To borrow from Lincoln, “Of the people, by the people, and for the people,” these words can apply to a program called Community Choice Energy (CCE) tasked to provide solar and wind sourced electricity for communities.
“Of the people” can refer to the citizens of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties who have already cooperated in the program to reduce use of coal and gas and increase use from renewable sources. “By the people” because we citizens of California established State Law, AB 117, enabling communities to choose clean power at a cost equivalent to PG&E while retaining power lines and customer service. “For the people” because we the people of San Benito County will benefit with lower rates and lower carbon use while curbing planet destruction provided that our City Council joins with Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties into Monterey Bay Community Power (MBCP).
This is the wave of the future swelling more benefits for us the people like surplus revenues stay in the community to fund renewable energy projects creating local jobs while stimulating the economy as opposed to creating profits for PG&E.
We all need to let our City Council person and supervisor person know that we wish to reduce use of fossil fuels and increase use of sun and wind power to reap the benefits of lower cost electricity and save the planet. More information is at MBCommunity Power.org.
By Mary Zanger • Hollister
