PG&E has increased rates for all customers to support their poles and wires (T&D). This affects Pioneer and non-Pioneer customers equally – everyone’s rates will go up the exact same dollar amount.
Don’t be misled. We guarantee that Pioneer’s savings over PG&E have not changed. Calculate your savings in El Dorado and Placer County.

Pioneer's 2021-2024 Strategic Plan

Planning our Future Together

Letter from Don Eckert, Executive Director

Dear Pioneer Community Energy Customers:

Being a community-owned, nonprofit utility means putting our customers and community at the heart of everything we do at Pioneer Community Energy. While change is transforming virtually every aspect of our business, Pioneer’s purpose won’t change. We exist to enhance the quality of life for our customers and community. Read more from our Executive Director in the Strategic Plan.

Pioneer's Mission, Vision and Values

Pioneer's Mission

Pioneer Community Energy is a locally owned provider of electricity — powering the communities we serve with competitive rates, reliable service and a choice in energy options.

Pioneer's Vision

A community partner in reliable energy solutions and positive local impact, powering today and empowering tomorrow.

Pioneer's Values

Our organizational values define how we behave in the delivery of our mission and in the achievement of our vision. We believe it is important to stand for something and be accountable to those we serve. The following four values guide the way we prioritize and deliver our work and help shape a dynamic culture where our people thrive.

We are powered by the communities we serve — not corporate shareholders. From the local Board of Directors representing our region to local customer service representatives who are a phone call away, we provide energy for the community, by the community.

We know our customers depend on us, and we go above and beyond to provide stable and competitive rates while working to minimize rotating outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs. The communities we serve can rely on us to be a transparent and ethical source of power.

We instill excellence throughout our service. This means delivering a professional customer service experience and focusing our work on providing dependable sources of electricity. Powering what matters most in our community is our priority.

This distinguishes Pioneer from investor-owned PG&E. Because we are community-owned, we advocate for the region and offer a choice in energy. Pioneer invests in local businesses, grid resiliency and community well-being — not corporate payouts.

Strategic Priorities for Pioneer Community Energy

 Local Engagement

  • Listen to our customers.
  • Grow our relationships with residents and businesses.
  • Launch a Community Programs Advisory Committee.


Quality in Service

  • Ensure the highest quality customer service.
  • Keep rates stable and competitive.
  • Launch community requested programs.


Employer of Choice

  • Conduct a biennial compensation and benefits study.
  • Uphold Pioneer’s company culture.


Operational Excellence

  • Continue grid resiliency efforts to mitigate PSPS.
  • Develop one biomass project.
  • Diversify Pioneer’s energy procurement.


Financial Stability &  Strategic Growth

  • Pursue expansion opportunities.
  • Achieve an investment grade credit rating.
  • Participate in legislative and regulatory proceedings that support our customers.

Our Focus is On Our Customers

Since its launch in February 2018, Pioneer Community Energy has provided reliable electricity, competitive rates and community-focused programs consistent with the needs of the neighborhoods and people we serve. While PG&E is responsible to shareholders and a global board of directors, Pioneer believes our region’s dollars are better reinvested in the local community, not distributed among distant shareholders. One of 24 California Community Choice Aggregators, Pioneer is led by local representatives from a nine-member Board of Directors. 

To date, Pioneer focuses on energy independence through long-term contracts, managing costs and pursuing sustainability initiatives through hydroelectric, biomass and other renewable energy sources. Offering customers a choice in power from 100 percent renewable sources, Pioneer’s Green100 Program received a strong response from the community and welcomed over 100 participants during the program’s first 30 days.

Pioneer Customers Total Savings | Feb. 2018–Nov. 2021

$21.8 Million

Residential Customers Total Savings

$10.7 Million

Commercial Customers Total Savings

$9 Million

Industrial Customers Total Savings

$1.9 Million

Agricultural Customers Total Savings

$0.2 Million

In 2022, Pioneer customers are projected to save more than $19.5 million just for exercising their choice in energy generation with Pioneer Community Energy.

Interested in learning more about stable rates and reliable energy in your area? You can read Pioneer’s strategic plan.

Pioneer received a Gold Award from MarCom for the design and layout of Pioneer’s Strategic Plan. To learn more visit our about us page.

Solar Customers Receive Annual True-Up

Pioneer issued checks to solar customers with a cumulative net surplus of energy (known as Net Surplus Generators) during May for the March/April billing period if their credit balance (calculated at the Net Surplus Compensation Rate) for the past 12 months exceeded $25.00. Credit balances of less than $25.00 were rolled forward and applied to the next bill.

A few of our clients have contacted us to confirm the check’s authenticity. Rest assured, it is indeed real! If you receive a Blue or Orange check from Bill.com with a reference to Pioneer, it is safe to deposit. 

We take pride in helping our solar customers save; Pioneer pays $.005 (1/2 cent) per kWh more than PG&E for any over-production sold back to the grid (Net Surplus Compensation Rate or NSC).Â