During a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant developments in local energy initiatives and community investments led by Central Coast Energy (3CE). Katherine Stedman, the chief communications officer of 3CE, presented an overview of the agency's progress and its impact on Monterey County.

3CE, established six years ago, aims to enhance local electricity procurement, focusing on competitive pricing, renewable energy advancement, and community reinvestment. Stedman highlighted that the agency's budget for community energy programs for the fiscal year 2023-2024 exceeds $16.8 million, aimed at reducing emissions through electrification of transportation and buildings.

To date, 3CE has invested $4.5 billion in renewable energy and energy storage projects, contributing to a cleaner grid and reduced fossil fuel emissions. Notable projects include a groundbreaking compressed air battery storage initiative and a geothermal project in Mammoth Lakes. Stedman noted that California has seen renewable energy generation exceed customer demand for up to nine hours daily, underscoring the agency's role in this achievement.

The agency is also focused on community health and environmental protection, with recent projects supporting electric transit and school buses in Salinas. Additionally, 3CE is investing in affordable housing electrification and agricultural sustainability, providing funding for electric farm equipment to replace diesel-powered machinery.

Stedman announced new rebate programs for residential batteries, which can significantly offset installation costs for income-qualified customers. In total, 3CE has invested over $5.8 million in Monterey County, offering various incentives for residential, commercial, and agricultural energy efficiency.

The meeting concluded with a call for local governments to utilize available funding for transitioning to electric vehicle fleets, emphasizing 3CE's commitment to supporting Monterey County's sustainability goals. Applications for energy programs are accessible on the agency's website, further encouraging community engagement in clean energy initiatives.