Celebrating 10 Years of Community-Powered Energy
Our Story Is Your Story
The first decade transformed how electricity is generated with clean sources. The next decade is about electrifying everyday life.
A decade ago, neighbors, cities, and local leaders came together to build something new: a community-powered approach to clean energy.
Together, we’ve shown that electricity can be cleaner, more affordable, and led by the people it serves.
Now the next chapter is underway: working with customers to bring clean electricity into homes, transportation, and buildings across our communities.
Bold Beginnings
A better way to power our communities
In 2014, neighbors, advocates, and local leaders came together to accelerate climate action in San Mateo County. Our cities listened and set ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals in their local climate action plans to safeguard our future.
2014
The spark of a great idea
Local leaders and community advocates begin exploring Community Choice Energy as a way to meet climate goals. Inspired by early adopters, the model gives communities control over their electricity supply and the ability to choose cleaner sources.
2015
A countywide decision to move forward
San Mateo County conducts a feasibility study to evaluate whether Community Choice could deliver cleaner electricity at lower rates. The results confirm it can.
Cities, community groups and local leaders align—and every city votes to launch Peninsula Clean Energy.
2016 - 2017
Service begins
Peninsula Clean Energy launches service, first to businesses in 2016 and then to residents in 2017. Customers are automatically enrolled in cleaner electricity at rates below PG&E’s, making it easy to save money while reducing emissions.
2018 - 2019
Securing long-term clean energy supply
The agency begins contracting directly for renewable energy to provide stable, low-cost electricity. The Wright Solar farm breaks ground in Merced County, expanding clean energy generation and deepening regional partnerships, including with the City of Los Banos.
2020 – 2022
Expanding reach & programs
Peninsula Clean Energy signs three wind energy contracts to expand its renewable portfolio. The Wright Solar project comes online, powering 100,000 homes, and service begins in Los Banos—extending clean, affordable electricity to a new community.
2023 – 2025
Scaling clean energy
Over 900+ MW of new renewable energy and 500 MW of battery storage are contracted—expanding clean power and strengthening reliability. Major projects like SunZia move forward, while rate relief through 2025 helps keep electricity more affordable for customers.
2026
Next chapter →
Peninsula Clean Energy becomes WestLight Energy
What was set in motion a decade ago led to measurable change.
Impact That Matters
In less than a decade, our communities have turned a bold idea into real progress.
Homes and businesses are powered by some of the cleanest energy in California while saving money on their energy bills.
Together customers have saved $226 million: proof that local action can deliver real benefits for the people it serves.
100%
clean energy options
$226M
in savings
$100M+
reinvested in community
The real story is the people behind it.
Community at the Core
The idea behind PCE didn’t come from a boardroom; it came from neighbors, advocates and local leaders who believed their community could do better. That same spirit continues today as residents, cities, and partners help shape the programs and solutions that move our communities forward.
Community champions in action
Community voices shape the work
We listen to the people we serve. Through meetings and feedback, residents help shape programs and services. Their ideas guide how we improve and make clean energy work better for everyone.
Partnerships drive change
During extended power outages in 2020, we provided free portable batteries to help residents keep their essential medical equipment running. We partnered with Hassett Ace Hardware to deliver the batteries and provide bilingual training in English and Spanish.
This progress is powered by real clean energy projects.
Where Your Energy Comes From
Over the past decade, our communities have helped bring a growing portfolio of clean energy projects online—from solar and wind to battery storage.
Together, these projects now deliver some of the cleanest electricity in California.
They don’t just reduce emissions—they provide reliable power at stable prices and healthier outcomes for the communities we serve.
2000+ MW of clean energy under contract
Explore an interactive map of solar, wind, and storage projects delivering clean electricity to our communities.
The grid is getting smarter
Building clean energy at scale. Go behind the scenes of the largest on-shore wind farm in the Western Hemisphere.
Now the next chapter begins—expanding this work beyond the grid and deeper into homes, vehicles, and communities.
The Next Chapter of Clean Energy
Introducing WestLight Energy
The first decade proved that clean electricity can be more affordable, reliable, and locally led.
But the transition doesn’t stop at the grid.
As more homes, businesses, and transportation move away from fossil fuels, the work ahead is bigger—and more connected to everyday life.
That’s why Peninsula Clean Energy is becoming WestLight Energy—reflecting a broader role: helping our communities take the next step toward a cleaner, all-electric future.
Clean energy isn’t just something delivered—it's something people can participate in.
Clean Energy in Everyday Life
Across our communities, homes and businesses are choosing electric solutions that improve comfort, air quality, and long-term costs.
However you choose to make the switch, you don’t have to figure it out alone—there are tools, support, and incentives to help you move forward with confidence.
All-electric homes
Healthier, more comfortable homes start with switching from gas to efficient electric systems—with rebates, personalized guidance, and trusted contractors so you can confidently decarbonize your home.
Electric transportation
Cleaner, more convenient ways to get around start with switching to electric vehicles and bikes—with rebates, charging solutions, and support so you can confidently make the switch.
Solar + Storage
More control over your energy starts with generating and storing your own clean power—with financing options and access to trusted contractors and equipment to make it more accessible.
Virtual Power Plants
Real impact happens when communities work together—connecting home energy devices like batteries, thermostats, and EVs to support the grid and deliver shared benefits.
What Comes Next
We’re building on the progress of the last decade.
The next phase is about connecting it all—clean power, local energy resources, and everyday participation—into a system that is more flexible, resilient, and responsive to our communities.
This includes expanding renewable energy, strengthening battery storage, and investing in local solutions like microgrids that keep power on when it matters most. The work is already underway, and it will continue to be shaped by the communities we serve.
Clean energy when it matters most
Reducing reliance on the dirtiest power plants during peak demand
Stronger, more resilient communities
Investing in microgrids and backup power for communities most at risk
Electrifying everyday life
Making it easier to switch homes, transportation, and buildings to clean electric solutions
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