What is Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)?

Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) is a model that allows local governments to pool their residents' electricity demand to purchase power on their behalf. It's like a group buying program but for electricity. This system enables communities to have a say in where their energy comes from, often leading to greener and more cost-effective options.

So, how does it work? In a typical setup, a CCA program is established when a local government—such as a city or county—decides to aggregate the electricity demand of its residents and businesses. This collective buying power lets them negotiate directly with energy suppliers for better rates or cleaner energy sources. The local utility company still delivers the electricity and handles maintenance, but the community chooses the energy supplier.

Why Consider CCA?

One of the biggest benefits of CCA is the ability to increase renewable energy use. Communities can choose to purchase energy from sources like wind or solar, which might be more difficult for individual households to access or afford. Additionally, CCAs can often negotiate lower rates compared to individual contracts, leading to potential savings for residents.

Real-Life Examples

California's Marin Clean Energy: This was one of the first CCAs in the U.S. and has successfully provided its customers with a significant amount of renewable energy, often at competitive rates. They have been able to surpass state renewable energy targets and contribute to local environmental goals.

Ohio’s Energy Cooperative: In Ohio, several communities have joined together in a CCA to provide their residents with more affordable and greener energy options. This cooperative effort has not only reduced costs but also supported the development of local renewable energy projects.

How CCA Fits into Our Self-Sustainable City Project

In our self-sustainable city project, adopting a Community Choice Aggregation model aligns perfectly with our goals. By leveraging CCA, we can ensure that the energy powering our homes and community spaces is both affordable and sustainable. It supports our commitment to renewable energy and reduces our carbon footprint, contributing to the overall health of our ecosystem. 

CCA allows us to be proactive in managing our energy needs and ensures that our energy choices reflect our values and sustainability goals. 

We’d love to hear from you! Do you have any questions about CCA or how it might work in your community? Share your thoughts or ask your questions in the comments below!