solar panels

SV Clean Energy Delivers on Bold Renewable Energy Promises

Annual mailers show dual benefits of clean power and customer savings

 

Sunnyvale, Calif. — Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) has exceeded the state mandate to procure 50% renewable energy by 2030, more than a decade ahead of schedule. In 2017, the Community Choice Energy agency sourced clean power with an emissions rate of less than one pound of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour, a 99% decrease in emissions associated with electricity generation. Additionally, SVCE customers save money. Electric generation rates for SVCE are now six percent less than PG&E’s equivalent rates. An average residential customer is saving approximately $40 per year with SVCE.

This information is being sent to electricity customers in a majority of Santa Clara County communities in the annual Joint Rate Mailer – a joint communication with SVCE and PG&E which provides side-by-side cost and power content comparisons for customers to review their electricity choices. The mailers are also available to view online at svcleanenergy.org/compare.

When SVCE launched in April 2017, customers had two new electricity choices – GreenStart, which is carbon-free with 50% of the power from renewable sources and 50% from large hydropower, and GreenPrime for 100% renewable wind and solar energy. As of the end of 2017, actual power deliveries with GreenStart were 55% from renewable energy, and 45% from large hydro.

California state law (SB 350) requires utilities to procure 50% of their power from renewables by 2030. SVCE has met and exceeded this requirement 13 years ahead of schedule. SVCE power content is also submitted to the California Energy Commission for its annual Power Source Disclosure Program.

“Our communities came together to find a way to significantly reduce carbon emissions and achieve the goals we set forth in our Climate Action Plans. We are proud that not only did we keep our promise, but we have also surpassed the state’s requirements,” said Courtenay Corrigan, SVCE Board Chair. “Silicon Valley is known for being on the cutting edge of innovation, and we are proud to have kept with this spirit as we lead the way towards a carbon-free future with Silicon Valley Clean Energy.”

Procuring electricity from carbon-free sources makes a significant reduction in emissions from residential and commercial electricity use. SVCE’s carbon emissions factor is less than a pound of carbon dioxide per megawatt hour (0.25 lbs. CO2/MWh). By comparison, PG&E’s 2016 average emissions rate was 294 lbs. CO2/MWh, the California grid average was 525 lbs., and the U.S. average emissions rate was 1,041 lbs. PG&E 2017 emissions data will be verified in fall 2018. SVCE has voluntarily reported 2017 emissions data to The Climate Registry.

SVCE is committed to providing clean, carbon-free electricity. The SVCE Board of Directors recently approved a long-term agreement for a new wind power project, and two new solar plus energy storage agreements are under development. All three projects will add to the supply of affordable, reliable and renewable energy for SVCE customers.

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About Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a community-owned agency serving the majority of Santa Clara County communities, acquiring clean, carbon-free electricity on behalf of more than 270,000 residential and commercial customers. As a public agency, net revenues are returned to the community to keep rates low and promote clean energy programs. Member jurisdictions include Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and unincorporated Santa Clara County. SVCE is guided by a Board of Directors, which is comprised of a representative from the governing body of each member community. For more information, please visit SVCleanEnergy.org.

Media Contact
Pamela Leonard
Community Outreach Manager
Silicon Valley Clean Energy
pamela.leonard@svcleanenergy.org
O: (408) 721-5301 x1004