generation rates. PG&E is still an essential
partner as they will continue to deliver electricity over
existing power lines, maintain the lines, send bills and
provide customer service.
Here’s how it works:
Enrollment for SVCE is automatic and will take place over a
six-month period, in three phases - April, July and October
2017. You will know when you’re enrolled when you receive
notices in the mail. You will get two before enrollment, and
two after.
Customers with existing PG&E accounts are automatically
enrolled in SVCE’s GreenStart electric generation service,
which offers 50% renewable energy and is 100% carbon-free*.
For a small premium, businesses and residents may also choose
to upgrade to GreenPrime to receive 100% renewable and 100%
carbon-free* power. Customers may also opt out to remain with
PG&E generation service.
Right now, electricity used to power our homes and businesses
creates about a quarter of our region’s emissions. Using more
renewable energy is an easy, economical way to reduce our
greenhouse gas emissions and improve our carbon footprint.
It’s the single most effective way to accomplish our
communities’ climate goals. For more information, please visit
https://www.svcleanenergy.org or call (844) 474-SVCE.
*The California Public Utilities Commission does not classify
large hydroelectric facilities as renewable energy sources;
though hydroelectric power is classified as 100% carbon-free."
data-links="{}"><span class="notranslate">
<br>
Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) is a new non-profit,
public agency, formed in spring 2016 by twelve South Bay
communities, including Morgan Hill, to source clean
electricity on our behalf at costs below PG&E’s
comparative generation rates. PG&E is still an essential
partner as they will continue to deliver electricity over
existing power lines, maintain the lines, send bills and
provide customer service.
</span></p>
</blockquote>
<tt>Transition to the new sourcing will begin in April and be
complete in October. It applies to much of Santa Clara County
with the exception of San Jose and Palo Alto (which has it's own
power authority.)<br>
</tt></p>
<p><tt>I pulled my last 12 months of electric bills. According to
the rate tables posted at SVCE, I could save #160 / yr just on
standard charging as compared to the E6 Times of Use rates that
I now have (which PG&E indicated is saving me money.)</tt></p>
<p><tt>The second item is a story in today's LA Times. <a
href="http://www.latimes.com/projects/la-fi-electricity-capacity/?utm_source=Essential+California&utm_campaign=09ca1378bc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2016_12_12&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6e35f7f85b-09ca1378bc-75450201">Californians
are paying billions for power that they don't need.</a></tt></p>
<p><tt>This really targets the cozy relationship between the Public
Utilities Commission and the power industry, which the PUC is
allowing to build additional capacity even though much of the
system is running at 50% of capacity, power plants are being
shut down and the total electric use in CA is declining or
staying flat, not increasing as was predicted. Rooftop solar is
part of that change, but user efficiency is also a part. The LA
Times story is long, but worth the read to really understand
what is happening. </tt><br>
</p>
I am suggesting that Santa Clara Valley Greens write to their state
legislators and ask for a hearing on the operation of the PUC and
the assumptions that it is making regarding demand and costs,
especially as the PUC is guaranteeing the utilities a 10.5% profit.
<br>
<br>
I also suggest that each and every one who reads this take advantage
of the SVCE rates, as this strikes a blow at the Trump
Administration championing of fossil fuels. <br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="moz-signature">-- <br>
"Anytime you have an opportunity to make things better and you
don't, then you are wasting your time on this Earth"
- <i>Roberto Clemente</i></div>
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