Defending Community Electricity Choice
The right to form "Community Choice" districts is a matter of California law. Yet since passage in 2002, this right has required active defense on several occasions.
The most formative battle came in 2010, when PG&E sponsored ballot measure Proposition 16. Prop 16 would have required municipalities to have a 2/3 'supermajority' to enact a Community Choice program. PG&E spent $48M on Prop 16, yet lost decisively thanks to a statewide campaign mounted by thousands of volunteers, advocates and organizations . After Prop 16, the legislature passed SB 790 in 2011. SB 790 gave rise to the Code of Conduct that now governs Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) communications about community choice. The Code states that IOUs cannot:
In November 2015, SDG&E notified the CPUC of its intention to form such an "independent marketing division. While the CPUC deferred action on this request, CCA fans see SDG&E's move as an indicator of its intention. This battle lies ahead in 2016. |
San Diego Union-Tribune:
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Make No Mistake. A Strong Defense Matters.
The San Diego Energy District is a fierce and stalwart defender of the laws and regulations that underpin Community Electricity Choice. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the many advocates, clean electricity professionals and community groups that monitor legislative and regulatory venues to guard against attacks. Statewide Engagement SDED regularly consults with the following partners:
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Staying Vigilant
A strong and successful defense cannot give way to over-confidence or complacency. Threats to Community Choice can show up in many places:
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