News Summary
The Coronado City Council has unanimously voted to establish a subcommittee focused on exploring community choice aggregation (CCA) energy programs in the San Diego area. The subcommittee aims to assess both the advantages and disadvantages of moving away from traditional energy providers. Councilmembers Kelly Purvis and Carrie Downey will lead this initiative, emphasizing the need for a thorough evaluation process before any commitment is made. The goal is to enhance energy options for the residents while considering the financial stability of CCA programs.
Coronado, California — The Coronado City Council has voted unanimously to form a subcommittee tasked with exploring community choice aggregation (CCA) energy programs within the San Diego area. This decision, made at a recent council meeting, aims to investigate both the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with transitioning away from traditional energy providers.
The subcommittee, which will be part of a broader effort to enhance energy options for residents and businesses in Coronado, includes Councilmember Kelly Purvis and energy law expert Councilmember Carrie Downey. Purvis has emphasized that Coronado’s unique characteristics must be taken into account during the evaluation process, while Downey has expressed neutrality on the decision at this point.
The formation of the subcommittee is part of the City Council’s commitment to adhering to a public and thorough evaluation process. The council members unanimously approved the establishment of this subcommittee with a 5-0 vote and mandated the development of a work plan that intends to bring the CCA decision to the forefront for both the council and the local community.
Community choice aggregation programs were introduced by the California Legislature in 2002 to encourage the use of renewable energy sources and provide alternatives to traditional investor-owned utilities. Should Coronado join a CCA, these programs would be responsible for managing electricity generation for residents and businesses, while existing utilities such as San Diego Gas & Electric would continue to handle delivery infrastructure and customer service operations.
The subcommittee will engage in research and discussions with representatives from existing CCAs in the region, notably the Clean Energy Alliance and San Diego Community Power. The Clean Energy Alliance currently serves over 250,000 customers in cities such as Carlsbad and Oceanside, while San Diego Community Power caters to nearly 957,000 customers across cities including San Diego and Chula Vista.
Proponents of the CCA initiative, such as Councilmember Amy Steward, argue that joining a CCA could help the city meet its Climate Action Plan target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by the year 2030. However, other council members have raised concerns regarding the financial risks associated with such a transition, advocating for comprehensive research before making any commitments. The potential long-term implications of joining a CCA are critical, given the financial difficulties experienced by some existing CCAs.
The establishment of the subcommittee is not without challenges. The recent bankruptcy of Western Community Energy in Riverside County has amplified concerns among Coronado officials about the financial stability of these programs. The subcommittee will specifically assess potential liabilities, financial implications, and the impact on customer rates, particularly for small businesses that could be affected by any changes in energy supply.
As part of their planned activities, the subcommittee aims to prepare a white paper that will outline their findings and recommendations. The results of their research are expected to be presented to the Coronado City Council in November or December of this year.
In addition to discussing the CCA initiative, the Coronado City Council plans to address various other agenda items in its upcoming meeting scheduled for June 17. These topics include community grants, a waste collection subsidy, proposed rate increases from EDCO, and fencing arrangements for a local dog park.
The potential shift to community choice aggregation energy programs in Coronado represents a significant step toward enhancing local energy sustainability, and city officials are committed to ensuring that any decision made aligns with the best interests of the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coronado City Council Meeting to Address Grants and Waste Fees
Coronado City Council Evaluates Community Choice Aggregation
Coronado City Council to Discuss Community Choice Aggregation
Additional Resources
- San Diego Union Tribune: Coronado Explores Community Choice Energy
- Coronado Times: Concerns About CCAs Arise
- Coronado News: Council Meeting Updates
- Wikipedia: Community Choice Aggregation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Renewable Energy
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
