Community choice electricity supply empowers municipalities to select renewable electricity for residents and small businesses at a fixed lower price than they could access individually.
What is Community Choice Electricity Supply?
Community choice aggregation (“CCA” or “community choice”) enables municipalities to join together to aggregate the buying power of residents and dictate the terms of how they buy electricity. By pooling local demand, municipalities can negotiate more favorable terms, designate preferred generation sources, and select a default energy service company for the community.
Benefits
CONTROL
Shifts control from the State to the municipality. The local authority designates the default supplier and chooses the mix of renewable versus standard supply.
CHOICE
Can choose 100% renewable electricity.
COMPETITIVE RATES & BETTER TERMS
Competitive bids from energy suppliers.
PRICE STABILITY
No monthly price fluctuations
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Fully-vetted supply contract held at the municipal level. No individual contracts. Opt in or out at any time without penalty.
How It Works
A program administrator works with participating municipalities and local organizers to identify program priorities and solicit proposals from qualified energy supply companies on behalf of community residents and small businesses. A community choice electricity supply program will only launch when an energy supply proposal meets the requirements identified by the program administrator and participating communities.
Why is NY State Promoting Community Choice?
NY State is promoting community choice because it:
Creates the potential to save consumers money
Expands the use of clean electricity throughout NY State
Supports the generation of clean energy within NY State
Empowers local decision-making
Increases consumer protection