Marin Clean Energy Outpaces Utilities

Marin Clean Energy  is outpacing Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and the state's other large, investor-owned utilities in the level of renewable energy content it supplies to its customers, according to an analysis of mid-year compliance reports required by state utility regulators.

The 26.5 percent renewable energy that comprises Marin Clean Energy's portfolio exceeds that of PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric by approximately 50 percent, 35 percent and 90 percent, respectively.

State utility regulators require all energy providers to report on their progress in meeting California's goal of providing no less than 20 percent renewable energy — measured as a percentage of annual retail electricity sales — by the end of 2010.

"Marin Clean Energy customers can be proud that they are participating in a local program that is helping California achieve its renewable energy and climate change policy goals,"  said Dawn Weisz, interim director of the energy program. "We remain focused on doubling our renewable energy content in the next five years."

MCE provides its 26.5 percent renewable energy at rates that are competitive with PG&E, which is currently seeking state approval for rate increases totaling $4.6 billion over the next three years.

In the spring, PG&E mounted a $46 million campaign to pass Proposition 16 in the June statewide election. The measure would have prevented jurisdictions from competing with the company by limiting the ability of local governments to enter into the electricity business. The measure, which was was rejected by voters, would have stopped cities and counties from following the example of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, which in May launched an alternative service to 8,000 customers. 

Katie Romans, a spokeswoman for PG&E, said the company is fully committed to achieving the 20 percent standard in California, as well as future targets. She said the company currently produces about 14.4 percent of its power from renewable sources.

On Proposition 16, Romans said PG&E respects the will of the state's voters. 

"We are going to redouble our efforts to provide our customers with solutions that they need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Romans said. 

Marin Clean Energy is a program of the Marin Energy Authority, a publicly approved, non-profit joint powers authority. The county of Marin and the cities of San Rafael, Mill Valley, Fairfax, Sausalito, San Anselmo, Tiburon and Belvedere all participate in the arrangement.