Marin Clean Energy - Opt Out

Over the next 90 days Marin rate payers will be asked to decide if they want to remain as a customer of PG&E - to opt out - or to accept that they are now part of a new pseudo government energy utility called Marin Energy Authority, and the Marin Clean Energy Plan registered with the CPUC in December 2009.

This is not as obvious as some have made out. There is far more at stake than getting from a 22% to 25% clean energy content in 2010.

On the one side is the argument that more competition will accelerate compliance with AB32, ensure more clean energy investments for Marin County, and secure greater energy price stability by being free of oil fluctuations.

On the other side is the argument that this is a dilution of PG&E's resources, that you cannot separate supply from demand (electricity is electrons moving at the speed of light) and that politicians trading in energy futures using the counties credit, will lead to another Enron.

But, opinions aside, it is a fact that this decision has been forced on Marion by politicians in favor of MEA using the legislation of AB117.

We call on all Marin County rate payers, having had the option of a ballot taken from them, to voice their decision. Either "opt out" of the Marin Clean Energy plan by contacting PG&E. Or DO nothing to say YES to having your account transferred. Note: It has been transferred !

To help rate payers understand the pros and cons, open4energy has published an unbiased summary of the issues to be considered.

We have also created a directory of web sites that we suggest rate payers visit to understand the legislation, governance, and issues to consider.

But whatever you do, please do not ignore this decision - it is important to Marin and the direction of energy supply in California!