If MCE closed, how much would ratepayers save?

If MCE closed, what would we actually save?

Jun 11, 2026

If MCE closed, what would we actually save?

Not the whole MCE budget. Electricity still has to be bought. PG&E would still deliver power, maintain the grid, handle billing, and become the generation provider again.

The real savings would come from eliminating the extra MCE layer.

MCE’s proposed FY 2026/27 personnel cost is about $32.7 million for 118 positions, or roughly $277,000 per employee including salary and benefits.

MCE’s full operating overhead is about $53.8 million.

MCE’s budget also shows about $54.4 million for short-term renewable and carbon-free/attribute-style energy purchases.

So the fair question is simple:

Why are ratepayers paying for a separate agency, separate staff, separate consultants, separate marketing, and separate clean-energy accounting when PG&E already delivers the power and the CPUC already regulates the system?

The likely savings from closing MCE would be roughly $80 million to $108 million per year, or about $12 to $15 per month per MCE customer account, depending on how much overhead and attribute-style spending actually disappears.

That money should go back to ratepayers through lower bills.

MCE’s best argument is that it buys cleaner electricity. But California already mandates clean electricity.

The CPUC and state law already require power providers, including PG&E, to meet renewable and zero-carbon energy targets. California requires 60% renewable electricity by 2030 and has a statewide goal of 100% renewable and zero-carbon retail electricity by 2045.

That means MCE is not necessary to make PG&E buy clean power. The CPUC can regulate PG&E directly. State law can require PG&E to procure renewable and carbon-free electricity. The public does not need a separate agency, separate payroll, separate consultants, separate marketing, and separate “attribute” purchases just to accomplish what California law already requires.

If MCE closed, PG&E would still deliver the electricity, maintain the grid, send the bill, and remain under CPUC clean-energy rules.

The real question is not whether we want clean energy.

The real question is whether Marin ratepayers need to pay for an extra agency to take credit for clean-energy mandates that already exist.

You Are Automatically Enrolled. Your Vote Is to Opt Out.

Most residents do not affirmatively choose MCE. Under California’s community-choice system, MCE becomes the default electricity generation provider in participating communities unless the customer opts out. MCE’s own terms say accounts are automatically enrolled in its Light Green service unless the customer chooses to opt out.

That means residents generally do not get a direct public vote on whether MCE should exist. Your practical consumer vote is to opt out and return your electricity generation service to PG&E.

MCE says customers may opt out online or by phone at (888) 632-3674, and should have their PG&E account information ready.

Opt out here:MCE Opt-Out Page

Independent summaries and commentary based on public records and government meeting materials. Not affiliated with any government agency. Readers should review original source documents before relying on any information presented here.

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