Pico Rivera's PRIME Energy Program Proves Beneficial for the Ecology and City's Infrastructure

In the city of Pico Rivera, residents and businesses now have the opportunity to produce their own energy at home or work, thanks to the Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy (PRIME) programme. This Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) initiative provides cleaner and more affordable electricity options, allowing participants to offset their power costs and even sell any excess power back to PRIME.

PRIME is locally governed by the City Council of Pico Rivera, ensuring tailored programmes, projects, and initiatives that cater to the community's unique needs. For more information about PRIME, visit www.poweredbyprime.org.

The financial model of PRIME reinforces its commitment to sustainable growth and community investment. By maintaining historically competitive rates and funding local programmes, projects, and initiatives without relying on the City's General Fund, PRIME demonstrates its dedication to the city's future.

Unlike traditional utility companies, PRIME keeps wealth within the city, ensuring each generation has a stake in building a sustainable community. Participation in PRIME is optional, allowing residents to opt-out if they prefer traditional energy providers.

Historically, PRIME participants have saved up to 9 percent on their monthly utility bills. By sourcing electricity from renewable sources and encouraging energy-efficient practices, PRIME reduces the strain on the electricity grid while supporting California's transition to clean energy.

PRIME focuses on increasing the share of renewable energy, including solar, in the community's electricity mix, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The initial investment for PRIME in 2016-2017 was approximately $110,000, and today, it operates with an annual budget of around $23 million.

The community-centered reinvestment of PRIME amplifies cost savings by funding local projects directly through PRIME's revenues. Every dollar spent with PRIME stays local, ensuring that energy dollars are reinvested directly back into the community.

City official Ferrer emphasised that PRIME's focus is on keeping resources local for future generations. According to Ferrer, every energy dollar spent through PRIME benefits the local community, supporting neighbourhood projects and strengthening Pico Rivera. Profits from PRIME are not distributed to shareholders, but reinvested locally, making PRIME a self-sustaining investment in the community.

At present, it appears that no other cities have joined similar locally controlled energy programs like the Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy program. However, the success and benefits of PRIME in Pico Rivera may inspire other cities to follow suit in the pursuit of sustainable, community-focused energy solutions.

Pico Rivera's PRIME Energy Program Proves Beneficial for the Ecology and City's Infrastructure