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Benefits <br />The benefits of PCE include: <br />· providing greater consumer choice about the environmental attributes of their <br />electricity supply, <br />· introducing competition into the energy marketplace to help lower costs for <br />consumers, <br />· potentially reducing communitywide GHG emissions, and <br />· establishing local control over energy procurement, rate-setting, and programs. <br /> <br />PCE offers consumers a choice between service providers where there currently is <br />none. Businesses and residents could opt out of the program and stay with PG&E or opt <br />in and choose from among the portfolio options offered by PCE. Consumers may be <br />able to choose between multiple power options, each with a different percentage of <br />renewable energy. <br /> <br />The County forecasts that the JPA will choose to provide a default option that is price <br />competitive with PG&E’s current rates but with a higher percentage of renewable <br />energy, similar to the existing CCAs in California. Consumers may be able to opt up, out <br />of PCE’s default option, and receive a higher percentage renewable energy, through a <br />process established by the JPA (e.g., online registration, email request, or marking an <br />opt-up option indicated on a paper bill). Some jurisdictions have expressed a desire to <br />make only the 100% renewable option available in their communities. However, the <br />options offered will ultimately be determined by the JPA. <br /> <br />With respect to the City’s Climate Action Plan goals, PCE has the potential to achieve a <br />deep, rapid reduction in GHG emissions. The City’s goal is to reduce communitywide <br />GHG emissions to 15% below 2005 levels by 2020. As of 2013, the City has been able <br />to reduce emissions 4.7% below 2005 levels. Extrapolating from the technical study, <br />PCE has the potential to help the City reduce its emissions as much as an additional <br />7% or more at start up, allowing the City to achieve up to 80% of its 2020 goal within a <br />year. <br /> <br />PCE will operate as a non-profit. Revenues in excess of costs will go back into the <br />community through reduced rates, energy efficiency programs, and local renewable <br />development projects. Local control offers the potential to increase the renewable <br />content of the energy portfolio beyond what the utility provides, to concentrate on <br />developing local projects and creating local jobs. Local control also provides <br />opportunities to create energy efficiency and renewable energy programs that are <br />customized for local businesses and residents. <br /> <br />Risks <br />The risks associated with CCAs include: <br />· Rate risk – the risk that rates will be higher under PCE than PG&E <br />· Procurement risk – the risk that PCE will not be able to procure enough <br />renewable energy <br />9.B. - Page 3