Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) has announced it will reduce electricity rates in 2026, passing savings on to customers while continuing to invest in reliable, clean energy for the Central Coast, 3CE said.

Beginning Feb. 15, 3CE customers will see an average generation rate decrease of 24%, lowering the cost per kilowatt hour from $0.13 to $0.10, to reflect lower costs in the energy market, as well as disciplined financial management and a commitment to return savings directly to customers, the company said.

3CE’s Policy Board of Directors, comprised of 19 members of the city councils and boards of supervisors in the communities served by 3CE, approved the rate reduction at a special public meeting held Friday, following a comprehensive presentation on 3CE’s cost of energy and operations expenses. 

In addition to responsible and competitive electricity rates, 3CE said it continues to invest in the region through its energy programs, which incentivize electrification and can help customers to use energy more efficiently.

Through programs such as Electrify Your Ride, Electrify Your Home, and the Ag Electrification program, 3CE supports the transition to cleaner technologies, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants across the Central Coast.

For more, visit https://3cenergy.org/rebates-incentives/.

Electricity customers on the Central Coast served by 3CE pay one bill to cover both the cost for their generation service, which is remitted to 3CE, and the cost for the transmission and distribution of that energy, a service provided by PG&E, and in portions of Santa Barbara County, by SCE.

Both PG&E and SCE implemented new rates on Jan. 1, 2026. Generation charges typically account for about one-third of a customer’s total energy bill.

Customers of 3CE may be eligible for state and federal utility bill assistance programs. Eligibility is based on income.

For more, visit https://3cenergy.org/billing/financial-assistance/.