Energy Advocacy
Energy and Electricity Advocacy in Rocklin
Residents of the City of Rocklin have long been concerned with rising energy costs and the overall service provided by PG&E. In fall of 2019, conditions worsened, as public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) began to threaten the livelihood of residents and business owners.
Conversations between the City and PG&E in 2020 resulted in changes for Rocklin residents. PG&E informed the City that barring extreme circumstances, customers in Rocklin will not be affected by future PSPS thanks to recent upgrades to PG&E infrastructure requested by City Council. The area of Whitney Oaks near Park Dr. specifically will benefit from the improvements.
The City of Rocklin began exploring alternatives to PG&E electric service and entered into a contract in 2020 with Michael Bell Management Consulting, Inc. (MBMC) to identify potential options.
The full energy options report can be read here: as well as a detailed summary of the report here.
Report Summary
In the City of Rocklin, PG&E owns the powerlines and infrastructure for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. In 2020 as part of the analysis, MBMC estimated that it would cost the City between $62-192 million to purchase the infrastructure needed from PG&E to convert our lines to ones owned by the City. However, for other cities that have attempted this, PG&E also places a value on their lines that far exceeds these estimates. Even if Rocklin did have enough funding to purchase the lines, because PG&E is an investor owned utility, they can refuse to sell the lines. The report provided at the link above also provides examples of other agencies that have tried to purchase the infrastructure from PG&E and some that are still currently trying. There are a variety of other options discussed in the report, along with their approximate cost and feasibility.
It is important to note that in many cases over the years, PG&E has simply rejected offers from municipalities to purchase their infrastructure and stated that their system is not for sale. PG&E has spent millions fighting, litigating, and investing considerable sums in public petitions, advertising, and political contributions to successfully deter such attempts. Should the City of Rocklin decide to proceed with the formation of its own municipal utility, the City can expect that PG&E may vigorously oppose the acquisition. MBMC estimates that PG&E would value their lines between $350-400 million.
Continuing Advocacy
The City of Rocklin is continuing to explore electric options for our residents and we stay engaged with ongoing discussions with PG&E, Pioneer Energy, and other stakeholders. Our City Council members have provided public comment at California Public Utility Commission meetings, and the City has supported actions by other agencies who are trying to purchase the infrastructure from PG&E. We are continuing to stay involved in these discussions and are tracking actions by other cities. Letters of support can be viewed below.
Letter of Support for AB 2205 (Patterson) Electricity: mandatory rate reduction
Letter of Support for File # P2107012 Petition of the City and County of San Francisco
Frequently Asked Energy Questions
Q: Why can’t the City of Rocklin join SMUD or Roseville Electric?
A: Some neighboring cities get their power from Roseville Electric and SMUD. These are both locally owned utilities, which means that the local agencies own the elements of electric generation and can sell it to their residents. In contrast, the City of Rocklin does not own any elements of the electricity generating process. There are three parts to the energy system: generation, transmission, and distribution. Generation is who is actually creating the energy (ex. power plants). Transmission is how the energy is transported from the generation facility to local substations (ex. power lines). Distribution is the last stage of the process and covers how the energy is provided to the consumer (ex. how the power gets to homes).
Q: What is the City doing to combat electricity cost increases?
A: Because PG&E is an investor owned utility, the City has no control over cost increases. PG&E cost increases do not come to the City Council for review or approval. However, PG&E is accountable to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Every four years, PG&E undergoes a General Rate Case (GRC) at the CPUC. A GRC is a proceeding in which the CPUC takes a broad, in-depth look at a utility’s revenues and expenses to arrive at just and reasonable rates. The City keeps updated on these proceedings and encourages residents to do the same at the CPUC’s website here: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/
Q: What is Pioneer Community Energy?
A: Since 2018, Rocklin has been a part of Pioneer Community Energy, which is a Community Choice Aggregator. Their Board of Directors consists of an elected official from each of their member agencies. Residents are able to purchase their energy through Pioneer Energy instead of PG&E. However, because PG&E still owns the lines, PG&E will provide the distribution of electricity. Residents have the choice to purchase electricity through either PG&E or Pioneer.
Q: How can I file a complaint or make a comment to the California Public Utilities Commission?
A: To file a complaint or make a comment to the CPUC, you can visit the CPUC website here.
Q: How can I become more involved in energy advocacy?
A. There are lots of ways to become more involved in energy advocacy. You can attend Pioneer Community Energy meetings, which are open to the public and generally held on the third Thursday of each month. More information can be found on their website here. You can also stay up to date with news from the CPUC by reviewing their website and subscribing to their newsletter here. You can also contact the City of Rocklin.