How RCEA Works for You

Thank you for being an RCEA electricity customer! 

• RCEA is Humboldt County’s not-for-profit, locally-governed energy provider
• RCEA’s electric generation costs are separate from what PG&E bills each month and are not an extra charge
• Our electricity generation rates are lower than PG&E”s
• RCEA electric customers have saved more than $6.2 million since 2017
• We buy and sell electricity and invest the revenues in Humboldt County 
  • Local renewable energy projects
  • Home and business energy assessments
  • Emergency resilience development
  • Electric Vehicle charger rebates
  • Battery Storage incentives
  • Rebates, Resources, and Incentives for home and business electrification

How PG&E’s Rate Increase Impacts RCEA Customers

The winter season is when many Californians receive some of their highest energy bills of the year. Often, this is the result of increased energy usage – the sun sets earlier, and the cold temperatures mean more people are running heaters to keep warm. Some of this year’s increase will also be the result of PG&E’s recently approved rate increases, which also affect RCEA customers.

Last November, the California Public Utilities Commission (Decision found here) approved PG&E’s plans to increase how much they charge for electric generation and distribution. PG&E delivers electricity to both PG&E and RCEA customers in Humboldt County, so most customers saw their bills go up.

PG&E’s distribution charge increase will help pay for undergrounding power lines to reduce wildfire risk, installing stronger poles and covered powerlines to withstand more powerful storms and hotter temperatures, modernizing the grid to prepare for new technologies, more electric vehicles, and battery storage.

RCEA’s generation rates track PG&E’s generation rates with a set discount approved by our local Board of Directors. RCEA’s generation rates pay for more renewable energy at a lower cost to you and local energy efficiency services and rebates.

How Much Will My Bill Go Up?

A typical residential electric bill will go up by 17% or about $35 a month. An average customer enrolled in CARE* will see an increase of about $22 a month.

• For your specific residential customer rate information, contact an RCEA representative at 707-269-1700.
• Net Energy Metering customers:
  • Monthly credits will decrease for net users

Per PG&E AL 7116-E (page 40), all bill calculations assume an average monthly usage of 500 kWh.

*The California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity. Participants qualify by meeting income guidelines or enrolling in certain public assistance programs. Visit here to learn more and see if you qualify.

Why Did PG&E Increase Rates?

PG&E has announced that they are making several changes to ensure the safety and reliability of their services including big investments in undergrounding electric lines to decrease wildfire risk. The upgrade of the grid infrastructure, safety and reliability investments are the main costs drivers of PG&E increase in their rates this year. PG&E increased costs for both delivery and generation. These increases affect all customers including RCEA customers.

Why do PG&E Rate Increases Affect RCEA Customers?

Electricity service can be thought of in two parts: generation and delivery. RCEA provides just the generation portion of your electricity service, ensuring more renewable energy is generated on behalf of customers like you. PG&E continues to deliver the electricity, maintaining the lines and wires that distribute electricity to your home or business. Rate increases on PG&E delivery services will still impact RCEA customers.

RCEA’s generation rates are set based on a discount applied to PG&E’s generation rates. Therefore, increases to PG&E’s generation rates will affect RCEA customers. 

PG&E is also responsible for all gas services and increases apply to all customers. RCEA does not supply any gas services.

“The 2024 Rate Increase Explained” KMUD Interview with RCEA Deputy Executive Director Eileen Verbeck.

How Can I Lower My Bill?

• If you are an RCEA customer, you already receive a discount on the PG&E generation rate
• Sign up for an Energy assessment here and let us help you reduce your energy use!
• Find out if you are eligible for California’s discount programs, like CARE, FERA, or Medical Baseline, which can save you up to 35% on your bill. Visit our Financial Assistance page here or call us at 707-269-1700 to see if you qualify.
• See if you qualify for one-time $1,000 financial assistance for energy efficiency upgrades through Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or for help on a past due bill through Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH). Visit our Financial Assistance page here or call us at 707-269-1700 for assistance.
• Reduce your electricity use between 4 – 9 p.m. By shifting your energy use to when rates are lowest, you can make a big difference in your monthly bill.
  • Preheat your home before 4 p.m.
  • Run your washer, dryer, and dishwasher in the morning.
  • Program your EV to charge after 9 p.m.
• Turn devices off when not in use by using power strips with an on-off switch. Devices left plugged in when not in use can account for up to 10% of your annual energy use.
• Check our RCEA’s Top Ten Energy Tips here.
• See if you qualify for an energy saving rebate here.

For more information about RCEA Generation Rates click here.