What Is 3CE? A Comprehensive Guide for Central Coast Energy Users

What Is 3CE? A Comprehensive Guide for Central Coast Energy Users

If you live on California’s Central Coast, there’s a good chance your electricity is now supplied by Central Coast Community Energy (3CE). But what is 3CE, why does it exist, how do you know if you’re enrolled, and what benefits does it offer? Here’s a clear, local guide to help you understand your options.

What Is 3CE?

Central Coast Community Energy is a Community Choice Aggregator (CCA)—a locally governed, not-for-profit electricity provider. CCAs purchase electricity on behalf of their customers, focusing on renewable and carbon-free sources, while the existing utility (PG&E or SCE) continues to deliver the power, maintain the lines, and send your bill.

California’s CCA program was created by Assembly Bill 117 to give communities more control over their energy supply and to reinvest revenues locally.

Where Does 3CE Operate?

Since launching in 2018, 3CE has expanded to serve over 1.1 million customers across 33 communities in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties.

The service area now includes nearly all of San Luis Obispo County—including Atascadero and unincorporated areas—making 3CE the default provider for most Central Coast residents.

[Insert Image 1: Updated 3CE Service Area Map]

How Do I Know if I’m Enrolled?

Enrollment in 3CE is automatic if you live in a participating community. To confirm:

• PG&E Customers – Look for “Central Coast Community Energy Electric Generation Charges” on your bill.

• SCE Customers – Check the “Supply/Generation” section for the 3CE name.

If you’ve recently moved into the service area, you’ll typically receive multiple enrollment notices before your account switches over.

Why Does 3CE Exist?

3CE was formed to:

• Provide cleaner electricity with a higher percentage of renewable sources than standard utility service.

• Keep decision-making local, with a board made up of representatives from member communities.

• Reinvest revenue into programs that benefit residents, businesses, and farms.

• Support California’s climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Benefits of 3CE

1. Cleaner Power – Electricity sourced from renewable and carbon-free generation. See 3CE’s energy mix.

2. Local Investment – Revenue stays in the community through incentive programs.

3. Rebates & Incentives – Millions in funding for:

   
   

   • Electric vehicles – up to $4,000 for new EVs, $750 for Level 2 chargers.

   • Home electrification – rebates for heat pumps, electric water heaters, induction cooktops.

   • Battery storage – up to $300 per kWh for qualifying customers.

   • Agricultural electrification – incentives for electric tractors, pumps, and equipment.

   
   

4. Competitive Rates – Rates are often similar to, or slightly below, utility generation rates depending on the plan.

Can I Opt Out?

Yes. If you’re enrolled in 3CE, you can opt out at any time.

• Within the first 60 days: You can opt out freely and return at any time.

• After 60 days: You may need to wait 12 months before you can rejoin.

Opting out means your electricity generation will revert to your utility (PG&E or SCE), but delivery, billing, and service will remain the same. Your utility’s standard generation rates and energy mix will apply instead of 3CE’s.

Quick FAQ

Question	Answer
Am I automatically enrolled?	Yes, unless you’ve opted out.
Do I still get a PG&E/SCE bill?	Yes—your utility still handles delivery and billing.
Is 3CE cheaper?	Often similar or slightly less than utility generation rates.
What’s the main benefit?	Cleaner energy, local investment, and rebates.
Can I opt out?	Yes—rules depend on how long you’ve been enrolled.