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As the pandemic conditions improve, vaccination rates go up, and infection rates remain low, EBCE is breaking out of its shell. With 80% of eligible Alameda County residents having received at least one dose of COVID vaccine and case rates remaining low, EBCE's outreach team is dusting off the canopy, updating our brochures, unboxing some branded swag, and returning to participate in live events. In addition to boothing at Oakland Roots games, you'll be able to find our team back at other outdoor events such as farmers markets and street fairs soon. Have an event in your neighborhood where EBCE can bring our outreach table and spread the word about clean energy at low rates and local programs? Contact Juan Cortez at jcortez@ebce.org. |
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 Clockwise from upper left: Jeff Scott, EPA’s Land Director for the Pacific Southwest; Nick Chaset, EBCE CEO; Margot Perez-Sullivan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Elisa Marquez, Hayward City Councilmember and member of EBCE’s Board of Directors
EBCE will identify and develop formerly contaminated properties into electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $1.5 million in grants to EBCE and the Cities of Richmond and Vallejo to identify and prepare formerly contaminated properties, also known as “brownfields,” for redevelopment. The announcement was made at a virtual event with EBCE CEO Nick Chaset and Hayward City Councilmember / EBCE Board of Directors, Elisa Marquez.
EBCE will use the $300,000 award to support development of electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs and will focus on redeveloping brownfields in communities impacted by environmental justice challenges in Alameda County and the City of Tracy. The funds will be used to complete environmental assessments of potentially contaminated properties and develop cleanup and reuse plans for EV hub development. These future hubs may include solar arrays and battery storage. Battery storage at former brownfields sites can increase community climate resiliency by improving access to electric power during blackouts, which have been increasing in frequency due to wildfires.
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EBCE is hiring:
Summer Interns
Programs Marketing Manager
Principal Regulatory Analyst, Transportation Electrification
Check our Job Opportunities page for deails.
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EBCE staff at our June 2018 launch event
Reflecting on major milestones we've reached
In June 2018, East Bay Community Energy launched our service to commercial and municipal customers, before expanding to serve residential customers in November 2018. For the last three years, EBCE has been steadfastly committed to supporting the East Bay community. Since 2018, we have provided the following donations and relief:
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In 2020, EBCE donated more than $2 million to local organizations. The Alameda County Food Bank and Meals on Wheels received a combined $175,000 to support food distribution to low-income and senior community members during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, EBCE was one of Meals on Wheels’ top three donors. EBCE also donated to various local hospitals to assist with PPE procurement and vaccine distribution efforts. A complete list of donations distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic is available here: https://ebce.org/covid-19-response/.
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EBCE has provided sponsorships to more than 50 local groups, from little-league teams to robotics clubs to civic orchestras. Most recently, EBCE sponsored Sunhower Hill, a Pleasanton program supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A complete list of sponsorships is available here: https://ebce.org/community-sponsorships/.
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EBCE has given hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to community-based organizations. Recent grant recipients include Ecology Action and Re-volv. Ecology Action designed an Electric Vehicle charging program for low to moderate income residents in EBCE’s service areas and Re-volv installed a solar photovoltaic system on the roof of La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley. A partial list is available here: https://ebce.org/community-innovation-grants/
Since launching, EBCE has saved customers more than $26 million dollars on their PG&E bills. In 2020 alone, EBCE saved customers $10 million dollars with their Bright Choice program. This program offers residential and business customers at least 5% more renewable energy than PG&E forecasts at rates 1% below PG&E. EBCE also paid off its start-up loan in full, and allocated millions of dollars per year to local programs. And we're just getting started!
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Attention Restaurants!
We know equipping your kitchen with the best, high-powered equipment to get the job done can be a costly burden. We’re here to make that easier. Make the move toward powerful induction cooking in your commercial kitchen with a rebate from EBCE. Receive up to $17,500 to cover the costs of installing induction ranges and cooktops. Learn more at ebce.org/commercial-kitchens.
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 Do you, or someone you know, need help paying your utility bills?
During the pandemic, the California Public Utilities Commission directed utilities, including PG&E, to stop disconnecting customers who are unable to pay their bills. This moratorium is expected to end on September 30, 2021, at which time energy customers will need to begin paying outstanding electricity and gas balances or be at risk of service disconnection.
The Arrearage Management Plan (AMP) is a new payment plan to help qualifying residential customers reduce unpaid balances (up to $8,000) on their energy bills. Eligibility criteria include being on a financial assistance program such as CARE, owing at least $500 to PG&E, and being 90+ days past due.
How does AMP work?
With each on-time payment of your current charges, AMP will forgive 1/12 of the eligible debt you owed at the time of enrollment. After twelve on-time payments of your monthly current charges, your eligible debt will be forgiven up to $8,000.
For more information visit ebce.org/amp. To enroll, speak with a PG&E customer service representative at 1-800-743-5000.
What if I don't qualify for AMP?
A separate 24-month payment plan will be available for all customers (including those not on a financial assistance program) with arrearages over 60 days old. Customers will automatically be enrolled in the 24-month payment plan. Details on that program have not yet been release as of June 28.
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Special Board Retreat – Marketing | 7/7 at 12 PM
Community Advisory Committee | 7/19 at 6 PM
Board of Directors | 7/21 at 5 PM
Executive Committee | 7/30 at 12 PM
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