Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is San Jacinto Power (SJP)?
San Jacinto Power is the locally controlled electricity provider in the City of San Jacinto!  We provide the actual energy known as generation, and our charge replaces what Southern California Edison (SCE) would have charged for the same service.  Although Southern California Edison will continue to charge you for their transmission and delivery lines, there are no duplicate charges because the charges are for different services.

How does it work?
The short answer is, we provide your electricity, and Southern California Edison delivers it.  In more detail, we supply power to homes and businesses with an opportunity to opt up to 100% renewable energy.  Our partner, Southern California Edison, continues to do the billing, maintains the power lines, and handles all new service requests and emergencies.

Where do you have to live or have a business to participate in SJP?
All SJP customers must have a service address within the City of San Jacinto.  We are sorry, but residents and businesses outside the City limits cannot receive service from SJP.

Where does SJP offer service?
We offer service within the City of San Jacinto.

When did SJP begin serving customers? 
SJP began serving customers in April 2018.  Per state law, SJP must contact customers in writing twice after initiating service to notify them that they will be receiving SJP electric service.

When was SJP formed?
SJP was formed through City Council action in 2016 and began serving customers in April 2018.

What is Community Choice Aggregation?
When California deregulated the energy market in 1997, many Californians switched to alternative energy providers.  Following the energy crisis of 2000-01, consumer choice of electricity providers was suspended.  As a response to the closing of the open market, Assembly Bill 117 was passed in 2002 to establish Community Choice Aggregation, which offers an opportunity for Californians to choose their electric provider and the source of their electricity.

Who governs and administers San Jacinto Power?
The San Jacinto City Council governs SJP, but operation of the program is administered by San Jacinto city staff and consultants through a joint agreement with the California Choice Energy Authority (CalChoice).

How does SJP partner with Southern California Edison?
SJP provides electric generation, which is the source of your power, while Southern California Edison continues to provide electric delivery, billing services and maintenance of the lines, just as they always have.

Does SJP replace Southern California Edison?
No.  Southern California Edison continues to provide all electric delivery, billing, and power line maintenance.  We only replace the electric generation services with your choice of energy product at competitive rates.

How much clean and renewable energy does SJP provide?
SJP procures both clean and renewable electricity on behalf of our customers.  Each electricity product has a different percentage of renewable energy.  Our default product, SJP Prime Power comes from 35% renewable sources and exceeds the state’s requirement of 33% by 2020, and our SJP Pure Green product provides a 100% renewable energy option.

What are the sources of power for SJP and where are they located?
San Jacinto Power gets its electricity from suppliers that have gone through a rigorous qualification and selection process.  These suppliers, much like Southern California Edison, get their electricity from a variety of generation sources.  At a minimum, 35% of our SJP Prime Power option comes from renewable sources such as wind or solar.  Our optional SJP Pure Green program provides electricity from 100% renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectricity.

How does SJP procure power?
SJP contracts with private firms to procure energy.  Moving forward, we plan to steadily incorporate increasing amounts of locally generated renewable energy.

How can I be sure SJP is actually procuring 35% or 100% renewable energy on my behalf?
We are required to report to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) on an annual basis to verify the amount of renewable energy procured for our customers. This is the same standard and verification process used by other California utilities, such as Southern California Edison.

What is the difference between alternative and renewable energy?
Alternative energy is carbon-free energy that creates little to no greenhouse gas emissions.  This is in contrast to fossil fuels, which produce a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide and methane.  Alternative energy is also not infinite in supply and can include resources like natural gas cogeneration, nuclear energy, and use of waste energy.  Renewable energy is energy that comes from resources that are naturally replenished by nature such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat.  Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy regenerates naturally in a short period of time.

What are Renewable Energy Certificates?
Renewable energy generating facilities create electricity that is delivered to a network of transmission wires, often referred to as “the grid.”  The grid is segmented into regional power pools and in many cases these pools are not interconnected.  To help facilitate the sale of renewable electricity nationally, a system was established that separates renewable energy generation into two parts: electrical energy produced by a renewable generator and the renewable “attributes” of that generation.  The renewable attributes or “green” attributes are sold separately as renewable energy certificates, or RECs.  Only one certificate may be issued for each unit of renewable energy produced.  The electricity that was split from the REC is no longer considered “renewable” and cannot be counted as renewable or zero-emissions by whoever buys it.

What is SJP Prime Power?
SJP Prime Power is our default electricity service offering a minimum of 35% renewable energy.  All customers default to SJP Prime Power upon enrollment. 

What is SJP Pure Green?
SJP Pure Green is our optional upgrade program that provides 100% renewable energy for just a few more dollars each month.

How do I sign up for SJP Pure Green?
Signing up is easy!  Simply visit our website www.SanJacintoPower.com.  If you decide to use our website you’ll want to have your SCE bill on hand because we will need your account information to process your request.  If you prefer to sign-up over the phone, please call 951-665-6812 and a specialist will help you complete the process.

Can I switch between the SJP Prime Power and SJP Pure Green services?
Yes—you can “opt up” to SJP Pure Green at any time.  And if you want to switch back again, just call and let us know or log-on to our website www.SanJacintoPower.com and make the change there.

Is there a grace period if I sign up, switch, or opt out?
Customers who opt out before or within the first 60 days of SJP service may return to SJP at any time. Customers who opt out after the first 60 days of service with SJP may be prohibited by SCE from returning to SJP for one year and are subject to SCE’s current terms and conditions.

How do San Jacinto Power’s rates compare to (SCE) Southern California Edison?
Residential customers who elect to receive our default SJP Prime Power product will not only receive a minimum of 35% renewable energy but they’ll also see a savings when compared to SCE generation service.  Residential CARE customers continue to enjoy their discount that is provided by SCE.  Customers can also choose to pay just a little more each month and upgrade to our 100% renewable product, SJP Pure Green.

How does SJP set its rates?
SJP rates are set by the San Jacinto City Council, so you’ll have a steady, predictable outlook on your rates.  You’ll also have the satisfaction of working with a local provider, governed by local leaders whose interests are aligned with yours.

How do I know that SJP will not raise its rates?
SJP energy rates are usually set annually based on the projected cost of energy.  However, if SCE changes their rates more than once during the year, SJP will analyze the rate change and may make a similar change.  The San Jacinto City Council, which governs SJP, is committed to providing San Jacinto residents, businesses, and organizations with affordable energy rates.  Unlike the rates of the local investor-owned utility, which are set by the California Public Utilities Commission in San Francisco, San Jacinto Power rates are set at San Jacinto City Hall.  The public is welcome to attend the rate setting meetings and participate in the process.

Will I still receive my CARE, FERA, or Medical Baseline discounts with SJP?
Yes.  Since these discounts apply to the electricity delivery charges, CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline discounts continue to be available at the same rate to SJP customers as well as Southern California Edison customers, regardless of enrollment with SJP or Southern California Edison.  Customers enrolled in SJP continue to receive their CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline discount within their Southern California Edison delivery charges; there is no need to reapply with SJP.  New CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline enrollments or renewals must still be done through (SCE) Southern California Edison's customer service center or website.

Are CCA customers still eligible to obtain rebates from Southern California Edison for energy efficiency and solar electric systems?
Yes.  The California Public Utilities Commission authorizes Southern California Edison to collect fees (called public goods charges) from all customers to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy incentive programs.  Southern California Edison will still collect these fees and SJP customers will remain eligible for these incentives and services.

Do I get billed separately by SJP?
No.  We work together with Southern California Edison so that you will get just one bill each month. Our charges for electricity generation are included on your Southern California Edison bill.

San Jacinto Power charges for generating the electricity you use.  When you begin receiving our electric generation service, previous charges for generation that used to go to Southern California Edison are replaced by charges from SJP.  Southern California Edison will continue to charge for the transmission and delivery of electricity, along with a variety of other regulatory and program charges at the same rates they always have. There are no duplicate charges for electricity generation.

Who will send me my bill?
You will continue to get just one bill from Southern California Edison.  A few lines on the bill change since the charges for power generation will come from SJP instead of Southern California Edison.

What is the PCIA?
Southern California Edison charges SJP customers a Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA), which is calculated based on the number of kilowatt hours used each month.  The PCIA is intended to ensure that customers who remain with SCE are not negatively impacted by customers moving to SJP.  SJP’s electricity generation rates are calculated taking the PCIA into account, so that if you add the PCIA to SJP’s generation rate, the total rate will be less than SCE’s electricity generation rate.  The PCIA is the only additional charge that SCE charges to SJP customers that they don’t charge their own customers.  If you have additional questions about the PCIA, please call Southern California Edison at 800-655-4555.

What are the other charges on my bill?
The only charges that directly relate to being a SJP customer are the electricity generation charges and the PCIA.  All other charges (such as DWR Bond Charge, CTC, Franchise Fees, etc.) are charged by SCE whether you are their customer or a SJP customer.  If you have additional questions about these charges, please call Southern California Edison at 800-655-4555.

Who do I call with questions about my bill?
If you ever have questions about the SJP portion of your bill, you can visit our website www.SanJacintoPower.com to see a detailed breakdown of the bill, call us at 951-665-6812, or email us at [email protected].  If you have questions about the rest of your Southern California Edison bill, please call Southern California Edison at 800-655-4555.

Am I – or is my business -- in the San Jacinto Power service area?
All San Jacinto Power customers must have a service address within the incorporated area of the City of San Jacinto.  We are sorry, but residents and businesses outside the incorporated City limits cannot receive service from SJP.

How do I know when my service begins? 
SJP began serving customers in April 2018.  When a customer establishes new service in San Jacinto, they are automatically enrolled in SJP and receive two mailed notices within 60 days of starting service notifying them they are SJP customers and providing instructions on how to opt out.

I just moved to a new address and I want to establish service. How do I sign up?
When a customer establishes new service in San Jacinto, they are automatically enrolled in SJP, unless they choose to opt out, and receive two notices within 60 days of starting service notifying them they are SJP customers.

Establishing service is easy.  Contact Southern California Edison one week before you will need service at your new address and schedule an appointment by calling Southern California Edison at 1-800-655-4555.  New customers who move into the SJP service area are automatically enrolled into SJP and will be mailed two notices within the first 60 days of service with information about their options.

Do I have to participate in San Jacinto Power?  Can I opt out?
It’s your choice, you get to decide!  Any customer may opt out of San Jacinto Power at any time.  If it’s been more than 60 days since starting service, Southern California Edison will prohibit you returning to SJP for one year and subject you to SCE’s current terms and conditions.  You can choose to opt out online at www.SanJacintoPower.com or by calling 951-665-6812.

Can I participate in SJP if I am not in San Jacinto?
Sorry, but customers can only participate if they or their businesses are located within the San Jacinto city limits.

Why was I enrolled into SJP?
Historically, Southern California Edison has been the default power provider to most customers.  However, in 2002 when state legislators passed California’s Community Choice Aggregation law, this default status was transferred from Southern California Edison to local community choice programs like SJP.  You now have the power to choose who provides your energy, SJP or Southern California Edison.

Why am I getting this letter/postcard from SJP?
The letter/postcard is a notification that your account is enrolled with SJP service and you can choose between SJP and Southern California Edison.  SJP is the default provider and all customers within City of San Jacinto city limits are automatically enrolled in SJP Prime Power, offering a minimum of 35% renewable energy.  State law requires that we notify new customers in writing within 60 days that they are automatically enrolled with SJP.

Why is San Jacinto Power enrollment automatic and why do I have to opt-out in order to stay with Southern California Edison?
Part of California’s Community Choice Aggregation law requires San Jacinto Power to operate as an opt-out program and become the default provider of electric generation for customers within our service area.  Customer choice is very important to us.  We provide two written notices to our customers so that you can choose where your electricity comes from and how your dollars are spent.

How do I opt out?
While we don’t want to lose you as a customer, you always have the choice to opt out.

If you wish to opt out right now, you may visit our website, www.SanJacintoPower.com and click the Opt Out button.  Have your Southern California Edison bill on hand because we will need your account information to process your request.

Can I return to SJP after I opt out?
Customers who opt out within the first 60 days of our service may return at any time.  Customers who opt out after the first 60 days of service with SJP will be prohibited by Southern California Edison from returning to SJP for one year and are subject to SCE’s current terms and conditions.

Is there a fee for opting out?
San Jacinto Power does not charge a fee for opting out.  If you opt out after 60 days of SJP service, you will be subject to SCE’s current fees and conditions.

Does San Jacinto Power offer a net energy metering program for qualified solar electric and other distributed generation systems?
Yes.  Through our net energy metering program, called SJP NEM, customers with net energy metering systems have the opportunity to receive credits for future energy service and even receive cash back when their system produces excess energy!  As part of SJP NEM, your system’s energy production will be monitored on a monthly basis.  If you use more energy than your system produces in a given month, you will be charged for the energy you draw from the grid.  However, if you produce more energy than you consume, you will receive a credit on your bill that can be applied to charges in future months.  In each April billing cycle, if you have a credit as determined by the SJP Net Energy Metering Schedule, you will receive a check for that amount from SJP.

Are you going to change my meter?
San Jacinto Power provides electricity generation only.  As a Community Choice Aggregation program, our scope is limited to generation services and cannot expand to include metering services.  Therefore, SJP does not have any control over whether or not our customers receive Smart Meters from Southern California Edison.

Will I be able to opt out of a Smart Meter if I join SJP?
SJP provides electricity generation only.  Southern California Edison owns and maintains the energy distribution system, including the meters at your home or business.  So, if you wish to opt out of a Smart Meter, please contact Southern California Edison directly at 1-800-655-4555.

Are any tax dollars used to finance or operate SJP?
SJP is financed by the revenues received from our customers based on the electricity they consume.  SJP is self-funded and does not use any tax dollars, which ensures that any financial benefits directly serve the community.

Can Southern California Edison raise delivery fees on San Jacinto Power customers above those of non-San Jacinto Power customers?
No. Southern California Edison must provide the same rates for all customers in their service area whether or not they receive electricity from San Jacinto Power or another third-party energy service provider.

Does the SJP City Council receive a salary or other payments of benefits for managing SJP?  Who is on the board of SJP?
The San Jacinto City Council governs San Jacinto Power; there is no separate Board of Directors. Governing SJP is a component of their service as City Council Members and no additional compensation is received.