Ever look at your PG&E bill in Woodland and wonder why “Valley Clean Energy” shows up on it? You are not alone. Between delivery charges, generation credits, and something called PCIA, it can feel confusing fast. This guide breaks down what each line means, how Valley Clean Energy fits in, and what choices you have as a homeowner or buyer in Woodland. Let’s dive in.
What is Valley Clean Energy?
Valley Clean Energy (VCE) is Woodland’s local Community Choice Aggregator. It has served Woodland, Davis, Winters, and unincorporated Yolo County since 2018. VCE buys your electricity supply, while PG&E still delivers it, maintains the grid, reads your meter, and sends one monthly bill. In Woodland, you are automatically enrolled with VCE, but you can opt out if you prefer. Learn more in VCE’s FAQs.
One PG&E bill, two roles
You still receive a single PG&E bill. The bill separates PG&E’s role from VCE’s role so you can see what you are paying for.
- PG&E lists Electric Delivery Charges for wires, meter service, programs, and taxes.
- A separate section shows Valley Clean Energy Electric Generation Charges for the electricity VCE buys on your behalf.
PG&E collects your full payment and then passes VCE’s generation revenue to VCE. See PG&E’s overview of how CCAs and billing work in the PG&E CCA consumer page.
Where to find VCE charges
VCE has an interactive sample bill that shows exactly where the VCE generation line appears and how it fits with PG&E’s delivery lines.
The generation credit
Because VCE supplies your electricity, PG&E applies a “generation credit” on its side of the bill so you are not billed twice for generation. Your total cost equals PG&E delivery charges plus VCE generation charges, plus certain PG&E charges that always apply to all customers.
Key charges on a Woodland bill
VCE generation charge
This is what VCE charges to supply your electricity. It replaces PG&E’s generation charge that you would see if you stayed on PG&E generation. See the breakdown in VCE’s bill guide.
PG&E delivery, franchise, and taxes
These are PG&E’s costs to deliver power to your home, maintain the grid, read meters, and fund required programs and taxes. They remain on your bill whether your generation comes from VCE or PG&E. PG&E explains this structure in its CCA page.
The PCIA exit fee
The Power Charge Indifference Adjustment, often called the exit fee, appears in the PG&E section. It helps recover above-market costs from older power contracts. The PCIA is set through a state process, changes over time, and is assigned by “vintage,” which means the year tied to your service transition. Because the PCIA can move up or down, it can affect your total bill. Get details in the CPUC’s CCA FAQ.
What does VCE cost?
Short answer: it depends on your usage, your PG&E rate schedule, delivery charges, and the current PCIA. VCE states that it aims to be competitive with PG&E generation when you account for PCIA. For current comparisons, check VCE’s residential rates and joint rate information at VCE residential rates.
If you use about 400 kWh in a month, your total cost will be PG&E delivery plus VCE generation plus PG&E non-generation items like PCIA and taxes. The exact totals change, so use your own bill and the VCE comparison page to verify your numbers.
Your options and how to choose
Stay with standard VCE
The default VCE service includes a mix of eligible renewable and carbon-free sources. VCE’s public materials have historically reported about 42 percent eligible renewable and about 75 percent carbon-free for the standard product. Always review the current power content label in VCE’s Terms and Conditions.
Opt up to UltraGreen (100% renewable)
You can choose VCE’s UltraGreen product for 100 percent renewable energy. VCE has historically priced UltraGreen at about 1.5 cents per kWh more than standard service. For a 400 kWh month, that is about 6 dollars extra. See enrollment details in VCE’s FAQs.
Opt out to PG&E generation
Prefer to stay with PG&E for generation? You can opt out online or by phone using your PG&E account number. VCE explains timing and steps in its FAQ page.
Discounts and baseline programs
If you receive CARE, FERA, or Medical Baseline, you keep those benefits. VCE applies applicable generation discounts for eligible customers. Confirm current program details at VCE residential rates.
Solar homes and true-up timing
If you have rooftop solar, VCE enrolls you in its NEM program. VCE credits monthly excess generation at retail value plus a 1 cent per kWh bonus. At annual true-up, surplus energy is paid at the wholesale Net Surplus Compensation rate plus a 1 cent per kWh bonus. True-up timing follows PG&E’s schedule unless you select a different cadence. Get the specifics in VCE’s solar and NEM page.
Selling or buying a solar home? Check the PG&E true-up month before closing. Switching around that date can change who pays out any accumulated credits. Ask for the latest bill and confirm the true-up timing to avoid surprises.
EVs and time-of-use rates
VCE does not change PG&E’s rate schedules. If you are on a PG&E TOU or EV rate, those same windows and rules apply to your VCE generation charges. See the utility’s overview of CCA billing and rates at the PG&E CCA page. If you charge an EV overnight, make sure your rate plan matches your habits.
Quick checklist for buyers and sellers
- Ask for the last 12 months of PG&E bills and confirm the PG&E true-up month if the home has solar.
- Decide whether to stay with VCE standard, opt up to UltraGreen, or opt out to PG&E generation.
- Verify any CARE, FERA, or Medical Baseline benefits and that they carry over.
- Note your PG&E rate plan and TOU windows if you have an EV or heavy evening usage.
- Keep your PG&E account number handy for any service changes with VCE.
Need a local guide?
If you are planning a move in Woodland or nearby Central Valley communities, we can help you make sense of utility costs during your home search or sale. Connect with Amber W. Torres for practical, locally grounded real estate guidance.
FAQs
Why do I still pay PG&E if I use VCE?
- PG&E delivers your power, maintains the grid, reads your meter, and issues the single bill, while VCE supplies the electricity itself. See the PG&E CCA overview for how billing is split.
What is the PCIA on my Woodland bill?
- The PCIA is a PG&E charge that recovers costs from older power contracts and is set through a CPUC process. It varies by “vintage” and can change year to year. Learn more in the CPUC’s CCA FAQ.
Will my total bill be lower with VCE?
- It depends on usage, delivery charges, your rate plan, and the current PCIA. VCE aims to be competitive, but you should compare your own numbers using the VCE residential rates page.
Do CARE, FERA, or Medical Baseline discounts still apply with VCE?
- Yes. Eligible customers keep these benefits, and VCE applies generation discounts where applicable. Check current program details at VCE residential rates.
How do I opt out or choose UltraGreen in Woodland?
- Use your PG&E account number to change service online or by phone through VCE. See steps and timing in VCE’s FAQs.
If I have solar, how does VCE credit my power?
- VCE credits excess generation at retail plus a 1 cent per kWh bonus and pays annual surplus at wholesale NSC plus 1 cent per kWh. Review details and timing at VCE’s solar and NEM page.
