Climate Protection Campaign Lauds Council for Decisive Action
Santa Rosa—The Santa Rosa City Council today voted to support city participation in Sonoma Clean Power. The unanimous vote directed staff to draft a resolution that the Council intends to pass on its consent calendar next week. The move enables the city to join the new power provider in time to participate in its January 2014 launch.
“This is a tremendous development,” stated Climate Protection Campaign Executive Director Ann Hancock. “By adding Santa Rosa to the mix, Sonoma Clean Power will be able to build local renewable energy faster.”
The next step for the new power agency is to negotiate a final contract for the first batch of power from energy companies that have submitted bids to supply electricity. Including Santa Rosa’s energy consumption will give them a stronger negotiating position. This should result in a better contract that will enable more money to be spent on new local energy projects.
Many Santa Rosa residents have been calling on the City Council to participate in Sonoma Clean Power so that they will have a choice of energy providers. The resolution from Santa Rosa also gives the city representation on the power authority board as it makes important decisions in the coming months.
The county and three other cities – Windsor, Cotati and Sebastopol – have also agreed to give their residents and businesses a choice. The City of Sonoma has taken the first step toward joining and is on course to finalize their participation on July 15.
“The momentum for a successful program is thrilling,” added Hancock. “Sonoma County can show the rest of the world how to power local.”
For Immediate Release: Contact:
July 9, 2013 Ann Hancock, 707-525-1665 x112
