Pioneer Community Energy is a Joint Powers Authority among the cities of Auburn, Colfax, Grass Valley, Lincoln, Nevada City, Placerville, Rocklin, the Town of Loomis, and the Counties of El Dorado and Placer for the unincorporated areas of the Counties. In 2027, Pioneer will be expanding its service to the Counties of Colusa, Nevada, Sutter, Butte, Tuolumne and Glenn, the Cities of Colusa, Williams, Yuba City, Live Oak, Willows, Oroville, Chico, Sonora and Orland and the Town of Paradise. Pioneer was created to provide local control over the electric supply with one of its primary goals to provide lower and more stable electricity rates to the residents and businesses within its member jurisdictions. Pioneer purchases the electric supply, while PG&E transmits and delivers the power over PG&E’s poles and wires. Pioneer is a not-for-profit government organization. As a local government agency, Pioneer does not pay income taxes, and unlike an investor owed utility, Pioneer does not make distributions to shareholders. Pioneer invests in the local community through lower rates and programs that benefit local residents and businesses. Pioneer also sets the rates for electricity that it procures and provides to its customers. Pioneer’s rates are stable and competitive when compared to PG&E. Enrollment started in February 2018, and was automatic, subject to a customer’s choice to opt-out, which ensures fair and equal access to the benefits of Pioneer electricity rates and programs for all ratepayers. The Pioneer Community Energy offices are located in the Placer County community of Rocklin.
