Clean Energy

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The City encourages residents and business owners to consider clean energy sources for electricity. Find out more about renewable electricity options through MCE and installing solar energy systems below.

MCE

MCE is a not-for-profit public electricity provider that offers 60 percent and 100 percent renewable electricity service options to Martinez residents and businesses.

MCE is the default electricity provider in Martinez since April 2018. Pacific Gas and Electric ("PG&E") continues to transmit and distribute electricity, maintain power lines, and handle billing. MCE's goal is to have electricity rates that are competitive with PG&E. Check out PG&E and MCE's joint rate comparisons and learn how to read your bill. All MCE customers are still PG&E customers and are able to participate in PG&E's rebates and savings programs.

MCE offers two electricity service plans:

"Light Green" - 60-percent renewable electricity sources, and the default for Martinez customers.
"Deep Green" - 100-percent renewable and carbon-free electricity sources. Martinez customers can choose to opt-up to Deep Green.

PG&E's electricity is sourced from about 38-percent renewables. Customers can adjust their MCE service plan or opt-out of MCE and return to PG&E service.

Customers enrolled in MCE still receive their full California Alternative Rates for Energy ("CARE"), Family Electric Rate Assistance Program ("FERA"), and Medical Baseline Allowance Discounts. There is no need to reapply, and no change in the discounted rates.

Visit the MCE website to learn more about MCE service plans, cost comparisons, to opt-up to Deep Green or opt-out of MCE and return to PG&E electricity service.

Solar customers with rooftop solar, or customers interested in going solar, can learn more about Solar Net Energy Metering policy, rates, and incentives on MCE's website.

MCE Resources and More Information

City FAQs
Contact MCE by phone at 1(888) 632-3674 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) or email
Enrollment Timeline
MCE FAQs

Solar Energy Systems

Solar Energy Systems include solar water heaters and solar panels. Solar water heaters capture the sun's thermal energy to heat water while solar panels convert the sun's rays directly into electricity.

Licensed contractors in the City can apply for residential solar panel installation permits online through SolarAPP+, a web-based portal that automates project plan reviews. SolarAPP+ allows for a quicker permitting process and allows the City to issue qualifying Residential Solar Photovoltaic (“PV”) permits faster within 72 hours or less (generally less than 24 hours)! Visit the City’s Solar Permits webpage to learn more about the solar permitting process and SolarAPP+.

For projects that are not eligible for SolarAPP+, check out the City's Solar Photovoltaic (“PV”) System Permitting Checklist for step-by-step guidance on the permitting process.

Free Assessments

EnergySage Marketplace helps you determine how much you can save by installing solar, provides instant quotes from pre-screened solar installers, and offers free advice from qualified solar adviser on the best option.

Financing

Various financing options are available to interested owners:

Low Income Family Financing

California Solar Initiative, funded by the State, offers two programs for low-income households:

The two programs provide higher incentives to offset installation costs for income-qualified households.

Residential Solar and Battery Storage

Bay Area SunShares is a group discount program that allows residents to receive group discounts on residential solar and battery storage. Discounts are available for a limited time in the fall of each year (typically September 1st to November 15th).

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