“Oroville Initiates Step Toward Public Energy” July 17, 2024

By Michael Weber / mweber@chicoer.com

OROVILLE — An alternative, public energy option to PG&E has been revived in Oroville after city councilors voted 7-0 Tuesday to send a letter of interest to join Pioneer Community Energy, a joint powers authority seeking to bring power purchasing abilities to Butte County, Chico and Paradise.

Oroville once pursued a public energy option in 2022 with Butte Choice Energy — “Like a deja vu,” Councilor Janet Goodson remarked — but the organization did not hire an executive director during that time because of financial risks caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, according to City Administrator Brian Ring.

Now, the city will begin a feasibility study in the city to figure out if bringing public energy to Oroville will indeed reduce costs and increase options, as proposed by the community choice aggregation program.

“(The study) gets you into the game,” said Don Eckert, CEO of Pioneer Community Energy.

Eckert said Chico and Paradise have already agreed to begin a feasibility study in their area, and if Oroville joins, it would be part of a governing board including Placer County, El Dorado County, Nevada City and Grass Valley. Butte County is also scheduled to hear about the program July 30.

According to Eckert, the community choice aggregation program in Oroville would not replace PG&E nor its power poles, but provide different options for residents to “sourcing” the electrons flowing through PG&E’s infrastructure.

Eckert said residents would still receive a bill for PG&E transmission and distribution, but allow residents to purchase from a variety of power options like wind, solar, biomass and other cleaner and less expensive options.

Energy programs from PG&E would also carry over to Pioneer Community Energy, and customers won’t be penalized for opting out of PG&E, Eckert said.

Councilor Eric Smith expressed concern, and saw “red flags” that Pioneer may not be as competitive in price versus PG&E — figuring the for-profit company could buy cheaper, less clean energy.

In response, Eckert said PG&E may have pricey legacy contracts and may not be as nimble in shifting to newer, less expensive technologies. Eckert said Pioneer also has a five-year hedging program to absorb immediate costs if prices go up.

Pioneer Community Energy reported to the CUPC in January 2024 its ratepayers spent on average $219.26 on its standard program and $226.34 on its 100% renewable program — versus PG&E customers who spent $241.18 on average for about 38.3% renewable energy.

“I do believe in what we do; the numbers are real.”

Eckert said Oroville is scheduled to present its study findings to the City Council by Fall 2024. If plans are approved by councilors, then approved by the CUPC, Oroville would begin purchasing power in 2025 to be ready to come online by 2026 by the earliest.

Oroville Mayor David Pittman said he is looking forward to residents saving money if all goes according to plan. “The other big issue is right now with the heat wave we have right now, there are people that can’t pay their bill, clearly. They’re looking at every program possible,” Pittman said. “Every one of us probably has a story of someone that can’t pay their bills. So we, responsibly, have to look at this and I’m personally very excited for the potential here.”’

“Oroville City Council to discuss joining a separate energy community” July 16, 2024

By Matt Wreden / mwreden@actionnewsnow.com

OROVILLE, Calif. – The Oroville City Council will discuss joining a separate energy community today.

Council members will review a letter of interest to possibly join Pioneer Community Energy, also known as PCE. It already provides electricity to communities in Placer County.

If approved, Oroville will have an additional option for electric service other than PG&E. 

The Oroville City Council will also consider a proposal to stop adding fluoride to domestic water supplies.