On Dec. 19, 2025, the Coronado News’ editorial board published an opinion piece with multiple inaccuracies about Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) as an alternative to SDG&E. To ensure Coronado residents can make an informed decision about CCAs, it is important to provide accurate information to counter the editorial’s claims.
Claim: “SDG&E currently offers customers the ability to purchase 100% renewable energy right now simply by opting into their EcoChoice renewable energy purchasing plan.”
Fact: SDG&E suspended the EcoChoice 100% renewable energy plan in 2022. In contrast, the two CCAs operating in San Diego offer a 100% renewable energy plan to their customers.
Claim: “The energy portfolio of CCAs is only slightly greener than SDG&E.”
Fact: While SDG&E currently provides 41% renewable energy, the default plans for the two CCAs are 50% and 53% renewable energy. SDG&E will need to comply with state regulations requiring 60% renewable energy by 2030, but CCAs intend to be 100% renewable energy by 2035. Both today and in the future, CCAs are significantly greener than SDG&E.
Claim: “There is only a negligible difference in price.”
Fact: For 2026, San Diego Community Power’s rates are 3.48% lower than SDG&E. Customers can also opt for the CCA’s lower cost, basic plan that is 9.25% less expensive than SDG&E. The second San Diego CCA, Clean Energy Alliance, just voted to reduce its rates so all member cities are at or below SDG&E rates.
Claim: “CCAs are effectively the SANDAG of energy supply.”
Fact: CCAs are professionally-managed organizations where member cities retain local control. San Diego Community Power allows for a weighted vote based on size; they have never used it, opting instead for a “one-city, one-vote” approach. The second CCA, Clean Energy Alliance, has a one-city, one-vote structure exclusively ensuring Coronado has equal voting power despite its small size.
In addition, the editorial also omitted key benefits for a city joining a CCA:
● CCAs give residents the power to choose their renewable energy mix or opt out to remain with SDG&E. Customers of SDG&E currently have no alternatives.
● CCAs support their member cities with nearly $1 million in annual grants to community nonprofits.
In early 2026, the Coronado City Council will vote on whether to join one of the two local CCAs. As our community discusses this option, it is essential the conversation remains rooted in accurate data and clear facts.
David Landon is the president of Emerald Keepers.
