Tired of watching your PG&E bill climb and wondering if Sonoma Clean Power is actually saving you money? You are not alone. Many Rohnert Park and Cotati residents want a clear, simple answer. In this guide, you will learn how SCP works on your bill, the specific ways it can lower costs, and easy steps you can take to save more. Let’s dive in.
What SCP is and how your bill works
Sonoma Clean Power is your community-choice electricity provider for generation. PG&E still delivers power, maintains lines, handles outages, and sends the monthly bill. SCP’s generation charges show up as a line item on your PG&E bill, while PG&E sets delivery charges and certain surcharges. You can review how this split appears on your bill in SCP’s guide to Understanding your bill.
SCP is the default generation provider in Rohnert Park and Cotati. You can opt out and return to PG&E generation. There is no fee if you opt out within your first 60 days of service; after 60 days, SCP lists a one-time termination fee of $5 for residential and $25 for commercial accounts. See SCP’s opt-out rules for details.
How SCP lowers your bill
Smarter power purchasing
SCP buys electricity for the community in bulk and signs longer-term contracts for wind, solar, geothermal, and battery storage. This approach can stabilize and lower the cost of the generation part of your bill. You can see the local impact in examples like Rohnert Park’s municipal solar project, which aimed to reduce the city’s energy costs and keep more dollars in the community.
Lower costs through green bonds
In late 2024, SCP issued prepay green bonds to lock in renewable energy at favorable prices. SCP estimated roughly 775.6 million dollars in financing would reduce renewable energy costs by about 47 million dollars over the first 7.5 years, with savings guaranteed through 2032. Lower procurement costs can help keep SCP generation rates competitive.
Generation rates that beat PG&E
After SCP adjusted its rates in early 2024, SCP reported total bills about 7 percent below PG&E bundled service. That number can change as PG&E delivery charges, surcharges, and SCP rates shift. The key is to compare your total bill, not just one line item.
Programs and choices that save you money
GridSavvy Rewards
Enroll in GridSavvy Rewards to earn incentives for shifting energy use away from peak hours. Smart thermostats and EVs can earn sign-up bonuses and ongoing credits. When you run appliances or charge your EV outside 4 to 9 pm, you can cut both energy charges and peak costs.
Stack local rebates
SCP’s Offers and Rebates can reduce the upfront price of energy-efficient upgrades like heat pumps, induction cooktops, smart thermostats, and EV chargers. Lowering usage through efficient appliances reduces your monthly bill. SCP coordinates with state and federal incentives so you can stack savings.
If you have or want solar
New solar applications filed in 2023 and later are on the CPUC’s Solar Billing Plan, often called the Net Billing Tariff. Under these rules, credit for exported energy is different than legacy NEM, and pairing solar with a battery can improve your payback. SCP explains local details and NetGreen options on its Solar Billing Plan page.
Pick the right SCP plan
CleanStart is the default SCP service that aims to be price-competitive. EverGreen is a voluntary upgrade that provides 100 percent locally produced renewable energy around the clock for a higher generation charge. You can compare options on SCP’s CleanStart and EverGreen page and choose what fits your goals and budget.
Simple steps to start saving
- Review your full PG&E bill, including SCP generation and PG&E delivery, using SCP’s Understanding your bill guide.
- Enroll in GridSavvy Rewards and shift appliance use and EV charging outside 4 to 9 pm.
- Use Offers and Rebates to reduce the cost of efficient appliances and upgrades.
- If you are adding solar, read SCP’s Solar Billing Plan page and model battery pairing under today’s export rules.
- Decide whether CleanStart or EverGreen fits your household on the CleanStart and EverGreen page.
- Know your choice windows and fees on SCP’s opt-out rules page if you want to change providers.
- Get in-person help at SCP’s Customer Center in Santa Rosa for a bill review or program enrollment support.
Local progress you can see
Rohnert Park’s move toward city-owned solar aims to keep municipal energy costs down and dollars local, a good example of how smart procurement can buffer residents from market swings. Cotati also highlights electrification and uses EverGreen for municipal operations, which shows community-level commitment to reliability and clean energy.
Important caveats
- Savings are relative. The 7 percent figure reflected conditions after SCP’s early 2024 rate changes and may shift as PG&E delivery charges and surcharges change.
- SCP controls generation pricing; PG&E and regulators control delivery, PCIA, and many statewide rules. Those outside factors affect your total bill.
- Program incentives, bonuses, and device rebates change over time. Always check current details before you buy or enroll.
The bottom line
In Rohnert Park and Cotati, SCP can help lower your total electricity costs through competitive generation rates, smart financing, and practical customer programs. You can save more by shifting usage, using local rebates, and choosing the plan that matches your goals. If you are planning a move or upgrades, it pays to consider operating costs alongside home features.
If you want neighborhood insights and a clear plan for your next move in Sonoma County, reach out to Hilary Thomas for local guidance and a strategy that fits your goals.
FAQs
What is Sonoma Clean Power and how does billing work in Rohnert Park and Cotati?
- SCP provides electricity generation, while PG&E delivers power, maintains lines, handles outages, and issues your bill. SCP’s generation charges appear as a line item on your PG&E bill.
Will I automatically save money with SCP compared to PG&E bundled service?
- Often yes on generation costs, and SCP reported total bills about 7 percent below PG&E bundled service after early 2024 rate updates, but your total bill depends on PG&E delivery charges and surcharges.
Who handles power outages if I am an SCP customer?
- PG&E handles outages and repairs because it manages the delivery system, while SCP only supplies generation.
How can I enroll in programs that lower my bill, like GridSavvy Rewards?
- Create or use your SCP account, then enroll in eligible programs. Many homes can connect a smart thermostat or EV to earn sign-up bonuses and ongoing credits.
What should I know about going solar under today’s Solar Billing Plan?
- New solar customers are on the Net Billing Tariff, which changes export credits and often improves economics when a battery is paired with solar.
How do I opt out of SCP or switch back to PG&E generation?
- You can opt out within the first 60 days with no fee. After 60 days, SCP lists a small one-time termination fee and PG&E rules may apply if you want to return later.
What is EverGreen and is it right for my household?
- EverGreen is SCP’s 100 percent locally produced renewable option that costs more than the default CleanStart plan. Choose it if your budget supports a premium for fully local renewable power.
