Marin Clean Energy's deflated 9% commitment

Marin Clean Energy committed to reduce Marin’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 175,000 tons for 2011.  This commitment was presented to audiences throughout Marin when garnering public support, and later when seeking to enroll customers into its program (note a).  Last month MCE acknowledged it reduced GHG emissions by only 15,420 tons for 2011.  MCE then attempted to rewrite its commitment to read cumulative, over time so that it was no longer answerable for failing to deliver on what it sold to Marin (see attached pdf).

MCE’s distancing itself from its charter GHG commitment undermines its credibility with consumers.

When MCE was asked about its morphing GHG-reduction, rather than directly address the issue, Jamie Tuckey’s email referred to MCE’s website (note b).  The website does not identify why MCE broke its 175,000 ton commitment with Marin consumers after using it to entice them into its program.  Marin Energy Authority Board member and City of Novato councilmember Denise Athas was asked about MCE’s attempt to change its charter benefit to “cumulative, over time.”  Ms. Athas has not yet responded to the March 1 letter (note c). 

MCE attained less than 9% of the GHG-reduction it promised to Marin for 2011 (note d).  Its shortfall and its attempt to rewrite its original commitment calls into question MEA’s actual benefit as well as the accuracy of reported future benefits (note e).  If MCE’s behavior troubles you, you can opt out of MCE by calling (888) 632-3674.   

Notes:

a) Marin Clean Energy business launch May 7, 2010.  MEA Power Point presentation “Marin Clean Energy ‘Renewable by Choice’ A program of the Marin Energy Authority” dated March 2010, p. 15 of 20:  GHG reduction per year.  175,000 tons in 2011.  Also see graphic on page 3 of attachment. 

City of Larkspur MEA’s “Workshop Concerning Marin Energy Authority.”  September 15, 2011, attachment “introducing (sic) Marin Clean Energy,” dated 1/24/2011, p. 5 of 15.  GHG reduction per year.  175,000 tons in 2011. 

(b)  Jamie Tuckey email, March 4, 2013.  “MCE notifies customers of enrollment with MCE through direct mail. MCE did not include any greenhouse gas reduction figures in our direct mailers.  Information on MCE greenhouse gas reductions using current, standard methodologies is available on our website.”

c) Letter from J. Phelps to Denise Athas.  Subject:  Marin Energy Authority – Please Answer the Question.  Item 2 of 5: “[MCE’s] Ms. Tuckey now refers to MCE’s GHG-reduction goal of 175,000 tons as a cumulative target rather than an annual target.  MCE’s own documents show this is an annual (2011) commitment.  Why does MCE try to change is commitment?”

(d)  Marin Clean Energy’s original stated GHG-reduction = 175,000 tons (2011).  MCE’s now stated GHG-reduction for 2011 = 15,420 tons.  15,420 / 175,000 = 8.8%.

(e) MCE’s (San Rafael Airport owned & operated) local energy = 0.972 megawatts = 1/5 of 1% of MCE’s total Marin load. 

-- If MCE’s (Electricité de France owned & operated) 1 megawatt plant is built at the Buck Center, the total Marin-based renewable energy = 1.972 megawatts = 3/10 of 1% of MCE’s total Marin load.

-- If, as reported by Marin Independent Journal (3-18-2013) http://www.marinij.com/sanrafael/ci_22802807/san-rafael-consider-leading-multi-county-solar-panel?IADID=Search-www.marinij.com-www.marinij.com another 1 megawatt (9 sites) of aggregated solar plants were constructed somewhere in Marin, the total Marin-based renewable energy would be 2.972 megawatts = ½ of 1% of MCE’s Marin-based load.    When Richmond is added to MCE’s load the effect is 2/5 of 1% of MCE’s total energy.