History of SCP | Sonoma Clean Power

History of SCP

Inspiring California communities to build a clean energy future

In 2002 California communities voiced their need for legislation that would provide local public control of their electrical supply. In response, Assembly Bill 117 the “Community Choice Aggregation Law” passed, allowing local governments to purchase electricity on behalf of their communities. Sonoma Clean Power was formed to provide a choice beyond a for-profit, investor-owned utility (PG&E).

Today SCP is a model for community choice programs throughout California. By providing higher percentages of renewable energy that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Sonoma Clean Power customers help solve the climate crisis at a local level.

Sonoma Clean Power Completes Its First Solar Project in Mendocino County

November 14, 2019

Sonoma Clean Power completed its fourth local solar project, providing 1.44 MW Solar System in Willits will Power 260 homes through its feed-in tariff program, ProFIT.

Sonoma Clean Power Completes Its First Solar Project in Mendocino County

November 14, 2019

Sonoma Clean Power completed its fourth local solar project, providing 1.44 MW Solar System in Willits will Power 260 homes through its feed-in tariff program, ProFIT.

Sonoma Clean Power Joins the Celebrate Community Partnership

November 1, 2019

The Celebrate Community Partnership was formed in 1999 by The Press Democrat and several local business leaders to support non-profit organizations with advertising in The Press Democrat. Additionally, cash donations are given via the Partnership Legacy Fund to several brick and mortar projects each year that benefit the needs of area nonprofits.

Sonoma Clean Power Joins the Celebrate Community Partnership

November 1, 2019

The Celebrate Community Partnership was formed in 1999 by The Press Democrat and several local business leaders to support non-profit organizations with advertising in The Press Democrat. Additionally, cash donations are given via the Partnership Legacy Fund to several brick and mortar projects each year that benefit the needs of area nonprofits.

North Bay Business journal's Best Places to Work

September 27, 2019

Sonoma Clean Power was selected as a winner of the 2019 Best Places to Work in the North Bay. With 109 companies throughout Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties that have been affirmed by their employees as exemplary workplaces.

North Bay Business journal's Best Places to Work

September 27, 2019

Sonoma Clean Power was selected as a winner of the 2019 Best Places to Work in the North Bay. With 109 companies throughout Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties that have been affirmed by their employees as exemplary workplaces.

Cloverdale Solar Center

September 18, 2019

More renewable energy is being generated right here in our community, thanks to the completion of the new 1 MW Cloverdale Solar Center! Here are some photos from our recent ribbon-cutting event celebrating the third local solar project completed through SCP's ProFIT program.

Cloverdale Solar Center

September 18, 2019

More renewable energy is being generated right here in our community, thanks to the completion of the new 1 MW Cloverdale Solar Center! Here are some photos from our recent ribbon-cutting event celebrating the third local solar project completed through SCP's ProFIT program.

EverGreen Upgrade

Over the summer, our 100% local renewable customers just got some new friends, when the Town of Windsor, the Cities of Cotati and Sebastopol, and the County of Sonoma all signed up for EverGreen… joining the City of Sonoma.

EverGreen Upgrade

Over the summer, our 100% local renewable customers just got some new friends, when the Town of Windsor, the Cities of Cotati and Sebastopol, and the County of Sonoma all signed up for EverGreen… joining the City of Sonoma.

SCP’s Advanced Energy Rebuild Program Receives Grand Award at Bay Area Metro Awards

June 6, 2019

Sonoma Clean Power won the Grand Award alongside Santa Rosa CityBus, Sonoma County Transit, and Napa Vine Transit for “their work to save lives, protect communities and aid in rebuilding in response to the October 2017 North Bay fires”.

SCP’s Advanced Energy Rebuild Program Receives Grand Award at Bay Area Metro Awards

June 6, 2019

Sonoma Clean Power won the Grand Award alongside Santa Rosa CityBus, Sonoma County Transit, and Napa Vine Transit for “their work to save lives, protect communities and aid in rebuilding in response to the October 2017 North Bay fires”.

2019 NorthBay Biz Readers Poll Winner

May 16, 2019

With more than 3,000 ballots containing 60,000+ votes in the 37 different categories, SCP was voted one of the Best Company to do Business within Sonoma County.

2019 NorthBay Biz Readers Poll Winner

May 16, 2019

With more than 3,000 ballots containing 60,000+ votes in the 37 different categories, SCP was voted one of the Best Company to do Business within Sonoma County.

SCP Promotes Benefits of Induction Cooking

March 21, 2019

SCP began lending our customers single-burner induction cooktops and cookware, at no charge, to try out at home.

SCP Promotes Benefits of Induction Cooking

March 21, 2019

SCP began lending our customers single-burner induction cooktops and cookware, at no charge, to try out at home.

Entrepreneurship Students at SRJC Receive Grants for Environmentally Focused Business Plans

February 1, 2019

During the SRJC’s Spring 2019 semester, SCP launched the inaugural “Spirit of Entrepreneurship Grant” with a gift of $50,000 to support Santa Rosa Junior College entrepreneurship program students who incorporate sustainable practices into their small business plans.

Entrepreneurship Students at SRJC Receive Grants for Environmentally Focused Business Plans

February 1, 2019

During the SRJC’s Spring 2019 semester, SCP launched the inaugural “Spirit of Entrepreneurship Grant” with a gift of $50,000 to support Santa Rosa Junior College entrepreneurship program students who incorporate sustainable practices into their small business plans.

GridSavvy Community Launches

August 1, 2018

The GridSavvy Community is a way for customers to install smart devices, like EV charging stations, smart heat pump water heaters, and smart thermostats, in their home or business.


GridSavvy Community Launches

August 1, 2018

The GridSavvy Community is a way for customers to install smart devices, like EV charging stations, smart heat pump water heaters, and smart thermostats, in their home or business.


Drive EV: The Final Year

August 1, 2018

In the past two years, the program has helped SCP customers save over $10 million on electric vehicles with nearly 800 EVs having been purchased or leased locally. SCP plans to focus on growing.

Drive EV: The Final Year

August 1, 2018

In the past two years, the program has helped SCP customers save over $10 million on electric vehicles with nearly 800 EVs having been purchased or leased locally. SCP plans to focus on growing.

SCP Rebrands

August 1, 2018

SCP debuted updated brand identity and Davey Award winning website. After five years, SCP had become much more than just an electricity provider, therefore, it was important to find a way to better communicate the agency SCP is today.

SCP Rebrands

August 1, 2018

SCP debuted updated brand identity and Davey Award winning website. After five years, SCP had become much more than just an electricity provider, therefore, it was important to find a way to better communicate the agency SCP is today.

Coldwell Solar & SCP Complete 2 MW Local Solar Project

July 10, 2018

SCP celebrated the completion of two local solar projects that are now operational in rural Petaluma. Each of these facilities produce one megawatt of clean, renewable electricity.

Coldwell Solar & SCP Complete 2 MW Local Solar Project

July 10, 2018

SCP celebrated the completion of two local solar projects that are now operational in rural Petaluma. Each of these facilities produce one megawatt of clean, renewable electricity.

Advanced Energy Rebuild Launched

May 2, 2018

Sonoma Clean Power partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to incentivize homeowners to rebuild energy-efficient homes with incentives up to $17,500 after the 2017 wildfires.

Advanced Energy Rebuild Launched

May 2, 2018

Sonoma Clean Power partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to incentivize homeowners to rebuild energy-efficient homes with incentives up to $17,500 after the 2017 wildfires.

CEC Grant Awarded to SCP

January 31, 2018

SCP received a $9.9 million EPIC grant from the California Energy Commission to help bring energy efficiency and emerging technologies directly to customers in Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

CEC Grant Awarded to SCP

January 31, 2018

SCP received a $9.9 million EPIC grant from the California Energy Commission to help bring energy efficiency and emerging technologies directly to customers in Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

Sonoma and Mendocino Land Trust Partnership

January 31, 2018

SCP partnership with Sonoma and Mendocino land trust to donate $10 per EverGreen opt-up to be split between the two different land trusts.

Sonoma and Mendocino Land Trust Partnership

January 31, 2018

SCP partnership with Sonoma and Mendocino land trust to donate $10 per EverGreen opt-up to be split between the two different land trusts.

Drive EV: Year 2

August 8, 2017

SCP launched the second iteration of Drive EV with an expanded selection of local dealerships and models for customers to choose from. Used vehicle incentives were added to the program.

Drive EV: Year 2

August 8, 2017

SCP launched the second iteration of Drive EV with an expanded selection of local dealerships and models for customers to choose from. Used vehicle incentives were added to the program.

SCP Adds Wind

May 24, 2017

Sonoma Clean Power breaks ground on new 46 MW wind facility in Tracy, CA.

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SCP Adds Wind

May 24, 2017

Sonoma Clean Power breaks ground on new 46 MW wind facility in Tracy, CA.

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70 MW Of New California Solar

January 1, 2017

Recurrent Energy’s new Mustang solar facility provides 70 MW to SCP customers.

70 MW Of New California Solar

January 1, 2017

Recurrent Energy’s new Mustang solar facility provides 70 MW to SCP customers.

Sonoma County Agencies Pilot “Do It Yourself Energy & Water Savings Toolkits”

November 2, 2016

Energy and Water Savings Toolkits to Debut at Select Sonoma County Libraries. The DIY Toolkit program was extended to the Mendocino County Library system in 2018.

Sonoma County Agencies Pilot “Do It Yourself Energy & Water Savings Toolkits”

November 2, 2016

Energy and Water Savings Toolkits to Debut at Select Sonoma County Libraries. The DIY Toolkit program was extended to the Mendocino County Library system in 2018.

Drive EverGreen Launch

October 27, 2016

Sonoma Clean Power launches new Drive EverGreen electric vehicle program, to support the agency’s goal to put 10,000 EVs on roads in service territory by the end of 2020 and a much grander goal of 100,000 EV by 2030.

Drive EverGreen Launch

October 27, 2016

Sonoma Clean Power launches new Drive EverGreen electric vehicle program, to support the agency’s goal to put 10,000 EVs on roads in service territory by the end of 2020 and a much grander goal of 100,000 EV by 2030.

Mendocino County Joins SCP!

October 17, 2016

Sonoma Clean Power’s Board approved an expansion into Mendocino County, with service to begin in June 2017.

Mendocino County Joins SCP!

October 17, 2016

Sonoma Clean Power’s Board approved an expansion into Mendocino County, with service to begin in June 2017.

Fully Charged!

May 1, 2016

Sonoma Clean Power finishes buying energy for Sonoma County customers through 2020.

Fully Charged!

May 1, 2016

Sonoma Clean Power finishes buying energy for Sonoma County customers through 2020.

SCP Is Debt Free!

April 12, 2016

Sonoma Clean Power pays off the initial seed money loan from the Sonoma County Water Agency, officially making the agency debt-free.

SCP Is Debt Free!

April 12, 2016

Sonoma Clean Power pays off the initial seed money loan from the Sonoma County Water Agency, officially making the agency debt-free.

We’re Green!

February 24, 2016

Sonoma Clean Power becomes certified as a green business through the County of Sonoma’s Green Business Program.

We’re Green!

February 24, 2016

Sonoma Clean Power becomes certified as a green business through the County of Sonoma’s Green Business Program.

First Annual Report Released

October 26, 2015

Sonoma Clean Power releases first Annual Report with results from 2014-2015.

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First Annual Report Released

October 26, 2015

Sonoma Clean Power releases first Annual Report with results from 2014-2015.

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Electric Cars In The Classroom

October 12, 2015

Analy High School students with a SWITCH Vehicle SCP sponsored Sebastopol-based Switch Electric Vehicles, Inc., a comprehensive program that teaches students (middle school, high school and college) the fundamentals of EV design, assembly, manufacturing and maintenance.

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Electric Cars In The Classroom

October 12, 2015

Analy High School students with a SWITCH Vehicle SCP sponsored Sebastopol-based Switch Electric Vehicles, Inc., a comprehensive program that teaches students (middle school, high school and college) the fundamentals of EV design, assembly, manufacturing and maintenance.

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1000 EverGreen Customers

June 19, 2015

Sonoma Clean Power hits 1000 EverGreen customers.

1000 EverGreen Customers

June 19, 2015

Sonoma Clean Power hits 1000 EverGreen customers.

Startup Loan Paid Off!

June 3, 2015

Sonoma Clean Power pays off startup loan from First Community Bank (now Poppy Bank) 4 years earlier than expected.

Startup Loan Paid Off!

June 3, 2015

Sonoma Clean Power pays off startup loan from First Community Bank (now Poppy Bank) 4 years earlier than expected.

Welcome Aboard!

June 1, 2015

Sonoma Clean Power launches 1st day of service for Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Cloverdale customers.

Welcome Aboard!

June 1, 2015

Sonoma Clean Power launches 1st day of service for Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Cloverdale customers.

Petaluma Joins SCP

February 5, 2015

The Petaluma City Council votes unanimously, becoming the final city to join SCP.

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Petaluma Joins SCP

February 5, 2015

The Petaluma City Council votes unanimously, becoming the final city to join SCP.

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Rohnert Park Joins SCP

December 9, 2014

Rohnert Park City Council votes in favor of joining SCP.

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Rohnert Park Joins SCP

December 9, 2014

Rohnert Park City Council votes in favor of joining SCP.

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AB 2145 Defeated!

August 30, 2014

If Assembly Bill 2145 (Bradford) “The Monopoly Protection Bill” had passed, it would have made it difficult to form new Community Choice Aggregation programs like Sonoma Clean Power.

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AB 2145 Defeated!

August 30, 2014

If Assembly Bill 2145 (Bradford) “The Monopoly Protection Bill” had passed, it would have made it difficult to form new Community Choice Aggregation programs like Sonoma Clean Power.

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Cloverdale Joins SCP

August 27, 2014

The City of Cloverdale votes to join the Sonoma Clean Power program.

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Cloverdale Joins SCP

August 27, 2014

The City of Cloverdale votes to join the Sonoma Clean Power program.

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New ProFIT Program

August 1, 2014

Sonoma Clean Power’s ProFIT program promotes the development of new renewable energy systems by paying a fixed price of $95/megawatt-hour (MWh) to Sonoma County projects.

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New ProFIT Program

August 1, 2014

Sonoma Clean Power’s ProFIT program promotes the development of new renewable energy systems by paying a fixed price of $95/megawatt-hour (MWh) to Sonoma County projects.

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SCP Officially “Flips The Switch”

May 1, 2014

Sonoma Clean Power, the county’s new electricity provider, commemorated their first day of service to approximately 22,000 customers with a “flip the switch” celebration at their May 1st Board of Directors meeting.

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SCP Officially “Flips The Switch”

May 1, 2014

Sonoma Clean Power, the county’s new electricity provider, commemorated their first day of service to approximately 22,000 customers with a “flip the switch” celebration at their May 1st Board of Directors meeting.

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SCP Launches EverGreen Service

May 1, 2014

Sonoma Clean Power launches EverGreen service that is 100% local renewable energy, the first of its kind in California. EverGreen provides clean energy to customers day and night with its unique baseload geothermal energy.

SCP Launches EverGreen Service

May 1, 2014

Sonoma Clean Power launches EverGreen service that is 100% local renewable energy, the first of its kind in California. EverGreen provides clean energy to customers day and night with its unique baseload geothermal energy.

Welcome!

February 4, 2014

SCP enrollment notices sent out to first phase of Sonoma County customers.

Welcome!

February 4, 2014

SCP enrollment notices sent out to first phase of Sonoma County customers.

Lower Rates

January 9, 2014

SCP’s first customer rates approved 2-3% lower than PG&E.

Lower Rates

January 9, 2014

SCP’s first customer rates approved 2-3% lower than PG&E.

Local Power!

December 20, 2013

Sonoma Clean Power signs a deal for local renewable geothermal energy from CALPINE’s Geysers facility through 2023.

Local Power!

December 20, 2013

Sonoma Clean Power signs a deal for local renewable geothermal energy from CALPINE’s Geysers facility through 2023.

Official CEO Selected

December 20, 2013

Geof Syphers transitions from Interim CEO to the first official CEO for SCP.

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Official CEO Selected

December 20, 2013

Geof Syphers transitions from Interim CEO to the first official CEO for SCP.

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Powered Up!

November 19, 2013

Sonoma Clean Power signed a contract with energy provider Constellation, an Exelon subsidiary, in a deal that allowed rates to be set below PG&E’s rates. Constellation was one of four power companies that made it to the final round of bidding to provide greener electricity to SCP’s residential and commercial

Powered Up!

November 19, 2013

Sonoma Clean Power signed a contract with energy provider Constellation, an Exelon subsidiary, in a deal that allowed rates to be set below PG&E’s rates. Constellation was one of four power companies that made it to the final round of bidding to provide greener electricity to SCP’s residential and commercial

RAC & BOC Meet!

October 17, 2013

First joint meeting of SCP Ratepayer Advisory and Business Operations Committees.

RAC & BOC Meet!

October 17, 2013

First joint meeting of SCP Ratepayer Advisory and Business Operations Committees.

CPUC Certifies Implementation Plan

October 4, 2013

California Public Utilities Commission certifies Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s Implementation Plan giving SCP the right to serve customers.

CPUC Certifies Implementation Plan

October 4, 2013

California Public Utilities Commission certifies Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s Implementation Plan giving SCP the right to serve customers.

Interim CEO Selected

August 2, 2013

Geof Syphers named interim CEO by SCPA Board of Directors.

Interim CEO Selected

August 2, 2013

Geof Syphers named interim CEO by SCPA Board of Directors.

Initial Community Outreach

July 29, 2013

Sonoma Clean Power holds first public workshops in various locations to educate the public about Community Choice.

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Initial Community Outreach

July 29, 2013

Sonoma Clean Power holds first public workshops in various locations to educate the public about Community Choice.

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Sonoma Joins SCP

July 15, 2013

The City Council of Sonoma votes unanimously in favor of joining SCP.

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Sonoma Joins SCP

July 15, 2013

The City Council of Sonoma votes unanimously in favor of joining SCP.

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Santa Rosa Joins SCP

July 9, 2013

The Santa Rosa City Council votes unanimously to join SCP.

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Santa Rosa Joins SCP

July 9, 2013

The Santa Rosa City Council votes unanimously to join SCP.

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Sebastopol Joins SCP

July 2, 2013

Sebastopol becomes the 3rd City to join SCP in a 4-1-0 vote.

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Sebastopol Joins SCP

July 2, 2013

Sebastopol becomes the 3rd City to join SCP in a 4-1-0 vote.

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Cotati Joins SCP

June 26, 2013

The Cotati City Council unanimously votes to join SCP.

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Cotati Joins SCP

June 26, 2013

The Cotati City Council unanimously votes to join SCP.

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SCP Secures Startup Funds

June 25, 2013


Sonoma Clean Power Board of Directors secures startup funds from First Community Bank (now Poppy Bank).

SCP Secures Startup Funds

June 25, 2013


Sonoma Clean Power Board of Directors secures startup funds from First Community Bank (now Poppy Bank).

Town Of Windsor Joins SCP

May 5, 2013

The Windsor Town Council votes to become the first to join SCP.

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Town Of Windsor Joins SCP

May 5, 2013

The Windsor Town Council votes to become the first to join SCP.

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It’s Official

April 23, 2013

Sonoma Clean Power Board of Directors votes to approve launch date for service to customers.

It’s Official

April 23, 2013

Sonoma Clean Power Board of Directors votes to approve launch date for service to customers.

Power Bids Submitted

April 8, 2013

Eleven power bids submitted to Sonoma Clean Power for evaluation.

Power Bids Submitted

April 8, 2013

Eleven power bids submitted to Sonoma Clean Power for evaluation.

SCP RFP

February 22, 2013

Request for Proposal for first electricity supply contacts sent out to multiple suppliers.

SCP RFP

February 22, 2013

Request for Proposal for first electricity supply contacts sent out to multiple suppliers.

Agency Formed

December 12, 2012

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors sets SCP’s goals and adopts Joint Powers Agreement.

Agency Formed

December 12, 2012

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors sets SCP’s goals and adopts Joint Powers Agreement.

Collaboration

December 4, 2012

Joint Powers Agreement formed by the County of Sonoma and the Sonoma County Water Agency.

Collaboration

December 4, 2012

Joint Powers Agreement formed by the County of Sonoma and the Sonoma County Water Agency.

Guiding Document Drafted

October 8, 2012

Draft JPA presented to all eligible Sonoma County cities.

Guiding Document Drafted

October 8, 2012

Draft JPA presented to all eligible Sonoma County cities.

Commercial Survey Complete

March 8, 2012

Sonoma County Water Agency completes Commercial Market Survey.

Commercial Survey Complete

March 8, 2012

Sonoma County Water Agency completes Commercial Market Survey.

Residential Survey Complete

February 28, 2012

Sonoma County Water Agency completes CCA Market Survey.

Residential Survey Complete

February 28, 2012

Sonoma County Water Agency completes CCA Market Survey.

SCP Feasibility Study

November 2, 2011

Staff begins feasibility study presentations to eligible cities.

SCP Feasibility Study

November 2, 2011

Staff begins feasibility study presentations to eligible cities.

Feasibility Study Brings Confidence

October 18, 2011

Sonoma Clean Power feasibility study presented to Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. The board authorizes further study.

Feasibility Study Brings Confidence

October 18, 2011

Sonoma Clean Power feasibility study presented to Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. The board authorizes further study.

A Win For CCAs

October 9, 2011
Senate Bill 790 (Leno) “code of conduct” passed to provide protection for Community Choice programs from investor-owned utilities marketing against them.

A Win For CCAs

October 9, 2011
Senate Bill 790 (Leno) “code of conduct” passed to provide protection for Community Choice programs from investor-owned utilities marketing against them.

Feasibility Study Published

October 1, 2011

Feasibility study published for new CCA.

Feasibility Study Published

October 1, 2011

Feasibility study published for new CCA.

Steering Committee Formed

March 20, 2011

Sonoma County Water Agency authorized to perform feasibility study and create steering committee.

Steering Committee Formed

March 20, 2011

Sonoma County Water Agency authorized to perform feasibility study and create steering committee.

Grassroots Start

March 20, 2010

The Center for Climate Protection Campaign assisted in the formation of SCP by creating a grass roots campaign, particularly with the business community. CCP also coined the name Sonoma Clean Power.

Grassroots Start

March 20, 2010

The Center for Climate Protection Campaign assisted in the formation of SCP by creating a grass roots campaign, particularly with the business community. CCP also coined the name Sonoma Clean Power.