MCE or PG&E? Picking Your Power Plan in Martinez

Are you moving to Martinez and wondering why your bill mentions both MCE and PG&E? You are not alone. Power service here is shared between two organizations, and the setup can be confusing at first. In this guide, you will learn who does what, how billing works, and simple steps to pick the plan that fits your budget and values. Let’s dive in.

PG&E vs. MCE: who does what

PG&E owns and maintains the poles, wires, meters, and substations. They deliver electricity, respond to outages, and send the monthly bill. If there is an outage or a safety issue, you contact PG&E.

MCE is a Community Choice Aggregator that buys electricity on your behalf. MCE sets your generation options and rates and runs local clean energy programs. Your single monthly bill still comes from PG&E with a separate section for MCE generation charges.

If you live in Martinez, enrollment in MCE is usually automatic. You can stay with MCE, opt up to a higher renewable product, or opt out and take PG&E’s generation service instead. You can learn more on the MCE website and the PG&E Community Choice Aggregation information.

Enrollment in Martinez: how it works

Most new move-ins within Martinez are enrolled in MCE’s default product automatically. After service starts, you can:

• Stay on the default MCE product.
• Opt up to a 100% renewable option if you want cleaner power at a premium.
• Opt out to PG&E generation service if you prefer PG&E’s product.

MCE typically offers a default option often called Light Green, a 100% renewable option often called Deep Green, and in some areas a local solar option. Program names and details can change, so check current offerings on MCE’s product pages before you decide.

What your bill will show

You receive one bill from PG&E. It includes:

• MCE or PG&E generation charges, depending on your choice.
• PG&E delivery charges for distribution and transmission.
• Taxes and state-mandated surcharges.
• The Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA), a CPUC-set charge that can affect total cost comparisons. Read more about PCIA on the CPUC website.

Rates update periodically. Because generation rates and PCIA can change, comparing options once a quarter is a smart habit if you are cost-focused. PG&E explains CCA billing at its CCA customer pages.

Choosing based on your priorities

Start with what matters most to you. Here are common paths:

• Lowest expected monthly cost

  • Compare the current MCE default generation rate to PG&E’s generation rate for your tariff. Include PCIA in your comparison. If the default MCE rate is lower or similar, staying put is simple. If PG&E is meaningfully lower, you can opt out.

• Highest renewable content

  • If supporting renewables is your top priority, consider MCE’s 100% renewable option. Expect a higher per-kWh price than the default. Confirm today’s premium on MCE’s site.

• Rooftop solar owners

  • Interconnection and Net Energy Metering (NEM) are handled by PG&E under CPUC rules. Your export credits come through PG&E. Being with MCE does not change the technical interconnection process, but it does set the source of the power you buy when your panels are not producing. Get NEM basics from PG&E’s solar resources.

• Income-qualified discounts

  • CARE/FERA discounts reduce PG&E delivery charges for eligible households. If you qualify, you should still receive these discounts whether you are with MCE or PG&E generation. Learn about enrollment through PG&E’s assistance programs and ask MCE if any local assistance programs are available.

Step-by-step for new homeowners and renters

Follow this simple checklist when you start service in Martinez:

1. Open your PG&E account so delivery service is active. Your bill will show whether you are enrolled with MCE for generation.
2. Review current MCE products and rates on the MCE service options page.
3. Check PG&E’s rate schedules and generation information on the PG&E website. Compare generation rates and factor in the PCIA.
4. Decide your product: stay with MCE’s default, opt up to 100% renewable, or opt out to PG&E generation. Make changes online or by phone using instructions on MCE’s site or the PG&E CCA pages.
5. Sign up for outage and Public Safety Power Shutoff alerts through PG&E’s outage resources, since PG&E handles all grid issues.
6. If you have or plan to add solar, contact PG&E for interconnection steps and learn how NEM will appear on your bill through PG&E solar resources.

Tip: New customers often have a short window to opt out after automatic enrollment. Product names, rates, and timelines can change, so confirm current details on MCE’s site.

Billing details to watch

A few line items can shift the math between options. Keep an eye on:

• Generation rate changes. MCE and PG&E update generation prices periodically.
• PCIA changes. This CPUC-set charge can affect comparisons. Check the CPUC site for background.
• Delivery charges. These are PG&E charges and apply regardless of who supplies your generation.

Review your bill each quarter if you are optimizing for cost. If you prefer set-and-forget simplicity, choose the product that fits your values and check in once or twice a year.

Solar, EVs, and electrification

Rooftop solar owners work with PG&E for interconnection and NEM billing. Your MCE or PG&E generation choice does not change those steps. You can learn about solar and NEM at PG&E’s solar pages.

Both PG&E and MCE offer a range of energy programs, from EV charging support to electrification incentives. Program menus change, so check the latest offerings on MCE’s programs page and on the PG&E website.

The bottom line for Martinez residents

• You will still call PG&E for outages and safety, no matter which generation option you pick.
• You will still receive one PG&E bill. If enrolled with MCE, the bill will show MCE generation charges in a separate section.
• Your choice comes down to cost versus renewable content and any local program value from MCE.

If you are moving to Martinez and want local guidance on neighborhoods, timing, and homeownership basics, let’s talk. We are happy to help you get settled and point you to the right utility resources while we navigate your real estate goals together. Reach out to Jeff Snell to get your free home valuation or schedule a local market consultation.

FAQs

How electricity service works in Martinez with MCE

• MCE buys your electricity and PG&E delivers it over their lines. You get one PG&E bill that lists MCE for generation if you are enrolled.

Who to call for outages if enrolled with MCE

• Call PG&E for outages, safety issues, or meter problems. Sign up for PG&E outage alerts through the PG&E website.

What the PCIA fee means on your PG&E bill

• PCIA is a CPUC-set charge that can affect total cost comparisons between MCE and PG&E. Learn more on the CPUC website.

Switching between MCE products or opting out to PG&E

• You can switch online or by phone. Check product options, timing, and opt-out steps on MCE’s site or the PG&E CCA pages.

How rooftop solar and NEM work if you are with MCE

• PG&E manages interconnection and NEM credits. Your export value and billing follow PG&E and CPUC rules, regardless of your MCE selection.

Whether renters in Martinez can choose MCE or PG&E

• If your unit has a separate meter and you receive the bill, you can choose. If your building has a master meter, the account holder usually decides.