Item No. 3
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – CONSENT AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
DATE: APRIL 15, 2026
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENT TO
PARAGRAPH 2.2 OF THE PENINSULA CLEAN ENERGY JOINT
POWERS AGREEMENT REFLECTING THE NAME CHANGE OF
PENINSULA CLEAN ENERGY AUTHORITY TO WESTLIGHT
ENERGY
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a Resolution approving an amendment to Paragraph
2.2 of the Peninsula Clean Energy Authority Joint Powers Agreement to reflect the new agency name previously approved by the Peninsula Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors on October 23, 2025.
BACKGROUND
On October 23, 2025, the Peninsula Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors voted to adopt a new market-facing agency name of WestLight Energy following extensive research and a lengthy stakeholder engagement process. The name was selected in part to address several challenges that limit the effectiveness of the name Peninsula Clean Energy with deeper decarbonization goals across Peninsula Clean Energy’s service territory, including ongoing confusion with PG&E. The acronym “PCE” is often mistaken for PG&E, causing persistent brand confusion. Further, Peninsula Clean Energy reflects a geographic limitation given that the word “Peninsula” no longer reflects PCE’s full service territory. The Peninsula Clean Energy Board of Directors’ October 23, 2025 action included direction to amend the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to formally reflect the new name.
ANALYSIS
The action before the City Council is not a reconsideration of the name itself. The Peninsula Clean Energy Board of Directors has already approved the name change. Member agencies are now required to approve an administrative amendment to Paragraph 2.2 of the JPA to formally update the agency’s legal name in that paragraph and throughout the JPA document.
Resolution for Peninsula Clean Energy Name Change to WestLight Energy APRIL 15, 2026
Approval of the Resolution ensures the Town of Atherton remains aligned with the governing documents of the Joint Powers Authority and allows Peninsula Clean Energy the opportunity to implement the name transition in coordination with its 10-year anniversary and broader brand rollout.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal C - Maintain Conservative Fiscal Policies and Financial Transparency • Goal D - Be Forward Thinking
POLICY FOCUS
There are no significant policy issues related to this item.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission
ATTACHMENTS
1. Approving Resolution