Central Coast Community Energy now serves all of SLO County. Here’s why that’s good news | Opinion
As a county supervisor, I’m excited to share that as of Jan. 1, residents and businesses in unincorporated San Luis Obispo County and the city of Atascadero have a new choice for electricity generation.
Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) has begun providing clean, renewable energy, offering an alternative to traditional investor-owned utilities. As highlighted in a recent Tribune article, 3CE’s expansion brings the same community-focused benefits that have been successfully delivered to neighboring cities since 2020, including cost savings, clean energy programs and local accountability.
3CE will give us more control over our electricity needs and our electricity rates while delivering new economic and environmental benefits to our region. After a lengthy process that included public input and comprehensive deliberation, the city of Atascadero voted to join 3CE in 2022 — the last city in our county to do so — with the county voting to join in 2023.
As a valued partner to 3CE and our communities, PG&E will continue to maintain infrastructure for delivery and send one monthly bill with 3CE and PG&E charges.
I know some may wonder why they will be automatically enrolled into 3CE service in January — this approach ensures every customer has the opportunity to benefit from 3CE services, programs and incentives right from the start, without any disruption. And I want to emphasize that while the initial switch happens automatically, the choice to opt out remains yours.
To opt out, call the customer support center (1-877-455-2223) or go to 3cenergy.org/billing/energy-choices/opt-out/ Have your PG&E account information on hand to process your request. There is no charge for opting out within the first 60 days of service. After 60 days, where is a one-time administrative fee of $5 per residential account and $25 per commercial account.
One of the most impactful benefits 3CE offers is community investment through responsible rates and rebates that help households and businesses electrify their transportation as well as eligible appliances and equipment.
In 2024, 3CE’s electric-generation rates were on average 16%-22% lower than PG&E’s, and I know every bit of savings can make a real difference. These savings don’t just help families and businesses manage costs, they also strengthen our local economy by keeping more dollars here in our community.
3CE also brings the advantage of local control.
As a public agency led by local officials and community representatives, 3CE makes decisions right here on the Central Coast, with transparency and community impact as top priorities. 3CE isn’t just an alternative. It is a community-driven organization that is working to bring clean energy to our region while investing in programs that support local jobs, improve public health through greenhouse gas emission reductions, and help local government and businesses meet California’s ambitious climate goals. With 3CE, customers have the freedom to choose a provider that invests in our own community.
This new energy choice wouldn’t be possible without strong collaboration between 3CE and the county. PG&E will continue its essential role in delivering electricity, handling billing and maintaining the power lines and meters that serve our region.
Together, 3CE and PG&E are working to ensure a smooth transition while providing the reliable service you’ve come to expect. This partnership underscores the shared goal of supporting clean, affordable energy while keeping our community connected and informed.
I’m proud to have supported bringing this new cost-saving service to the residents and businesses of SLO County.
Jimmy Paulding represents District 4 on the county Board of Supervisors, which includes much of South County.