Date of Graduation

Fall 12-13-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Deneb Karentz

Abstract

For almost 10 years Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), or community based energy programs, have been developing and or providing clean energy resources to both commercial and residential customers in various regions around the United States. Although there are several programs in communities in the surrounding regions of California, this study focuses on a specific California program known as MCE. This research examines the feasibility of Dominican University of California (DUoC) transitioning from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to becoming a client of MCE in the future. Out of the 19 community energy programs currently available in the state, MCE is the local choice for the University if a transition is to be made. The Sustainability Committee for the University not only brought forth the proposal to transition but was also responsible for carrying out the analysis captured in this research.

The analysis discussed in this paper utilizes a predictive commercial rate calculator, provided by an MCE program contact, in order to assess each individual utility account attributed to the spaces on the University campus. It is imperative that regardless of the utility provider being used, all energy consumption needs of the University campus need to be met whether or not it is clean, renewable energy. Upon thorough analysis of the 2018 utility bills for the University it became apparent that, regardless of the renewable package that could be opted for with MCE, the University campus would not only be breaking even, possibly saving money in the transition, but would also be preventing thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from entering the environment. It would not only be financially responsible but also communally responsible for DUoC to make the transition to a cleaner energy resource provider.

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