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The issue of PG&E's solvency comes up in one out of every four calls coming into San Jose Clean Energy. The new program requires PG&E customers in San Jose to switch to the city-run program that sources its own clean energy but uses PG&E facilities to deliver the power to customers and to bill them.
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Similar clean energy program across the Bay Area operate the same way, and it's expected they will be at the table to protect their interests if PG&E files for bankruptcy.
With the San Jose program launching a week from Friday, the immediate task is selling 308,000 homes and businesses on the benefit of clean energy. They're automatically enrolled unless they choose to stay with PG&E.
PG&E does have clean energy options but San Jose believes its basic plan, called "Green Source," is better.
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The city also says its rates are lower. Its basic plan will cost a typical homeowner $109.49 per month while PG&E's comparable plan is 48 cents higher. For the 100-percent renewable, 100-percent carbon-free option, San Jose's plan is just over $20 lower than PG&E.
And San Jose believes its rates from power generators should be stable and predictable.