The proposed legislation, a community choice aggregator, or CCA, is an opt-in program that would allow Montgomery County to procure power for its residents, businesses and municipal entities from an alternative supplier while continuing to receive service from the existing utility provider.
For local communities that want broader access to renewable power, community choice aggregators offer a competitive alternative to the default utility supplier. Establishing an aggregation of demand also allows communities to negotiate rates with energy suppliers.
In addition to establishing the CCA, the bill also amends the law regarding environmental sustainability and electricity, and is expected to provide more energy cost stability.
“Community choice aggregation will provide Montgomery County residential and small commercial customers an additional electricity option by allowing the county to purchase and offer energy with more renewable content at an affordable price,” said Laurie McGilvray, co-chair of the Takoma Park Mobilization Environment Committee, in a written statement.