This month, Stockton and Lathrop residents and businesses are transitioning to clean electricity at lower rates through Ava Community Energy. Many of you have questions about this change. As a Stockton native and Ava Community Energy’s Outreach Coordinator for San Joaquin County, I’d like to address the most common concerns I’m hearing from my neighbors and fellow community members.
What is Ava Community Energy and why is it in Stockton and Lathrop?
Ava Community Energy is a not-for-profit public agency that generates electricity at rates 5% lower than PG&E. We’ve been serving communities in Alameda County since 2018 and Tracy since 2021. In 2022, the Stockton City Council voted unanimously to join Ava, followed by Lathrop in 2023. We’re different from PG&E in a few ways, but one key difference is that we don’t have shareholders expecting profits. As a public agency, we reinvest revenue back into the communities we serve through lower rates, local programs, and clean energy projects.
Why was I automatically enrolled? Can I opt out?
State law (AB 117) says that community choice energy providers like Ava become the default option for their communities. That means that, by law, we must enroll everyone through automatic enrollment. We know this process can feel disconcerting. However, you have the choice to opt out and return to PG&E service at any time. There is no fee to opt out through April 2026 for Stockton and Lathrop customers. You can opt out by visiting AvaEnergy.org/opt-out or calling Ava Customer Support at 833-699-2668.
Will I get a separate bill?
No. You’ll continue to receive just one bill from PG&E. The only difference is that Ava’s generation charges (which are 5% lower) will replace PG&E’s generation charges. In fact, you can see what PG&E would have charged you by looking at their Generation Credit on the bill. PG&E will continue to deliver your electricity, maintain power lines, handle billing, and respond to outages.
How much will I save?
The average household in Stockton and Lathrop will save about $5 per month with our Bright Choice service, which is automatically 5% lower than PG&E’s generation rates. Since 2018, Bright Choice has saved our customers more than $102 million compared to what they would have paid with PG&E.
Will I lose my CARE, FERA, or Medical Baseline benefits?
Absolutely not. These discount programs continue exactly as before, plus you’ll receive the additional 5% Ava discount.
What if I have solar? Will this benefit me?
If you have solar panels, your transition to Ava service will maintain many familiar aspects of your current setup while offering new options. When you’re enrolled with Ava, you’ll sell your surplus generation to Ava instead of PG&E, and you’ll purchase electricity from Ava instead of PG&E when needed. A key difference with Ava is the choice between monthly or annual true-ups for generation charges. More information for solar customers is available at AvaEnergy.org/welcome-solar.
Who governs Ava?
Ava is governed by a Board of Directors composed of elected officials from each city and county we serve, including Mayor Fugazi from Stockton and City Councilmember Minnie Diallo from Lathrop. Board members receive a $128 stipend per monthly meeting—there is no other compensation. All Ava board meetings are open to the public. You’re welcome to attend in person or online and participate in decisions about your electricity service.
Is Ava the same as those door-to-door energy salespeople?
No. Ava is a public agency created by local governments, not a private company. We never go door-to-door, we don’t lock you into contracts, and we have a proven track record of consistent savings since 2018. If someone comes to your door claiming to represent Ava, please report it to us and/or local authorities immediately.
How are you investing in our community?
Ava sponsors local community events and local sports teams, including the Stockton Ports and Stockton Cargo. We also offer $2,500 sponsorships three times per year to local community-based organizations and develop local energy programs to help our customers save money and improve their quality of life.
How can I learn more?
Visit AvaEnergy.org/welcome for more information. As your local representative, I’ll also be hosting webinars and in-person office hours this summer. Check the calendar at AvaEnergy.org/events or look for our booth at community events throughout Stockton and Lathrop!