Summer 2020

In this issue:

• Message from our CEO
• Financial assistance and resources
• New SCP programs
• Energy-saving tips for summer
• Program highlights
• Job opportunity
• Upcoming webinars
• Calendar of SCP meetings

Message from our CEO

Public Power Providers Can Help Reverse Racist Energy Policies

Turning the tide on the climate crisis demands a fundamental shift in how California solves energy problems. For too long, we have sited polluting power plants where the land was cheap and where there were few legal challenges, and all too often these places have been in our most disadvantaged Black, Indigenous, and Latinx communities. As a result, our communities of color have suffered elevated asthma, heart disease, cancer, and other health problems for decades.

Here in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, we have started to address this issue by cutting our use of electricity made with natural gas by 79% since 2013. That helps, but power providers like Sonoma Clean Power still rely on large natural gas power plants around the state to back up solar power after the sun sets each day.

That’s why we’re working to create clean backup sources like batteries, by increasing participation in our GridSavvy demand response program and encouraging customers to sign up for EverGreen, our 100% local renewable service. The hard reality is that there is a lot more work to do before we can stop relying on polluting natural gas plants altogether.

Air pollution is happening here at home in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties too, where this summer PG&E is installing large diesel generators in some of our neighborhoods to keep the lights on during Public Safety Power Shutoffs. These generators may be necessary in the short term, but we need to quickly transition to cleaner solutions to avoid creating more unhealthy communities. Sonoma Clean Power has started working with our member-cities to coordinate local plans for replacing them as fast as possible.

To achieve a just transition to a clean energy future, we must not only be thinking about our impact on air quality and greenhouse gas emissions, but also about the people and places who are impacted as we work on those goals, and above all, those who might be left behind.

See the full message from our Chief Executive Officer, Geof Syphers.

Resources for continuing the conversation

Disparities in the Impact of Air Pollution - American Lung Association
Environmental & Climate Justice - NAACP
Over 14 Million People Of Color In The U.S. Live In Counties With High Air Pollution - Forbes
Unequal Impact: The Deep Links Between Racism and Climate Change - Yale School of the Environment

Office closure and resources

The Sonoma Clean Power office remains closed at this time due to public health concerns regarding COVID-19 ("coronavirus"). We will let customers know if an official opening date is authorized in the future.

You can still reach us!

While our office is closed, you can still contact SCP by calling our local contact center (who are also working from home) at 1 (855) 202–2139 or by emailing info@sonomacleanpower.org.

Financial assistance and resources

Apply for the Medical Baseline Program
Enroll in CARE/FERA
Learn more about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
CARES Act for businesses
Choose the best Rate Plan for you
Mendocino County COVID-19 updates
Sonoma County COVID-19 updates

New customer programs

Connect Your Smart Devices to GridSavvy

Energy Resiliency Audit Program

Advanced Energy Build

Summer energy tips

Looking for ways to keep your usage and energy bills down this summer? Here are some tips to help you stay cool without using more electricity, and reduce wasted energy inside and outside your home.

1. Avoid using the oven on hot days
Try grilling outside or use smaller appliances such as a microwave, pressure cooker, or toaster oven, which release less heat in your home and require less energy than a stove or oven.

2. Keep blinds and curtains closed
Installing window coverings throughout your home that let light in but keep the heat out can help reduce cooling costs. Open windows at night when its cooler, then close them along with your blinds or curtains in the morning to keep cool air inside all day.

3. Routinely replace or clean your A/C filter
If you don’t remember the last time you changed your air conditioner's filter, now might be a good time to consider it. Old filters can cause your system to run longer and less efficiently. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by up to 15%!

Program highlights

Spirit of Entrepreneurship Grant

CALeVIP: Sonoma Coast Incentive Project

EV Incentives for Local Nonprofits

Join the SCP team!

Sonoma Clean Power is recruiting a Marketing Coordinator. This position provides direct support to the Director of Public Relations & Marketing and will be responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of SCP’s public, community, and customer programs and outreach efforts.

For the full job description and details on how to apply, please visit our website.

Upcoming webinars

Recorded webinars you might have missed

Climate Justice: The California Reality and What You Can Do
Community Energy Resilience for Local Governments
Microgrids: Backup Power for Business

Calendar of SCP meetings

*Due to the State's shelter-in-place order, all SCP meetings will be conducted via teleconference until further notice.