California Residential Electricity: Most complex US market. Average commercial rate: 19¢+/kWh. Options include IOU (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E), CCA programs, and Direct Access. 100% carbon-free target by 2045.
California Commercial Natural Gas: Core vs Non-Core classification determines procurement options. Non-Core (>250k therms/yr) must self-procure gas. SoCal Citygate and PG&E Citygate trade at large premiums to Henry Hub. Gas Guide →
The most complex electricity market in the US. Between CCAs, Direct Access, and utility options, California commercial customers have unique choices— and unique challenges.
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California's solar-heavy grid creates massive price swings. Prices can go negative during midday (too much solar) and spike in the evening (solar drops, demand peaks). Smart commercial customers use demand response and time-of-use strategies to capitalize.
PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E bundled service. Default option with time-of-use rates. Full-service but typically higher cost.
Community Choice Aggregation. Local government-run programs offering greener power, often at competitive rates. 14M+ Californians now served by CCAs.
Buy from competitive suppliers (ESPs). Limited availability—waitlist exists. Best for large commercial customers who can manage market exposure.
Northern and Central California. Largest utility territory. Multiple CCAs operate within PG&E, including MCE, East Bay Community Energy, and Peninsula Clean Energy.
Southern California (except San Diego). Serves LA County, Orange County, Inland Empire. Clean Power Alliance is the major CCA.
San Diego region. Smallest of the big three. San Diego Community Power is the local CCA option.
California classifies gas customers as "Core" (residential/small commercial) or "Non-Core" (large commercial/industrial). Non-Core customers generally must procure their own gas supply.
Pricing hubs like SoCal Citygate (South) and PG&E Citygate (North) trade at significant premiums to Henry Hub due to strict environmental regulations and pipeline constraints.
Restrictions on the Aliso Canyon storage facility have increased volatility in Southern California. Winter price spikes at SoCal Citygate can be extreme. Non-core customers need robust hedging strategies.
Read our Gas Procurement Guide →Navigate CCA vs utility vs Direct Access choices
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CCA, Direct Access, demand response, TOU optimization—California has options, but navigating them requires expertise. Let us analyze your best path.
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