There are a number of reasons to be interested in moving now to green sustainable sources of electricity. The major reason for most Americans is to respond to climate change with costs and effects that only increase drastically with time. Local action is especially important given the limited ability of the federal government to respond.  

Surprisingly a second reason is now economics. Electricity with a high percentage of green energy is now being supplied by California CCAs 4 to 5% cheaper than electricity from the utilities. Cities and ratepayers can save money and at the same time put CCA profits into local jobs in energy efficiency, solar, and green energy projects which are decided upon locally.

California is behind several other states in developing CCAs, but they have now been formed in Marin and Sonoma Counties in the north and are being formed in Lancaster and six coastal towns of Orange and LA counties in the south. The state has mandated that local governments have a plan for reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) and a first milestone is in 2020. CCAs have been suggested as being an mportant part of several plans, but CCAs have not been acted on by either the county or the SB county cities.

A stumbling block to a local CCA formation has been the several million dollar setup cost and the need for a vote on a bond to fund this. The existing California CCAs above have been able to pay off the bonds in several years and still supply higher percentages of green electricity at 4 to 5% less cost than the power companies. Is this the time to educate the public and seriously consider a local CCA to meet the 2020 GHG milestones?           

 The forum will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the Louise Lowry Davis Community Center, 1232 De la Vina St. It is free and open to the public. Bring a brown bag lunch and beverages and desserts will be provided. Parking behind the center is free during the forum.