San Diego Community Power outlines programs, rate options and new year‑round 'super off‑peak' window

San Diego Community Power presented its five‑year update to the La Mesa City Council on April 28, highlighting rate options, customer uptake and new energy programs.

Karen Burns, chief executive officer, told the council Community Power provides electricity generation choice to customers in La Mesa and other member jurisdictions and described four service plans: a standard plan (about 53% renewable and roughly 4% less expensive than SDG&E's generation charge), a Power Base plan offering an historic 10% discount, and two 100% renewable options (Power 100 and Power 100 Green Plus) available for a modest premium.

Burns said the agency is expanding programs including a now‑permanent midday 'super off‑peak' window (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) to reflect abundant solar generation and new incentives for shifting usage and installing residential batteries. She described pilots and programs (solar battery savings program, rebates, and a countywide energy‑efficiency rollout through SD Wren) and noted local workforce and prevailing‑wage criteria adopted by the Community Power board to support project delivery.

Councilmembers asked about rate comparisons over the past five years. Burns said generation costs have fallen in many years but that retail bills reflect multiple factors (fuel, wildfire hardening and legacy contracts). Councilmembers and the mayor noted anecdotal bill experiences and asked staff to provide comparative rate data.

The presentation concluded with council thanks and no formal action required.