Alliances &
Coalitions
LCEA’s involvement in the following alliances and coalitions have helped to build power and momentum towards creating the political will and community leadership to advance a local renewable energy future.
East Bay Clean Power Alliance
In October 2016, Alameda County achieved a significant milestone by securing a chartered commitment for a local clean energy build-out investment. This marked the first-ever Community Choice program with such a commitment. Additionally, community participation was ensured by establishing a Community Advisory Committee of nine members, with the Chair holding a non-voting board member seat to represent the community’s interests.
In January 2017, the Ava Community Energy board (formerly known as East Bay Community Energy–EBCE) and the Community Advisory Committee chairperson were seated, solidifying the program’s governance structure. A pilot initiative in June 2018 provided energy to 100 residents of commercial and municipal accounts in Alameda County, showcasing the program’s viability. The program was then planned for a full launch in November 2018, aiming to provide clean energy options to all residents of Alameda County.
California Alliance for Community Energy
LCEA is a founding member of the California Alliance for Community Energy (CACE). CACE was created to support and defend Community Choice programs throughout the state. The alliance consists of advocates and supporters committed to renewable energy. Together we advocate on policies, conduct research, analyze equity impacts, and mobilize support for key public hearings and policies.
CACE played a significant role in coordination with the Solar Rights Alliance to push back against PG&E deceptive policies that exploit low-income residents’ need for financial support and undercut incentives for developing local solar.
Reclaim Our Power Utility Justice Campaign
The Reclaim Our Power Utility Justice Campaign is a coalition focused on taking away California’s harmful private utility model, by pushing for a restructuring of the state’s energy system that would meet the needs of our most impacted communities.
LCEA played a key role in founding, incubating, and resourcing the Reclaim Our Power Utility Justice Campaign.
Oakland Climate Action Coalition
The Oakland Climate Action Coalition (OCAC) was founded in 2009 to ensure racial and economic justice in the Oakland Climate Action Plan.
OCAC pursues this mission by bringing together stakeholders and collaboratively developing a comprehensive agenda and program addressing the impact of climate change, supporting grassroots campaigns and initiatives, amplifying community voices, and building grassroots power.
Building Energy, Equity & Power
LCEA is collaborating with a statewide organization comprised of representatives from environmental justice organizations throughout California to develop principles of Equitable Building Electrification.
BEEP’s collaboration has produced four listening sessions for frontline community organizations and their members, held in English and Spanish in three different regions of California to discuss the benefits and potential threats of Building Electrification.
These listening sessions resulted in a significant report on potential benefits, threats, and ways to alleviate threats to BIPOC communities in Building Electrification policies.