Marin Clean Energy Update
At their May 24 meeting, the Mill Valley City Council considered the energy options available to the City as a Phase I customer of the Marin Clean Energy (MCE) program. The City had the opportunity to choose "light" or "dark" green power for City facilities and municipal services. The City also could have chosen to opt out of the MCE program and remain with PG&E.
The City Council voted to stay with the MCE program and chose the “light” green option for City facilities and services. This decision is separate from the choice that Mill Valley residents and business owners will make as Phase II customers for their private households and businesses. Please click here to download the meeting agenda and documents related to the issue from the May 24 City Council packet. |
Marin Energy Authority (MEA) is a joint powers authority formed in 2008 to address climate change by reducing energy related greenhouse gas emissions and securing energy supply, price stability, energy efficiencies and local economic and workforce benefits. It is the intent of MEA to promote the development and use of a wide range of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency programs, including but not limited to solar and wind energy production at competitive rates for customers.
Marin Clean Energy (MCE) is a program to collectively buy renewable power on behalf of Marin County residents, cities and towns. Marin Clean Energy will allow electricity customers to choose a greater supply of clean, renewable energy. Under the program, Mill Valley residents will be automatically enrolled in the program, and they can choose to opt out and remain with PG&E. The program presents residents with two options – a “light green” option, with 25-50 percent renewable power, or a “dark green” option, with 100 percent renewable power.
The MCE program started in February 2010. Phase I customers, which include local governments such as the City of Mill Valley and some of the largest commercial and residential users in the target area, will need to make a choice about energy providers. Phase I customers receiving notices should go to the MEA and PG&E web sites for more information.
The Mill Valley City Council approved an ordinance to join MEA in December of 2008. By participating in MEA, the City of Mill Valley has given individuals and business owners the ability to choose their electric energy supplier.
Phase II customers, which includes Mill Valley residents, will not be enrolled until approximately 18 months after the start of service for Phase I customers. The Phase II customers will receive opt out notices in mid to late 2011.
| History of Meetings and Important Events |
| December 1, 2008 |
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Mill Valley City Council approved an ordinance to join MEA. |
| December 1, 2009 |
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A public workshop was held at the Mill Valley Community Center during which representatives from MEA, PG&E, and independent reviewers presented about the MCE program and answered questions from the audience. |
| December 7, 2009 |
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A public hearing about the MCE program and pending contract with Shell was held by the Mill Valley City Council. As a result of the public hearing, the Council postponed consideration of the proposal until their January 4th meeting to give more time for community input. |
| December 7, 2009 |
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Marin County Grand Jury issued a report entitled “Marin Clean Energy: Pull the Plug.” Click here to see the report. |
| January 4, 2010 |
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City Council heard community input, discussed the matter further, and made no action to remove the City from MEA. |
| February 23, 2010 |
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City officials presented to Council the formal response to the Grand Jury. Please click here for the Council packet. |
| May 24, 2010 |
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The City Council voted to stay with the MCE program and chose the “light” green option for City facilities and services. Please click here to download the meeting agenda and documents related to the issue from the May 24 City Council packet. |
Contact: Mill Valley resident input is welcome and encouraged. Please contact the City Council or attend an upcoming City Council meeting to share your thoughts. Letters can be sent to: City Council, 26 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941. Emails can be sent to: cityclerk@cityofmillvalley.org.
Documents:
Summary Overview of MCE - February 24, 2010
Grand Jury Report
Review of Power Purchase Agreement - From the December 2009 Council Packet
MEA Implementation Plan
Additional Information:
- The MEA Marin Clean Energy Public Workshops held in San Rafael on November 23rd and Mill Valley on December 1st were filmed by the CMCM and volunteers, and are available to see on the CMCM website at http://cmcm.tv/MEAPublicWorkshops.
- KQED Forum program "Power Struggle in Marin." Please click here to link to the KQED website.
Public Meetings:
For information on upcoming and past public meetings, including agendas, minutes and documents regarding MEA, please click here.