In my new role as Mayor of the City of Concord, I serve our community not only at City Hall, but also on regional boards and commissions where local voices help guide decisions that affect our residents every day. For example, I am honored to represent Concord residents on the Marin Clean Energy Board (MCE), and I would like to share my experiences on the board with you. 

Fifteen years ago, a bold new public agency launched in the Bay Area: MCE. It started as a determined group of advocates and community leaders who believed we deserved cleaner choices in our electricity supply. They asked the question: what if communities could take greater control over their energy choices — prioritizing cleaner power, local decision-making, and long-term affordability.

Today, MCE offers renewable electricity choices, competitive costs, and innovative customer programs. Since 2018, MCE has provided the City of Concord with an alternative to PG&E for electricity service to residential and commercial customers. MCE sources or generates renewable electricity from responsible and often local suppliers. Then the existing electrical utility, PG&E, delivers that power. When Concord joined MCE, residents were automatically enrolled in receiving cleaner electricity.

MCE reinvests revenues back into the communities it serves, supporting programs that reduce emissions, strengthen resilience, and expand access to clean energy solutions. Just this month, Concord partnered with MCE as part of its Strategic Energy Management program. At no cost to the City, MCE will work with staff to identify energy savings opportunities at City facilities — savings that can be better deployed to enhance city services.

MCE’s governance model, which includes my role on the Board, ensures that local voices help guide decisions that affect our residents. That accountability matters. It means programs are shaped by community needs, not shareholders, and that public dollars stay local. Serving on MCE is especially meaningful to me, as it reflects Concord’s commitment to sustainability, regional collaboration, and public accountability.

MCE has reinvested over $400 million back into the Bay Area, including $80 million in bill savings and discount programs for residents and businesses most in need. For Contra Costa residents, this has meant:

• Over 173,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions reduced
• $19 million in bill savings and discount programs
• $400,000 in energy efficiency rebates distributed
• Almost 500 EV charging ports installed
• Rebates for 130 low-income residents to transition to EVs

MCE has also worked alongside cities, community organizations, and regional partners to ensure that clean energy benefits are shared equitably. From supporting low-income energy assistance programs to investing in projects that strengthen grid reliability, the focus has remained clear: a just and sustainable transition that leaves no one behind.

As we look ahead, I am confident that MCE will continue to evolve, innovate, and serve as a trusted partner. On behalf of the City of Concord, I extend my congratulations to MCE on 15 years of service and my gratitude to the staff, board members, and community advocates who helped turn a bold idea into a lasting public benefit. 

For more information about MCE, please visit https://mcecleanenergy.org/.

The presentation of MCE's Charles F. McGlashan Advocacy Award to The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce on 5/9/2025; the award was given for their involvement and outreach in MCEs Small Business Energy Advantage program. (L to R: Concord Mayor Laura Nakamura, William Chan, Kevin Cabral, and Amy Tye) 

Concord Mayor Laura Nakamura, with three other MCE board members: Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, Napa County Supervisor Liz Alessio, and Mill Valley Mayor Max Perrey