At MCE, community partnership isn’t just a value; it’s how we build programs that truly work. That’s the foundation of our Kommunale Energie-Koalition, a growing network of nearly 170 community-based organizations, local governments, and advocates working together to ensure clean energy solutions are accessible, equitable, and impactful.
The Coalition meets six times a year, including our all-day, in-person symposium each November. These gatherings are working sessions where real community challenges shape real solutions. Our most recent meeting in March focused on one of the most urgent issues facing our region today: energy affordability.
Listening to Community Voices
Coalition members shared firsthand insights into the financial pressures their communities are experiencing, and the role energy costs play in that strain.
“At Puertas Abiertas, we serve predominantly Latino, low-income families, many of whom are agricultural and essential workers working hard to make ends meet,” said Esmeralda Gill of Puertas Abiertas. “Rising utility costs… have become a real challenge. For many families, paying their energy bill means having to balance other essential needs like food, rent, and healthcare.”
She emphasized that programs like CARE and other bill assistance resources are making a meaningful difference; especially when delivered through trusted, culturally responsive community organizations. Expanding access to tools like the MCE Cares Credit, she noted, could provide critical relief and stability for families navigating tight budgets.
From County of Solano, Erik Hagstrom echoed the importance of meeting communities where they are:
“I always appreciate how proactive the MCE team is in engaging our communities… This year’s Coalition meeting was a perfect example of meeting us where we are, which for many families is worrying about the price of their electric bills every month.”
Supporting Small Businesses and Building Trust
Affordability challenges extend beyond households. Aurora Betancourt from Solano Economic Development Corporation highlighted how rising utility rates and economic instability are impacting small businesses, particularly immigrant-owned businesses in communities like San Pablo.
Barriers such as limited access to information, language differences, and mistrust can prevent business owners from enrolling in programs that could reduce costs. Through partnerships and targeted outreach, MCE is working to close those gaps.
Programs like the Small Business Energy Advantage Program are already making a measurable difference. In San Pablo, three businesses completed efficiency upgrades, receiving $14,700 in incentives and saving an estimated $2,000 annually per business. These savings allow businesses to reinvest in their operations, support employees, and remain resilient in uncertain economic times.
Access to the MCE Cares Credit could amplify that impact, helping families and entrepreneurs reduce monthly expenses while building trust in community-focused energy programs.
Turning Insight into Action
What makes the Community Power Coalition unique is its ability to translate lived experience into meaningful action. By bringing together voices from across our service area, MCE ensures that programs are not only innovative but grounded in the realities of the communities we serve.
Energy affordability remains a top priority, and through the Coalition, we’re continuing to refine solutions that provide real relief. Whether that’s through bill assistance, efficiency upgrades, or expanded outreach.
Together, we’re not just delivering clean energy; we’re building a more equitable energy future, powered by community.
