Exploring Public Power Generation
Lake County Governments Consider Sonoma Clean Power (SCP), a Community-Owned Electricity Provider
Lake County governments hosted public meetings in July and August to discuss expanding SCP to the region based on the findings of the Lake County Expansion Feasibility Study Report.
Starting in 2014, SCP began replacing PG&E’s power sources in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties. The County of Lake and Cities of Clearlake and Lakeport are considering asking SCP to expand its services to include our region.
At the town halls and government meetings, SCP presented key findings of the Lake County Expansion Feasibility Report, which outlines SCP’s services in neighboring counties and analyzes its possible expansion into Lake County. Residents had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback based on SCP’s presentation.
Here is the full list of past meeting locations:
July 8: Lake County Board of Supervisors
July 15: Lakeport City Council
July 17: Clearlake City Council
August 6: Eastern Region Town Hall
August 11: Central Region Town Hall
August 14: Middletown Town Hall
August 20: Western Region Town Hall
During the meetings, participants discussed key findings from the report, including the possibility that SCP could reduce electricity rates for Lake County customers. Lake County Board President and District 3 Supervisor Eddie Crandell emphasized the current issue, stating, “Electricity rates in Lake County are among the highest in the nation, and we have to explore every option we can to act on that problem.” Over the last decade, SCP has saved customers over $100 million in power bills in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties. SCP is not a full municipal utility because it still relies on PG&E to maintain all the poles and wires in the power grid.
Another key topic discussed during the meetings is that expanding SCP to Lake County could provide a local source of renewable energy. Over the last decade, SCP has built large solar, wind and battery systems in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties. Today, SCP generates electricity for 87% of customers in those counties, demonstrating how community-owned power can deliver renewable energy and contribute to a region’s energy independence and resilience.
The Lake County governments would like to thank SCP for attending these meetings and town halls, as well as the residents who participated and helped provide valuable feedback and engage in shaping the future of potential local energy services in Lake County.