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What the new energy vote means for your Coronado home

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As Coronado moves through the San Diego Community Power approval process, local homeowners are watching what the change could mean for billing, timing, and household energy service.

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On February 17, 2026, the Coronado City Council voted to begin the process of joining San Diego Community Power (SDCP), the community choice aggregation (CCA) the city selected as its preferred provider. While the vote didn’t switch anyone’s service overnight, it moved the Village into a new phase of a process that could eventually change who purchases electricity for local homes and businesses.

For anyone watching local policy, the takeaway is straightforward: if Coronado completes the approval process and joins, San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) would still deliver electricity, maintain poles and lines, and send the bill. The potential change is on the electricity procurement side, meaning who buys the power and what mix of energy sources is behind it.

 

Your quick recap

 

 

  • The vote: Earlier this year, Coronado voted to start the process of joining San Diego Community Power (SDCP), which is a community choice aggregation (CCA).
  • The timeline: If approved, service through the CCA could begin on or after January 1, 2028.
  • The utility role: SDG&E will continue to handle power delivery, infrastructure maintenance, and billing.
  • Consumer choice: Homeowners will have the option to remain with the new program or opt out to stay with SDG&E.

What does a CCA actually change?

A community choice aggregation—or CCA—allows a local government to choose who procures electricity on behalf of its residents, while the existing utility continues handling the “poles and wires.” California established this framework through Assembly Bill 117 in 2002 to give communities more control over their energy sources.

By joining an existing regional program rather than creating a new utility from scratch, Coronado aims to meet the sustainability goals outlined in its 2022 Climate Action Plan. This allows the city to pursue cleaner energy options while relying on the same infrastructure that currently serves houses for sale in Coronado.

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The timeline from vote to service

The journey from a council vote to actual service involves several regulatory and analytical milestones. Here’s how the process is expected to unfold through 2026 and beyond:

  • February 17, 2026: Coronado voted to initiate the joining process.
  • By June 30, 2026: The city requests three years of historical electricity-use data from SDG&E to share with the CCA.
  • By Aug. 15, 2026: A review of Coronado’s electricity load must be completed to ensure financial stability.
  • By Aug. 30, 2026: Coronado City Council must hold a second vote, this time with SDCP’s analysis in hand.
  • September 2026: SDCP’s board would consider Coronado’s admission and, if approved, move to amend its Joint Powers Agreement.
  • By Oct. 31, 2026: Coronado and SDCP would both need to formally adopt the amended Joint Powers Agreement, making Coronado a voting member and adding city representation to SDCP’s board.
  • Jan. 1, 2028: Earliest projected start date for Coronado customers.
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If Coronado joins San Diego Community Power, SDG&E would still handle delivery and billing, while electricity generation would shift to the CCA.

What should Coronado homeowners expect from the CCA?

The most important distinction for residents is the difference between delivery and generation. SDG&E stays in charge of the physical grid. If you have a power outage, you still call SDG&E. The change is strictly behind the scenes in the CCA electric generation portion of the bill.

Most customers are automatically enrolled in the standard “PowerOn” service unless they choose to opt out. This preserves local choice, allowing residents to stay with the default, move to a 100% renewable tier, or remain entirely with SDG&E.

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How much could the cost change?

Costs are a little more specific. SDCP publishes rate comparisons, but the actual difference depends on a household’s usage, rate schedule, and service tier. For 2026, SDCP projects that an average residential customer using 341 kWh per month would save about $2.10 on PowerOn and $5.56 on PowerBase, while Power100 would cost about $1.31 more per month. Those differences apply to the CCA electric generation portion of the bill only; SDG&E delivery and transmission charges would still remain

 

Your questions, answered

 

 

  • Will I still get a bill from SDG&E, or two separate bills?
    San Diego Community Power says customers receive one bill from SDG&E. Community Power shows up as a line item on that bill, replacing the electric generation charge that would otherwise go to SDG&E.
  • Can Coronado residents opt out and stay with SDG&E?

Yes. Residents can opt out at any time. Those who return to SDG&E within 60 days of the launch are transitioned at the next meter read, while those who wait longer may have a 12-month waiting period before they can switch back again.

  • How does joining a CCA affect my existing rooftop solar panels and NEM credits?
    The physical panels and your connection to the grid remain the same. The billing for solar credits is simply divided: SDG&E manages credits for delivery, while the community choice aggregation (CCA) manages credits for the generation portion.
  • Will my power be less reliable?
    No. SDG&E remains responsible for the physical grid—the poles, wires, and maintenance—and is legally required to provide the same service level to all residents. If an outage occurs, you still call SDG&E. Joining San Diego Community Power as a community choice aggregation (CCA) only shifts who procures the electricity, ensuring the electric generation remains stable for homeowners and those considering Coronado houses for sale.

Expert insight for an evolving market

Decisions regarding local energy are part of the broader effort to keep Coronado a forward-thinking and sustainable place to live. As these policies evolve, they become part of the narrative of the neighborhood, influencing how residents manage their homes and how buyers view the long-term value of Coronado houses for sale.

Whether it’s a shift in energy procurement or a new community initiative, staying informed is key to navigating the local market. Scott Aurich and Tyler Mathews keep a close eye on the decisions that shape life on the island. With 900+ homes sold in Coronado and $2 billion+ in sales, they bring the local knowledge and experience to guide your next move.

Call 619.992.0808, send an email, or follow the team on Instagram to learn more.