If you live in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa or Solano counties, you’ve likely seen both MCE et PG&E on your electricity bill. You might be wondering: What’s the difference between MCE and PG&E — and which one keeps my energy costs lower?
Let’s break it down so you can make the most affordable and sustainable choice for your home or business.
MCE and PG&E Work Together
First, it’s important to know that MCE is a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program. That means MCE buys the electricity you use while PG&E continues to handle billing and maintaining the power lines and wires that deliver electricity to you. You’ll still get one bill from PG&E, but it includes separate line items for MCE generation charges et PG&E delivery charges.
In short:
- MCE = Power supplier (the source of your electricity)
- PG&E = Utility delivery and transmission provider (the poles, wires, and customer service)
Your city or town council (or county board of supervisors, if you are in an unincorporated area) voted to join MCE, making MCE your default electricity generation provider by California state law.
If you open a new PG&E account in one of our 38 communautés membres, your electricity generation service will automatically come from MCE, unless you opt out. As an MCE customer, you will continue to get your gas service, electricity delivery, billing, and power line maintenance from PG&E.
Comparing Electricity Rates: MCE vs. PG&E
When it comes to cost, MCE’s generation rates are and have always been less expensive than PG&E’s. As of 2025, MCE’s Light Green plan (60% renewable) contains more renewable energy than PG&E’s standard generation plan (23% renewable). PG&E’s added fees make MCE’s total costs about $1.50 more per month for the average home, while providing more than twice as much renewable energy and access to programs to help lower your bills and increase your home comfort and safety.
Total bill costs depend on your usage pattern, seasonal rateset additional PG&E delivery fees, which are the same no matter who supplies your electricity. That means MCE’s advantage comes from slightly lower generation costs et higher renewable content, not changes to transmission or service fees.
MCE has not had a general rate increase since January 1, 2023. PG&E has executed over 10 rate changes over the last 3 years and is proposing rate increases in 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Keeping Energy Costs At a Minimum
To make sure you’re paying the least possible:
- Check your options. Compare your service options to make sure you’re choosing what’s best for you.
- Review your costs annually. Take a look at your bill on a regular basis and use our guide to help you understand what the charges mean. Have questions? Call MCE’s service center at (888) 632-3674.
- Explore your savings. See if you qualify for CARE and FERA, Arrearage Management Planou Medical Baseline discounts to save up to 35% on your bill. Looking to save on energy upgrades? Use L'outil de recherche de remises et d'incitations de MCE to discover programs tailored to your needs.
The Bottom Line: Affordability with a Cleaner Choice
If your goal is to keep your energy costs down, MCE often offers an edge over PG&E. The key is understanding your energy needs and the technology in your home. You have the power to choose what’s best for your household.
