Welcome to MCE, Hercules!

More Renewable, Local Electricity Service Starts in April

Starting in April, MCE will become the primary electricity provider for Hercules homes and businesses.

Competitive rates and no shareholders

Clean, renewable electricity to replace polluting energy

Energy rebates that reflect your community’s needs

How MCE Works

You

Benefit from cleaner air, stable rates, choice, and local control

PG&E

Delivers energy, maintains lines, and sends bills

MCE

Buys and builds fossil-free energy for you

MCE’s electric generation service and rates will replace PG&E’s; MCE is not an additional charge. PG&E will continue to send one monthly bill. Instead of one electricity fee that combines delivery and generation charges, the bill will show separate lines — one for PG&E’s delivery and one for MCE’s generation, which replaces what PG&E would otherwise charge.

Compare Your Options

With MCE, you now have three choices for your energy service: MCE Light Green, MCE Deep Green, and PG&E. Your energy service will switch to Light Green in April unless you choose another option.

Customers enrolled in discount programs such as CARE, FERA, Medical Baseline, or PG&E Employee Discount automatically receive the same discount with MCE. No action is needed.

Average Total Cost	MCE Light Green ^$113.89	MCE Deep Green ^$117.04	PG&E PG&EPG&E ^$123.97
Electricity Generation	$45.79 served by MCE	$48.94 served by MCE	$54.93 served by PG&E
PG&E Electricity Delivery	$76.36	$76.36	$76.36
Additional PG&E Fees	-$8.26	-$8.26	-$7.33
Local Community Reinvestment
Access to MCE Rebates and Programs
Access to PG&E Rebates and Programs
	Choose MCE Light Green	Choose MCE Deep Green	Choose PG&E

Average Total Cost	MCE Light Green ^$113.89	MCE Deep Green ^$117.04	PG&E PG&EPG&E ^$123.97
Electricity Generation	$45.79 served by MCE	$48.94 served by MCE	$54.93 served by PG&E
PG&E Electricity Delivery	$76.36	$76.36	$76.36
Additional PG&E Fees	-$8.26	-$8.26	-$7.33
Local Community Reinvestment
Access to MCE Rebates and Programs
Access to PG&E Rebates and Programs
	Choose MCE Light Green	Choose MCE Deep Green	Choose PG&E

Average Total Cost	MCE Light Green ^$113.89	MCE Deep Green ^$117.04	PG&E PG&EPG&E ^$123.97
Electric Generation	$45.79 served by MCE	$48.94 served by MCE	$54.93 served by PG&E
PG&E Electric Delivery	$76.36	$76.36	$76.36
Additional PG&E Fees	-$8.26	-$8.26	-$7.33
Local Community Reinvestment
Access to MCE Rebates and Programs
Access to PG&E Rebates and Programs
	Choose MCE Light Green	Choose MCE Deep Green	Choose PG&E

Average Total Cost	^$113.89	^$117.04	^$123.97
Electric Generation	$60.69 served by MCE	$64.86 served by MCE	$68.49 served by PG&E
PG&E Electric Delivery	$111.61	$111.61	$111.61
Additional PG&E Fees	$4.91	$4.91	$3.14
Local Community Reinvestment
Access to MCE Rebates and Programs
Access to PG&E Rebates and Programs

Average Total Cost	^$177.21	^$181.38	^$183.23
Electric Generation	$60.69 served by MCE	$64.86 served by MCE	$68.49 served by PG&E
PG&E Electric Delivery	$111.61	$111.61	$111.61
Additional PG&E Fees	$4.91	$4.91	$3.14
Local Community Reinvestment
Access to MCE Rebates and Programs
Access to PG&E Rebates and Programs

Average Total Cost	^$113.89	^$117.04	^$127.47
Electric Generation	$45.79 served by MCE	$48.94 served by MCE	$58.44 served by PG&E
PG&E Electric Delivery	$76.36	$76.36	$76.36
Additional PG&E Fees	-$8.26	-$8.26	-$7.33
Local Community Reinvestment
Access to MCE Rebates and Programs
Access to PG&E Rebates and Programs

Average Total Cost	MCE Light Green ^$491.22	MCE Deep Green ^$503.24	PG&E PG&EPG&E ^$529.84
Electricity Generation	$171.72 served by MCE	$183.74 served by MCE	$207.00 served by PG&E
PG&E Electricity Delivery	$349.30	$349.30	$349.30
Additional PG&E Fees	-$29.80	-$29.80	-$26.46
Local Community Reinvestment
Access to MCE Rebates and Programs
Access to PG&E Rebates and Programs
	Choose MCE Light Green	Choose MCE Deep Green	Choose PG&E

Average Total Cost	MCE Light Green ^$491.22	MCE Deep Green ^$503.24	PG&E PG&EPG&E ^$529.84
Electricity Generation	$171.72 served by MCE	$183.74 served by MCE	$207.00 served by PG&E
PG&E Electricity Delivery	$349.30	$349.30	$349.30
Additional PG&E Fees	-$29.80	-$29.80	-$26.46
Local Community Reinvestment
Access to MCE Rebates and Programs
Access to PG&E Rebates and Programs
	Choose MCE Light Green	Choose MCE Deep Green	Choose PG&E

Average Total Cost	MCE Light Green ^$491.22	MCE Deep Green ^$503.24	PG&E PG&EPG&E ^$529.84
Electric Generation	$171.72 served by MCE	$183.74 served by MCE	$207.00 served by PG&E
PG&E Electric Delivery	$349.30	$349.30	$349.30
Additional PG&E Fees	-$29.80	-$29.80	-$26.46
Local Community Reinvestment
Access to MCE Rebates and Programs
Access to PG&E Rebates and Programs
	Choose MCE Light Green	Choose MCE Deep Green	Choose PG&E

Average Total Cost	^$491.22	^$503.24	^$529.84
Electric Generation	$171.72 served by MCE	$183.74 served by MCE	$207.00 served by PG&E
PG&E Electric Delivery	$349.30	$349.30	$349.30
Additional PG&E Fees	-$29.80	-$29.80	-$26.46
Local Community Reinvestment
Access to MCE Rebates and Programs
Access to PG&E Rebates and Programs

Average Total Cost	^$491.22	^$503.24	^$529.84
Electric Generation	$171.72 served by MCE	$170.68 served by MCE	$207.00 served by PG&E
PG&E Electric Delivery	$349.30	$349.30	$349.30
Additional PG&E Fees	-$29.80	-$29.80	-$26.46
Local Community Reinvestment
Access to MCE Rebates and Programs
Access to PG&E Rebates and Programs

Average Total Cost	^$491.22	^$503.24	^$529.84
Electric Generation	$171.22 served by MCE	$183.74 served by MCE	$207.00 served by PG&E
PG&E Electric Delivery	$349.30	$349.30	$349.30
Additional PG&E Fees	-$29.80	-$29.80	-$26.46
Local Community Reinvestment
Access to MCE Rebates and Programs
Access to PG&E Rebates and Programs

To choose Deep Green or PG&E, click the button above or contact us at info@mceCleanEnergy.org or (888) 632-3674 Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm. Please have your account number available.

Special Rate Plans

Solar Rate Plans

Solar Net Energy Metering

MCE’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) program offers credits for the excess energy you generate. To maximize your solar benefits and avoid an off-cycle annual true-up bill from PG&E, your account will be automatically enrolled in MCE electric generation service at the time of your upcoming true-up date; there is no need to apply. So you will be able to take full advantage of any credits you may have accrued.

Benefits for MCE Net Energy Metering customers:

Billing – Occurs monthly with credits for excess generation and charges applied to your bill as they accumulate, instead of annually at true-up as they are with PG&E.
Credit accrual – Credits accrue at retail rates. Remaining retail credits are still zeroed out at the annual cash-out.
Annual surplus generation – MCE pays $0.02 per kWh more (up to $5,000) than PG&E. Our annual cash-out occurs each spring.
Renewable service – More renewable service when you use energy from the grid.
Storage credit – Home battery owners that use their stored energy from 4–9 p.m. can receive a bill credit up to $20 per month when they sign up for MCE’s Solar Storage Credit.

Solar Customer FAQ

How does MCE work with PG&E for customers with solar?

PG&E will continue to charge you for all electric delivery (i.e., non-generation) services, including “Minimum Bill Charges” and gas charges on your monthly statements. Other electric delivery charges (such as transmission, public purpose programs, conservation incentive adjustment) will be billed annually via PG&E’s annual true-up process for Net Energy Metering customers and monthly for Solar Billing Plan customers. MCE generation charges and any credits earned for excess generation will be applied on your monthly bill.

Do MCE’s solar programs work differently if I own or lease my solar panels?

No, our solar programs work the same for customers who lease their panels as for customers who own them. The individual listed on the interconnection agreement will receive the credits.

Will my NEM status change by enrolling in MCE?

No, being an MCE customer does not change your NEM status or rate. Your NEM eligibility is based on the date that your solar system received permission to operate. That date starts the 20 year time clock for either NEM 1 or NEM 2 and does not switch to Solar Billing Plan (SBP) until that time period has lapsed. That original date also carries over to future ownership as well.

Solar Billing Plan

MCE’s Solar Billing Plan offers credits for the excess energy you generate. To maximize your solar benefits, your account will be automatically enrolled in MCE electric generation service at the time of your upcoming true-up date; there is no need to apply. So you will be able to take full advantage of any credits you may have accrued.

Benefits for MCE Solar Billing Plan customers:

Billing – Occurs monthly with credits for excess generation applied to your bill as they accumulate and charges for energy used beyond what you generate.
Credit accrual – You will receive an additional 10% credit over what PG&E provides. Even more credits are stacked if you add(ed) solar between 2023 and 2027 or are enrolled in CARE/FERA.
Annual surplus generation – Any credits that are remaining at the end of the annual period will roll over to the next cycle for use on future bills.
Renewable service – More renewable service when you use energy from the grid.
Storage credit – Home battery owners that use their stored energy from 4–9 p.m. can receive a bill credit up to $20 per month when they sign up for MCE’s Solar Storage Credit.

Solar Customer FAQ

How does MCE work with PG&E for customers with solar?

Do MCE’s solar programs work differently if I own or lease my solar panels?

No, our solar programs work the same for customers who lease their panels as for customers who own them. The individual listed on the interconnection agreement will receive the credits.

Discount Rates

Discounts like CARE (California Alternative Rates for Energy), FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance), and Medical Baseline Allowance will continue with MCE service. There is no need to reapply.

Budget Billing

Budget Billing is applied to PG&E’s gas and electric delivery charges but not MCE’s electric generation charges. As a result, your total charges will vary from month to month with MCE.

SmartRate

MCE customers are not eligible to participate in this program. SmartRate is voluntary and you can cancel at any time. If you prefer to keep your SmartRate plan, you will need to opt out of MCE. Please have your PG&E account number.

What is MCE?

MCE provides energy for nearly 600,000 homes and businesses across Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano Counties. For over a decade, we have provided a choice of electricity providers, more renewable energy, and community reinvestment through energy-saving programs, local projects, and workforce opportunities. Learn about the impact we’re making.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does billing work?

PG&E will continue to send your monthly energy bill. Instead of one electricity fee that combines delivery and generation charges, the bill will show separate lines – one for PG&E’s delivery and one for MCE’s generation, which replaces what PG&E would otherwise charge. MCE’s generation rates simply replace PG&E’s; they are not an additional charge.

Why am I automatically enrolled in MCE?

To ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to receive the benefits provided by Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs such as MCE, state law requires all electricity customers to be serviced by MCE unless you opt out.

Will I need to have anything installed in order to receive MCE service?

No, MCE will not need to install anything nor will we make any changes to your PG&E meter. MCE will simply meet your energy needs from more renewable sources. MCE’s generation services will replace PG&E’s generation services.

What happens if I opt out of MCE?

Opt-Out Fees
You may request to opt out of MCE service beginning in February. If you request to opt out after 60 days of service with MCE (i.e., 60 days after your April billing cycle), a one-time administrative fee of $5 per residential account or $25 per commercial account will be applied. You will also be subject to PG&E’s terms and conditions of service, which prohibit you from returning to MCE for one year.

Returning to MCE after Opting Out
If you opt out before MCE service starts in April or within the first 60 days of service, you may return to MCE at any time. If you opt out after the first 60 days of MCE service, you will be prohibited by PG&E from returning to MCE for one year, even if we cost less.

You may opt out by phone at (888) 632-3674 or online. Please have your PG&E bill or your PG&E account number and billing address on hand so we may process your request.

How do I sign up for 100% renewable energy service?

You can opt up to Deep Green 100% renewable energy at any time online, or by contacting us at info@mceCleanEnergy.org or (888) 632-3674. Please have your PG&E bill or your PG&E account number and billing address on hand so we may process your request.

How did Hercules make the decision to join MCE?

The Hercules City Council voted to join MCE in 2023, enabling electricity customers in Hercules to begin MCE service on their April 2025 billing cycle. Solar customers (Net Energy Metering and Solar Billing Plan) will begin MCE service on their next true-up date.

When will I receive enrollment notices?

You will receive four notices about your MCE enrollment – two before your generation service switches from PG&E to MCE and two after. The first will arrive as a letter approximately two months before your April billing cycle. If you have an email address on file with PG&E, you will receive your second, third, and fourth notices via email, otherwise you will receive all notices via USPS mail.

Notices will be linked below after they have been sent.

Where does MCE’s electricity come from and is it delivered directly to my house?

The majority of MCE’s energy is produced from non-polluting, renewable sources – such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and bioenergy. We closely research and monitor our suppliers to ensure that they are using responsible practices and sourcing our power from clean, renewable energy providers throughout California, the Pacific Northwest, Nevada, and Colorado. The electrons from our power sources are added to the grid and mix together with others. It’s not possible to trace the source of an electron before it gets to your house. Since our service options contain more renewable energy, all of California is able to benefit from the cleaner energy we feed onto the grid for our customers.

Will I still be affected by PG&E outages and power shutoffs?

Yes, since MCE customers receive their electricity through PG&E’s power lines, outages also affect MCE customers.

Questions?

Attend a workshop

Learn more about MCE and your electricity options at an in-person or virtual workshop.

Online via Zoom

Wed, May 7^th at 6:30 pm – Register Here

Past Meeting Resources

Presentation Slides
- Community Workshop (pdf)
- Community Workshop for Solar, Battery Storage and EV Users (pdf)
Meeting Recordings
- Wed, March 5^th at 6:30 pm
- Wed, March 12^th at 6:30 pm

Welcome to MCE, Hercules!

More Renewable, Local Electricity Service Starts in April

Competitive rates and no shareholders

Clean, renewable electricity to replace polluting energy

Energy rebates that reflect your community’s needs

How MCE Works

You

PG&E

MCE

Compare Your Options

Special Rate Plans

Solar Rate Plans

Solar Customer FAQ

Solar Customer FAQ

Discount Rates

Budget Billing

SmartRate

What is MCE?

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

Attend a workshop

Understand your bill

Find a program to help you save

Contact a Customer Success Advisor

Get in Touch

Stay Informed

Community Resources

Work with MCE

Get in Touch

Stay Informed

Community Resources

Work with MCE

Work with MCE

About MCE

Welcome to MCE, Hercules!

More Renewable, Local Electricity Service Starts in April

Competitive rates and no shareholders

Clean, renewable electricity to replace polluting energy

Energy rebates that reflect your community’s needs

How MCE Works

You

PG&E

MCE

Compare Your Options

Special Rate Plans

Solar Rate Plans

Solar Customer FAQ

Solar Customer FAQ

Discount Rates

Budget Billing

SmartRate

What is MCE?

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

Attend a workshop

Understand your bill

Find a program to help you save

Contact a Customer Success Advisor

Get in Touch

Stay Informed

Community Resources

Work with MCE

Get in Touch

Stay Informed

Community Resources

Work with MCE

How Do I

Rates & Options

Work with MCE

Rebates & Programs

In the Community

About MCE

Work with MCE

About MCE

Welcome to MCE!

Open Positions

Request to Reserve MCE Emergency Water Heater Incentive

Opt Up to MCE Deep Green

Opt In to MCE Light Green

Energy supply project development

Fill out the interest form below to get started!

Marketing, community outreach, creative, and event production

Energy efficiency, EV, and load shifting program implementation and evaluation

Non-energy related services and construction

Connect with a dedicated energy coach

Technology, finance, and human resources