City Council to Look at Joining MCE

Governmental agencies aren’t often praised for acting quickly, but Sustainable Novato has to be feeling pretty good about the Novato City Council.

Within two days after Sustainable Novato called upon residents to coerce city officials to switch its power source from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to Marin Clean Energy (MCE), the item was already on the agenda and prepared for discussion.

The City Council will address the topic at next Tuesday’s meeting.

In a letter directed to both the City Council and residents, Sustainable Novato wrote, “The City of Novato should be purchasing power from Marin Clean Energy. MCE’s rates are now below PG&E’s rates for commercial customers, so it makes sense to opt in to MCE’s 50% sustainable power, or 100% for renewable power for only 1 cent per kWh more. PG&E’s sustainable content is much lower and at a higher price.”

The public comments concluded by asking residents to send their own letters to City Hall.

Ed Mainland, who serves as secretary for the organization, said, “It’s ludicrous, in our view [to stay with PG&E].”

Maybe Sustainable Novato underestimated the city officials.

“We’ve been watching the rates for some time,” said Novato Mayor Pat Eklund. “We encourage folks to keep their eyes on the agenda.”

Minutes later, she confirmed that the issue would be discussed at the very next City Council meeting.

Staff reports detail that in June of 2012, the City Council voted 4-1 to go with PG&E as Novato’s power company. There were saving to be had in the amount of $7,800 — an amount Mainland described as “miniscule.”

The Council voiced its desire to go with a “greener” power company if it was fiscally viable. That time may have arrived.

According to the staff report, “A recent comparison of the cost for electrical service from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and Marin Clean Energy (MCE) shows a projected annual cost savings of roughly $9,000 if the City were to switch from PG&E to MCE.”

The meeting takes place Tues., April 16, 6:30 p.m. at Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Ave.

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