OROVILLE — Oroville is clearing hurdles to bring an electricity alternative to PG&E in the city, but it may take longer than expected.
City councilors gave direction Tuesday on their only regular item to begin the process of joining Pioneer Community Energy, a community choice aggregator from Placer County seeking to expand operations into Butte County.
A study launched in July to determine economic feasibility in Oroville was reviewed at Tuesday’s meeting, and results showed that bringing community choice aggregation wouldn’t make financial sense until 2027, according to Gina Stassi-Vanacore, director of communications for Pioneer Community Energy.
Councilors expressed disappointment that the launch would be pushed further back, but also expressed disappointment with PG&E and continued forward Tuesday with the option to bring the alternative power source to Oroville.
Councilor Shawn Webber recalled a conversation with one of his constituents: “He looked at me dead in the eyes and said, ‘Well, at this point, I don’t care what the savings are. I just want a different provider.’”
The study examined years 2022 and 2023 to calculate its projected revenues, and resulted in about a 7% discount over PG&E — a conservative estimate, given PG&E could raise its rates in the future, according to Stassi-Vanacore.
Original estimates for launch aimed at late 2026, but because of California climate goals to reach 60% of renewable energy production by 2030, competitive pricing won’t make the option viable until at least October 2027, Stassi-Vanacore said.
On top of renewable energy requirements, the CCA must purchase enough “resource adequacy” that ensures power is on when the grid is stressed.
Stassi-Vannacore said the nonprofit differs from PG&E because it “runs lean,” doesn’t have large legacy costs and is also able to invest in alternative, locally produced energy.
“We can buy all the same sources; we buy differently based on our own mission,” Stassi-Vanacore said.
Solar owners will also be able to roll over their benefits from PG&E to Pioneer Community Energy, Stassi-Vanacore said.
Related Articles
Mike Johnson thinks ‘a smarter way’ can be found for homelessness | Chico City Council District 1
Michael O’Brien sees city through public safety lens | Chico City Council District 1
More growth coming to north Chico
Chico council, school board candidates make their case to voters
Teisha Hase emphasizes education about mental health issues | Chico Unified School District Trustee Area 3
Councilor Scott Thomson discussed that moving outside PG&E may include future biomass production, as companies have shown interest to come to Oroville.
Local business owner Brian Wong said biomass in Oroville could greatly benefit job opportunities in the city if Pioneer is brought in as a power purchaser.
“When Pioneer Energy comes in, and offers to buy energy and local producers, that’s going to be the driver to create jobs and opportunities for plants to come in and utilize our biomass resources to generate power and sequester carbon and all the other goodies that come with these projects,” Wong said.
+ There are no comments
Add yours