Logo courtesy of Pioneer Community Energy

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) – Pioneer Community Energy will begin providing electricity to Yuba City customers in October 2027, giving residents and businesses another choice for power generation.

Pioneer is not another power plant, officials said. It is a public, not-for-profit agency created and governed by its member city and county governments rather than private investors.

Pioneer Community Outreach Manager Lisa Rhoads provided the City Council with an update in September on the upcoming launch and what customers can expect.

Unlike PG&E, Pioneer will not deliver electricity or maintain the electrical system. Its role is to purchase power from suppliers, Rhodes said. PG&E will continue operating the transmission and distribution system and customers will continue receiving one PG&E bill, with Pioneer’s electricity charges appearing on the bill.

“You’re still going to get your PG&E bill from PG&E,” Rhoads said.

Yuba City began exploring membership in Pioneer in 2024 along with Sutter County and Live Oak. An impact assessment examined the financial feasibility and timing of joining the program, with October 2027 identified as the preferred launch date. The California Public Utilities Commission later approved Pioneer’s expansion plan for that date.

Rhoads said Pioneer currently serves 10 jurisdictions and will expand into additional counties and cities. She said the organization has saved customers more than $145 million since it began operating in 2018.

Membership will also give Yuba City a role in decisions affecting rates and programs. Pioneer rates are set annually, and the city will appoint a representative and alternate to the governing board, officials said.

Programs currently offered in Pioneer communities include an air-conditioning tune-up rebate of up to $75, rewards for reducing electricity use when the grid is stressed and a solar and battery storage program with lease and purchase options. Agricultural and commercial customers may also qualify for programs that reward reductions in electricity use during peak periods, Rhodes said.

Before service begins, Pioneer plans an extensive public information campaign. Materials will be available in English, Punjabi and Spanish, with direct mail, town halls, webinars, social media and presentations to civic organizations planned during 2027. Pioneer also plans to participate in community events, including the Yuba-Sutter Fair.

Mayor Marc Boomgaarden said residents have already been asking when Pioneer will arrive and expressed interest in having another electricity procurement option available to residential and commercial customers.