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May 13, 2025
ITEM TITLE
Presentations: Presentation from San Diego Community Power regarding 2025 Operations Report Number: 25-0046
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Public Works
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a "Project" as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Receive report from San Diego Community Power regarding their 2025 operations.
SUMMARY
The presentation is a n informational update from San Diego Community Power (SDCP), the provider for electricity for the City of Chula Vista , that will include a review of 2025 rates and rates -based products, as well as electricity procurement. The update will also include a review of programmatic accomplishments and the suite of programs that will be launched this year. San Diego Community Power will highlight community engagement efforts, as well as impact in Chula Vista.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
San Diego Community Power presented this to the Sustainability Commission as an information item on March 10, 2025.
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DISCUSSION
San Diego Community Power (SDCP) is a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) that buys electricity for residents and businesses within its member agencies, then partners with San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) to deliver that electricity to SDCP customers. The City of Chula Vista was a founding member of SDCP, which was formed in 2019. Upon launching in 2021, Chula Vista energy accounts community -wide were automatically enrolled into the SDCP program. In addition to the City of Chula Vista, current SDCP member agencies include the cities of San Diego, National City, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, and the County of San Diego. SDCP currently serves more than 955,000 accounts.
SDCP hosts a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to receive input and recommendations from the community and each member organization is allotted two CAC members. The City of Chula Vista is represented by Anthony Sclafani but currently has an open seat. Community members interested in applying to represen t Chula Vista may visit the SDCP CAC website for more information or to apply ( Community Advisory Committee Membership Application). SDCP also provides information to community members through regular mailers, such as the joint rate mailer that compares SDCP’s and SDG&E’s rates and electricity sources. Another mailer includes the power content label that prov ides information about greenhouse gas emissions. Both informational items are sent out annually. Interested parties can sign up to receive regular updates through SDCP’s newsletter at: https://sdcommunitypower.org/news-and-events.
SDCP offers multiple electricity products with varying blends of renewable energy. SDCP provides a default service of 55% clean energy (PowerOn), a lower-cost rate with 45% clean energy (PowerBase), an option to purchase 100% clean energy (Power100) or 100% clean energy with Green -e certification (Power100 Green+). All municipal accounts are enrolled on the Power100 rate. SDCP expects to increase renewable energy to 100% by 2035 with interim targets of 75% by 2027 and 85% by 2030. In addition to the electricity they provide, SDCP also offers community programs to help residents save or produce energy. Some of these programs are:
EV Flex Connect - a pilot program designed to create optimized charging schedul es for drivers who charge their electric vehicles (EVs) at home. These schedules help shift energy usage away from peak demand periods when electricity costs are highest, helping participants save money, improve the reliability of the electric grid and earn incentives.
Learn more or sign up at: www.sdcommunitypower.org/programs/ev-flex-connect. Solar Battery Savings Program – program provides financial incentives to support solar and battery installations. Program enrollment is currently closed but SDCP intends to re -open program enrollment in 2025.
Learn more at: www.sdcommunitypower.org/programs/solar-battery-savings-program-2. Smart Home Flex - a new pilot program that allows SDCP to contact participants’ smart thermostats automatically and temporarily adjust settings to shift energy use away from peak demand times when energy is most expensive. These adjustments can save participants money and enhance the reliability of the energy grid.
Learn more or apply at: www.sdcommunitypower.org/programs/smart-home-flex.
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San Diego Regional Energy Network (SDREN) – a regional ratepayer funded energy efficiency program that will launch programs later in 2025.
Learn more at: www.sdcommunitypower.org/programs/ren.
Member Agency Grants – grants of $50,000 provided to member agencies to promote clean energy.
The City of Chula Vista is using the grant to launch a portable solar and battery lending program in the libraries. A similar program to be used by staff for City operations was recently launched.
Clean Energy Grants - a partnership between San Diego Foundation (SDF) and SDCP, the Community Clean Energy Grant Program awards funding to new and existing projects that move communities towards a healthier, more sustainable, clean energy future.
For more information or to apply visit: www.sdfoundation.org/nonprofits/apply-for-a- grant/community-clean-energy-2025-grant-program.
SDCP will attend local events to provide more information ; o r, learn more and contact their staff at www.sdcommunitypower.org.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdi ngs of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no current-year fiscal impact as a result of hearing this report.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There are no ongoing fiscal impacts as a result of hearing this report.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Staff Contact: Cory Downs, Conservation Specialist, Public Works Department Matthew Little, PE, Deputy City Manager/Director of Public Works