Your monthly bill can look complicated at first glance, but the key thing to know is this: MCE and PG&E work together to serve you. You still receive one bill from PG&E. On that bill, PG&E charges for electric delivery and gas service, while MCE charges for the electricity generation portion of your electric service.
MCE vs. PG&E Charges
On your bill, you will typically see PG&E charges for electric delivery and, if applicable, gas service. You will also see a separate section for MCE electric generation charges, which covers the electricity supply itself. In other words, PG&E delivers the electricity, including the cost of maintaining poles, wires, and moving electricity to your home or business. MCE generates the electricity that feeds the grid.
Finding MCE vs PG&E Charges
The first page of your bill provides a summary of your charges. As an MCE customer you will see line items for PG&E electric delivery and MCE electric generation.
MCE’s generation charge is not a new or extra fee. It replaces PG&E’s generation charge on your electric bill. That means you are not paying twice for electricity generation. PG&E continues to charge for delivery and billing services, while MCE charges for generation. There should never be duplicate generation charges on your bill.
The PG&E breakdown page of your bill shows all of the details of your PG&E electric delivery services. It also includes a generation credit line which is what you would have paid PG&E for generation services. You can compare this to the MCE line on the first page of your bill.
You will also have an MCE specific page that shows the details of your generation charges.
Gas services will be on their own page as well.
An Estimated Breakdown of a Typical Bill
For many customers, a rough combined monthly bill estimate might look like this: about 45–60% for PG&E electric transmission and distribution, about 15–30% for MCE electric generation, and about 20–35% for PG&E gas charges. The exact mix will vary based on the season, your electric rate plan, how much electricity and gas you use, and whether your home or business uses gas for heating, water heating, or cooking.
The bottom line: you still receive one bill from PG&E, but it includes charges for two different parts of your energy service. PG&E charges for delivery and gas, and MCE charges for electric generation. Once you know where to look, it becomes much easier to understand what you are paying for each month.
Getting Help With Your Bill
MCE’s customer care team is here to help with any questions that you have about your bill. From understanding the bill breakdown, to accessing discount programs, we’re here to help.
Give us a call Monday through Friday between 9am and 5pm at (888) 632-3674 or email us at info@mceCleanEnergy.org.
