Switching to solar is one of the best ways to take control of your energy costs, but let’s be honest—understanding your utility bill isn’t always straightforward.
Here’s the good news: Some recent changes to Central Coast Community Energy’s (3CE) billing and true-up process have made it a more attractive utility provider for Central Coast residents with solar.
In this blog, we’ll break down what’s changed, what it means for you, and how these updates could ultimately help you maximize your solar investment.
What is 3CE?
Formerly Monterey Bay Community Power, 3CE is a “community choice” utility that provides power in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Santa Barbara counties, as well as most cities in San Luis Obispo County.
Why 3CE?
Their energy costs less and often would save over 10% compared to being with PG&E. More options are available with 3CE because you are also still with PG&E and get the best of both. <ore rebate options with both companies and more focus on our local community for benefits.
How Does 3CE’s New True-up Process Work?
All 3CE customers are trued up on December 31 each year. 3CE customers on a NEM plan will pay monthly for any electricity they use beyond what their solar panels produce. If they generate more energy than they use, they earn credits that can be applied to future 3CE charges within the same billing cycle.
Types of Solar Credits
- Export credits: Export credits are earned when your solar system generates more credits than it charges. Credits automatically pay for 3CE charges during the same true-up period.
- Leftover credits: At the annual true-up, leftover credits are refunded if you paid for energy earlier in the year.
- Offsetting Charges: When your solar system generates more electricity than you use, you earn export credits. These credits can be used to offset your 3CE charges during the same true-up period.
Mark Miller, A.M. Sun Solar + Roofing founder, explains it this way: “If you use more power than you make then, you pay that month. Your bill doesn’t roll forward like it used to in the past. Now you pay 3CE when you owe them,” Miller said.
“It is a bit confusing at first because solar owners aren’t used to having to pay for electricity other than during their true up if at all,” he said. “Now most likely in January and February, which are not great months for solar production, people will need to pay for the electricity used since they are making less in those months.”
Miller went on to say, “Your system—which should’ve been designed to offset your usage for the whole year—will build up a surplus in the summer. Then with 3CE that surplus will be used at the true up in December to collect what you paid at the beginning of the year.”
To help against any surprises, Miller recommends opening your bill every month to monitor your energy usage and knowing that your system is performing as expected. Most customers’ energy bills will include a breakdown of everything, like the sample bill in the link below:
Bills for customers with aggregate or multiple meters will look different. Anyone who needs help understanding their energy bill should contact A.M. Sun Solar + Roofing. Our team of friendly solar experts are here to answer any questions you might have!
Contact us today at hello@amsunsolar.com or (805) 772-6786 to chat.
More About A.M. Sun Solar + Roofing
A.M. Sun Solar + Roofing is the local leader in custom solar and roofing installations on the Central Coast. For over two decades, A.M. Sun Solar + Roofing has provided high-quality, cost-efficient solutions to residences and small businesses in San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Kern, Fresno, and Santa Barbara counties.
With a wide variety of financing solutions available, affordable pricing, and complete installations from permit to interconnection, A.M. Sun Solar + Roofing is the local, go-to solar and roofing company on the Central Coast.
Connect with us today at hello@amsunsolar.com, (805) 772-6786, or fill out the form below to get a FREE on-site consultation with one of our friendly solar & roofing experts.
