As of January 3, Pioneer Community Energy (Pioneer) began providing residents and businesses of El Dorado County and the City of Placerville with electric generation. Pioneer, a community-owned, not-for-profit utility, will complete the transition from PG&E over the month of January.

Pioneer is a Community Choice Aggregator that began providing electricity to the communities of Auburn, Colfax, Lincoln, Loomis, Rocklin and unincorporated Placer County in 2018. By joining Pioneer, customers in unincorporated El Dorado County and Placerville will join their neighbors and realize immediate savings on electricity generation rates.

“The addition of Placerville and El Dorado County will increase our account base to approximately 161,000,” said Jim Holmes, Placer County Supervisor for District 3 and Pioneer Board Chair. “That gives us more leverage in the energy markets, more opportunity to reinvest in local programs. The new jurisdictions’ move to join Pioneer is a testament to the success of our program and our commitment to electricity ratepayers in our service area.”

New customers eligible for Pioneer services received two notices before enrollment. Pioneer purchases and provides customers the electricity. PG&E still owns, operates, repairs, and services the poles and wires. Customers will continue to receive a bill directly from PG&E that includes Pioneer’s generation rate.

Pioneer focuses on initiatives that reinforce its commitment to local engagement and quality of service. If ratepayers have questions regarding the transition, need an explanation of their bill or have other concerns, they are encouraged to call 916-758-8969.