Santa Barbara pursues new Community Choice Energy Program

Santa Barbara voted unanimously to pursue a new Community Choice Energy Program.

The program wouldn’t rely on Southern California Edison for energy, but it would pay a fee to use its energy grid.

Consultants from Pacific Energy Advisors (PEA) explains how they helped Marin and Lancaster create similar programs.

Supporters said it would give the city local control and consumers a reliable choice.

It is expected to cost money up front but save money down the road.

“We are going to be using renewable energy sources, solar and wind and geothermal power,”
said Kirby Dusel, the Vice President of PEA.

Dusel said there appears to be more interest in renewable energy rather than natural gas and fossil fuels.

He plans to make similar presentations in Santa Maria, Solvang and Buellton.

The county and interested cities could be part of Santa Barbara’s plan that could be up and running by 2021.