San Jose Clean Energy

What San Jose Clean Energy does

San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE) is a Community Choice Aggregation program operated by the City of San José that procures electricity generation on behalf of approximately 350,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customer accounts within municipal boundaries. Founded in 2019 and governed by the San José City Council, SJCE functions as the default electricity generation provider, achieving a 98% participation rate among eligible customers under California's CCA framework, with PG&E continuing to provide transmission, distribution, and consolidated billing.

SJCE offers two core generation products, GreenSource (62% renewable content, default service) and TotalGreen (100% renewable, opt-up), and layers a growing portfolio of customer-facing programs on top: EcoHome rebates and the EcoHome Contractor Install Bonus for residential electrification (heat pump water heaters, electrification retrofits), EV Instant Rebates and the May 2026 Midday Charging Bonus for transportation electrification, Peak Rewards demand response, SJ Cares bill assistance for income-qualified customers, and Solar Access programs. On the resource side, SJCE has built a multi-gigawatt storage and renewable pipeline through offtake agreements including the commissioned Tumbleweed battery storage project (69 MW / 552 MWh), the Sun Pond solar-plus-storage project (111 MWdc / 340 MWh, advancing 2026), and the Willow Rock compressed air energy storage project (500 MW / 4,000 MWh, expected ~2030).

Commercially, SJCE serves mass-market residential accounts and large commercial and industrial customers including Samsung Semiconductor, eBay, Schnitzer Steel, and the City of San José itself. Revenue is generated through electricity generation charges incorporated into customer bills, supplemented by capacity payments from utility-scale storage assets and capacity/ancillary services revenue. SJCE partners with PG&E for delivery and billing, Uplight for customer engagement and DER platforms, FranklinWH for residential battery VPP integration, and developers Longroad Energy, Hydrostor, and REV Renewables / LS Power for resource procurement. The organization co-participates in California Community Power for joint procurement of clean energy resources.

Name

San Jose Clean Energy

Legal name

City of San José

Website

https://sanjosecleanenergy.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

San Jose Clean Energy is the City of San José's Community Choice Aggregation program, serving about 350,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers as the default electricity generation provider with 62% and 100% renewable product options.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Choice Aggregation (Retail Electricity Supply)

NAICS

Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211), Electric Power Generation (22111)

SIC

Electric Services (4911), Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900)

akta.pro primary industry

Green Tariffs & Utility Renewable Supply Programs (EUAGADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Residential DER Aggregation & VPPs (Solar+Storage, Smart Home, Community) (EUAFAHAA), EV Charging & Fleet VPP Aggregation (Managed Charging, V2G, Depot/Highway) (EUAFAHAC), DER Aggregation & Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) (EUAMAJAC)

Keywords

• Community choice aggregation
• Renewable electricity supply
• Clean energy programs
• Residential demand response
• Energy efficiency rebates

Headquarters

HQ city

San Jose

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Electricity Generation Service: San Jose Clean Energy generates revenue by sourcing and selling renewable electricity to approximately 350,000 customers in San Jose. As a not-for-profit community choice aggregator, revenues are used to cover costs and reinvested into community programs, with any savings returned to customers through lower rates or program investments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

San Jose Clean Energy is a Community Choice Aggregation program that procures and supplies renewable electricity to San José residents and businesses as the default generation provider, offering GreenSource (62% renewable) and TotalGreen (100% renewable) service tiers. The portfolio extends beyond electricity supply to demand response earnings (Peak Rewards), home and transportation electrification rebates (EcoHome, EV Instant Rebates), and income-qualified affordability programs (SJ Cares, Solar Access), delivered through PG&E's distribution grid with a single consolidated bill.

Product overview

San Jose Clean Energy is a community choice aggregation (CCA) program operated by the City of San José that provides clean electricity generation services as an alternative to PG&E. The core offering consists of GreenSource (62% renewable standard service) and TotalGreen (100% renewable premium upgrade), supplemented by customer assistance programs including SJ Cares (discounted rates for income-qualified customers) and Solar Access (subsidized solar for disadvantaged communities). The product portfolio includes demand response programs (Peak Rewards for All, Peak Rewards for Smart Homes, Peak Rewards for Business) and electrification incentives (EcoHome Rebate, EcoHome Network, EcoHome Payment Plan, EcoHome Contractor Install Bonus, Go Electric Advisor, EV Instant Rebates, Midday Charging Bonus). SJCE connects to smart home devices through Uplight's FlexSaver platform and integrates with Google Nest, Sensi thermostats, FranklinWH batteries, Emporia EV chargers, and Optiwatt for automated demand response.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TotalGreen: 100% renewable energy service option for customers wanting carbon-free electricity generation from solar farms.
• EcoHome
• Peak Rewards
• SJ Cares
• Solar Access
• Go Electric Advisor
• EcoHome Network

Products and services

• GreenSource Default Community Choice Aggregation electricity generation service providing 62% renewable energy at rates lower than PG&E, available to all residential and commercial customers in San José.
• TotalGreen Premium 100% renewable energy upgrade from GreenSource costing approximately $4 more per month than standard service, with electricity generated from carbon-free solar farms.
• SJ Cares Discount program for CARE and FERA customers providing an additional 10% off SJCE generation rates, combining with state discounts for the lowest rates in San José; 60% renewable energy sourcing.
• Solar Access Program providing 100% solar energy at 20% off electricity bill for CARE/FERA customers living in qualifying disadvantaged communities, with no rooftop solar panel installation required.
• EcoHome Rebate Customer rebate program for replacing gas appliances with heat pump HVAC ($1,500–$2,500), heat pump water heaters ($2,500–$3,500), and battery storage paired with solar, with add-on rebates for panel upgrades, attic insulation, and EV circuit prewiring.
• EcoHome Payment Plan Interest-free financing program providing up to $5,000 for heat pump installations and battery storage, repayable over 2, 3, or 5 years through monthly electric bills at 0% APR with no credit check.
• EcoHome Contractor Install Bonus Pilot program paying vetted contractors up to $6,000 ($1,000 per installation) for completing up to six heat pump installations, limited to 15 contractor businesses to accelerate home electrification.
• EV Instant Rebates Instant point-of-sale rebates of up to $4,000 for new EVs and $2,000 for used EVs (battery electric only, under $60,000) at participating San José car dealerships, available to SJCE customers meeting income qualifications or enrolled in CARE/FERA.
• Peak Rewards for All Behavioral demand response program where residential customers manually reduce energy use during peak hours (4–10pm) in response to alerts, earning $0.50/kWh reduced in winter (Nov–Apr) and $1.00/kWh in summer (May–Oct) with no penalty for non-participation.
• Peak Rewards for Smart Homes Smart device demand response program enrolling Wi-Fi connected thermostats, EV chargers, and battery storage for automatic energy adjustments during Peak Rewards Events, with enrollment bonuses up to $240 for batteries, quarterly per-kWh payouts, and integration with Google Nest, Sensi, FranklinWH, Emporia, and Optiwatt devices.
• Peak Rewards for Business Demand response program enabling commercial customers to reduce energy use during peak hours and earn credits on electricity bills, supporting data centers, multi-family properties, and other San José businesses.
• Midday Charging Bonus Add-on incentive to managed EV charging rewarding SJCE customers $0.057/kWh (up to $160/year) for charging EVs between 9am–2pm when solar generation is most abundant.
• Go Electric Advisor Free live assistance service helping SJCE residential customers navigate home electrification decisions including electric appliances, EVs, and EV charging infrastructure.

Quantifiable outcome

• $6M+ savings for 75,000 customers through SJ Cares program in 2024
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc.coreTechnology or Integration · 10 June 2026FranklinWH's FranklinWH System has been approved for SJCE's Peak Rewards for Smart Homes virtual power plant program. Homeowners can earn payments by discharging stored battery energy to the grid during peak demand hours. Program supported by Uplight for demand response coordination and Derapi for API infrastructure connecting FranklinWH Systems to grid management software.
• Longroad EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 May 2026Longroad Energy's Sun Pond solar and storage project (111 MWdc solar / 85 MWac / 340 MWh storage) delivers renewable energy to SJCE customers under long-term power purchase agreement. Project is part of Sun Streams Complex totaling nearly 1.6 GW of solar and storage capacity.
• UplightcoreTechnology or IntegrationUplight hosts the FlexSaver portal for Peak Rewards Program where customers can see results, receive alerts, and track participation. Uplight works with dozens of device partners to support smart device enrollment in demand response programs.
• Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPG&E delivers electricity through their grid infrastructure to SJCE customers. SJCE provides generation service while PG&E handles delivery, billing, and grid maintenance. SJCE charges appear on PG&E bills.
• Ava Community EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAva Community Energy jointly receives renewable energy delivery from Sun Pond solar and storage project with SJCE under long-term power purchase agreements with Longroad Energy.
• California Community PowercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCalifornia Community Power signed 50 MW offtake agreement with Hydrostor for Willow Rock Energy Storage Center (500 MW / 4,000 MWh Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage). Six CCA members including SJCE participate in agreement supporting California's clean energy goals.
• HydrostorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHydrostor developing Willow Rock Energy Storage Center - 500 MW / 4,000 MWh Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage project expected online 2030. First utility-scale project in US using compressed air and water technology. California Community Power agreement supports six CCAs including SJCE.
• REV Renewables / LS PowerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerREV Renewables and parent company LS Power commissioned Tumbleweed Energy Storage facility (69MW/552MWh) in Kern County, California - first 8-hour duration lithium-ion BESS in state. SJCE developed in partnership with California community choice aggregators including CC Power Joint Powers Agency.
• San Jose City CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSan Jose City College partners with SJCE and City of San Jose on TOP Scholarship supporting students in Trades Orientation Program created by Working Partnerships USA. Prepares participants for careers in building and electrification trades.
• Working Partnerships USAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreated Trades Orientation Program (TOP) at San Jose City College to prepare participants for careers in building and electrification trades. SJCE TOP Scholarship bridges funding gap for students.
• EcoHome Network ContractorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of 60+ vetted contractors in San Jose eligible to perform EcoHome Rebate and Payment Plan installations. Includes 'High Road Contractor' badge for contractors meeting workforce standards including prevailing wages and health benefits.
• Energy Solutions (Dealer Support)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEnergy Solutions handles dealer support for EV Instant Rebate program. Dealers contact [email protected] or (408) 915-0026 for enrollment and program questions.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Uplight: Uplight is the energy software vendor operating SJCE's FlexSaver portal for the Peak Rewards demand response program. Comparable as an enabling technology partner that powers customer enrollment, device integration (thermostats, EV chargers, batteries), and incentive management for SJCE and dozens of other utilities and CCAs.

Direct peers

• Sonoma Clean Power: Sonoma Clean Power is a CCA serving ~245,000 customers across Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Directly comparable to SJCE through the shared CPUC CCA framework, tiered renewable products, and overlapping program mix including EV rebates, demand response, and local workforce development initiatives.
• CleanPowerSF: CleanPowerSF is the City and County of San Francisco's CCA program serving approximately 380,000 customers. Directly comparable to SJCE as a municipal CCA with tiered renewable products (Green/SuperGreen), default enrollment, and similar program offerings for electrification and demand response in an urban California setting.
• Pioneer Community Energy: Pioneer Community Energy is a California CCA serving approximately 90,000 customers in Placer and Nevada counties. Comparable to SJCE through the shared CCA operating model, tiered renewable products, and EV rebate programs, though at smaller scale and in a different region.
• MCE Clean Energy: MCE Clean Energy (formerly Marin Clean Energy) is a California Community Choice Aggregator serving approximately 600,000 customers across Marin, Napa, Contra Costa, and Solano counties. It is directly comparable to SJCE as both operate under the same CPUC CCA framework, default-enroll customers, offer tiered renewable products, and run demand response and electrification programs.
• Peninsula Clean Energy: Peninsula Clean Energy is a CCA serving San Mateo County with ~290,000 customers. It is a direct peer to SJCE — same California CCA model, default enrollment, tiered renewable products (ECOplus/ECO100), and similar electrification rebate programs — and shares Bay Area customer demographics and regulatory environment.
• Ava Community Energy: Ava Community Energy (formerly East Bay Community Energy) is a CCA serving Alameda County with ~600,000 customers. SJCE and Ava jointly receive renewable energy from Longroad's Sun Pond project, and both operate under the same CPUC CCA model with tiered renewable products and demand response programs — making Ava a directly comparable operational peer.
• Silicon Valley Clean Energy: Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a CCA serving ~275,000 customers across 13 communities in Santa Clara County, including cities adjacent to San Jose. Directly comparable to SJCE in scale, geographic proximity, customer base (tech workers), product tiers (GreenStart/Green100), and program mix including EV incentives and grid services.

Broad incumbents

• Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD): SMUD is a vertically integrated municipal electric utility serving ~1.6 million customers in Sacramento County. Comparable to SJCE as a publicly-owned California utility with renewable generation, demand response programs (including a residential VPP), and aggressive decarbonization goals, but it owns generation, transmission, and distribution rather than operating as a CCA.
• Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E): PG&E is California's largest investor-owned utility and SJCE's incumbent competitor as well as its distribution and billing partner. Comparable as the regulated utility whose generation service SJCE displaces for San Jose customers, and against whom SJCE's GreenSource rates must compete on price.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sjcleanenergy
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@sanjosecleanenergy
• Facebookfacebook.com/SJCleanEnergy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sjcleanenergy
• Instagraminstagram.com/sjcleanenergy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about San Jose Clean Energy