Most Berkeley Businesses To Be Powered By Renewable Energy Soon

BERKELEY, CA -- Wind and solar power will be the default choice for electricity for all Berkeley businesses starting in October.

This shift toward entirely renewable sources as Berkeley businesses' default electricity plans will cost ¾ of a cent more per kilowatt-hour, roughly 2.3 percent higher than PG&E rates for a small commercial or industrial customer. It requires no action to stay on that plan and reduces the City's reliance on fossil fuels.

All City buildings and streetlights have already transitioned to wind and solar power through East Bay Community Energy, the non-profit local energy provider for Berkeley. The Berkeley City Council voted in June 2021 to make solar and wind power the default choice for residential customers, for whom it went into effect in March, and commercial customers, which happens in October.

Electricity Service Choices

Businesses taking no action will be automatically transitioned to Renewable 100. those that want to stick with their current plan, must do so by September 22. The electric service choices through East Bay Community Energy are:

• Renewable 100 service, which is 100% California wind and solar renewable energy, costs ¾ of a cent more per kilowatt-hour than PG&E’s standard generation rate.
• Bright Choice service costs 3% less than PG&E’s standard generation rate for electricity that is 50% from renewable sources.

To remain with the current default plan, Bright Choice, and avoid automatic enrollment to Renewable 100, business owners must update their online settings by September 22. It can be done online by visiting ebce.org/Berkeley and clicking on "Remain on Bright Choice." It can also be done via phone by calling (833) 699-3223, 9 am–5 pm on weekdays.

More information about the service changes will be detailed in two online webinars hosted by East Bay Community Energy (EBCE):

• August 23, noon-1 pm: Register
• September 13, 9 am – 10 am: Register