community choice energy: recommendations to future repeater projects

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Sustainable energy for cities and local governments: Community Choice Energy Business models in California Recommendations to future repeater projects December 2016 Silvia Zinetti

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Sustainable  energy  for  cities  and  local  governments:  Community  Choice  Energy  Business  models  in  California  Recommendations  to  future  repeater  projects  December  2016  -­‐  Silvia  Zinetti  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

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Community  Choice  Energy  Existing  CCEs  offer  a  

higher  percentage  of  

renewable  energy  in  their  

electric  service  at  

competitive  prices,  and  in  

only  a  few  years  have  

contributed,  among  other  

benefits,  to  local  and  

regional  renewable  

development,  GHG  

emissions  reduction,  and  

local  clean  energy  jobs  

creation.  

 

Sustainable  energy  for  ci2es  and  local  governments:  Community  Choice  Energy  Business  models  in  California  Recommendations  to  future  repeater  projects  

Introduction  

In  California,  a  new  interesting  business  model  is  evolving  around  Community  Choice  Energy  (CCE),  also  known  as  Community  Choice  Aggregation  (CCA)1,  a  tool  that  allows  “cities  and  counties  to  serve  the  energy  requirements  of  their  local  residents  and  businesses”  (California  Public  Utilities  Commission,  2012).    

CCE  creates  competition  in  the  retail  market,  it  provides  project  financing  for  renewable  energy  and  energy  efficiency  investments,  and  offers  several  benefits  to  a  local  community  by  giving  local  control  over  its  energy  sources,  a  choice  to  the  citizens,  the  potential  to  provide  electricity  to  its  residents  at  lower  costs,  and  a  significant  contribution  to  reduce  the  GHG  emissions.  Existing  CCEs  offer  a  higher  percentage  of  renewable  energy  in  their  electric  service  at  competitive  prices,  and  in  only  a  few  years  have  contributed,  among  other  benefits,  to  local  and  regional  renewable  development,  GHG  emissions  reduction,  and  local  clean  energy  jobs  creation.  

 

                                                                                                                         1  While   Community   Choice   Aggregation   (CCA)   is   the   legal   name   of   the   program,   in   California,   the   expression  

Community   Choice   Energy   (CCE)   is   generally   used   to   express   CCA   as  much   friendlier   and   consumer-­‐facing  phrase.  The  acronym  CCE  is  chosen  in  this  paper  to  avoid  confusion.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cities  and  local  governments  are  increasingly  developing  and  implementing  sustainable  energy  strategies  since  there  is  a  growing  understanding  of  the  importance  of  local  action.  The  “Global  Covenant  of  Mayors  for  Climate  &  Energy”,  a  newly  merged  initiative  between  the  US  Compact  of  Mayors  and  the  EU  Covenant  of  Mayors,  shows  how  cities  and  local  governments  are  once  again  leading  the  way  to  fight  climate  change  (Global  Covenant  of  Mayors  for  Climate  &  Energy,  2016).  

CCE  concept  could  be  the  solution  to  many  cities  around  the  world  as  a  great  tool  to  reduce  the  GHG  emissions  in  a  big  way  and  to  shift  toward  sustainable  energy  in  the  years  to  come.  This  report  aims  at  providing  cities  and  local  governments  with  some  key  points  and  recommendations  to  take  into  consideration  to  develop  a  robust  and  sustainable  CCE  business  model.  The  outcomes  are  based  on  the  recent  analysis  of  two  case  studies,  Marin  Clean  Energy  (MCE)  and  Sonoma  Clean  Power  (SCP)  in  Northern  California.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

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Table  of  Contents  

Introduction  ..........................................................................................................................  1  

What  is  CCE?  .........................................................................................................................  4  

The  Case  Studies  ...................................................................................................................  6  Marin  Clean  Energy  ..................................................................................................................  6  Sonoma  Clean  Power  ...............................................................................................................  6  

The  External  Environment  ..................................................................................................  7  Policy  ........................................................................................................................................  7  Competitors  ..............................................................................................................................  7  Regulatory  ................................................................................................................................  7  Key  Trends  and  Global  Markets  ................................................................................................  7  

The  Business  Model  .............................................................................................................  8  Offer  .........................................................................................................................................  8  Total  Cost  of  Electricity  .............................................................................................................  8  Initial  Process  ...........................................................................................................................  8  Energy  Supply  Portfolio  ............................................................................................................  9  Social  and  Environmental  Benefits  ...........................................................................................  9  

SWOT  Analysis  Results  ......................................................................................................  10  Strengths  ................................................................................................................................  10  Weaknesses  ............................................................................................................................  10  Opportunities  .........................................................................................................................  10  Threats  ....................................................................................................................................  10  

Conclusions  and  Recommendations  ...............................................................................  11  Recommendations  to  future  repeater  projects  .....................................................................  12  The  Strategy  Map  ...................................................................................................................  13  

References  ...........................................................................................................................  14    

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What  is  CCE?  

Community   Choice   Energy   (CCE)   was   established   by   law   in   2002   (California   State   Legislature,  2002).   The   program   allows   cities   and   counties   (e.g.   regional   governments)   to   aggregate   and  procure   the   energy   requirements   of   their   local   residents   and   businesses.   The   figure   below  visualizes  how  a  CCE  model  works  in  California:  

 

 

Figure  1  CCE  energy  model  (Local  Energy  Aggregation  Network,  2015)  

1. CCE  becomes  the  city  or  county’s  default  power  provider,  and  procures  electricity  on  the  market  through  Power  Purchase  Agreements  (PPAs)2  with  one  or  more  energy  suppliers  while  reinvesting  the  profits  in  support  of  (a)  local  renewable  energy  assets  development,  and  (b)  energy  efficiency  programs.  Each  jurisdiction  has  to  pass  an  ordinance  to  participate  in  a  CCE  program  and  to  authorize  customers’  enrollment.  

2. The  utility  continues  to  provide  services  for  the  transmission  and  distribution  of  electricity,  maintains  existing  lines  and  builds  new  ones  if  needed,  and  is  in  charge  of  billing  the  customers.  The  bill  has  two  distinct  categories,  one  for  transmission  and  distribution  (the  utility),  and  one  for  generation  services  (CCE).  The  utility  and  CCE  have  to  file  to  the  

                                                                                                                         2 A PPA is a contract between an Independent power producer (IPP) and a buyer that dictates electricity

production, delivery, and payment.

 

 

 

 

 

   

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California  Public  Utilities  Commission  (CPUC)  a  Utility  Service  Agreement  that  governs  their  relationship.  

3. Customers  within  the  city  or  county  jurisdiction  where  the  CCE  is  created  are  automatically  enrolled  in  the  program  and  benefit  from  affordable  rates,  local  control  of  electricity  flow,  and  cleaner  energy.  CCE  has  to  send  several  notifications  before  and  after  its  launch.  Customers  can  choose  to  opt-­‐out  and  return  to  the  incumbent  utility  for  generation  services  at  any  time.    

CCE  offers  a  “hybrid”  approach  between  the  Investor-­‐Owned  Utility  (IOU)  and  the  municipal  public  utility,  which  have  different  responsibilities  and  regulatory  framework.  The  IOU  is  a  for  profit  organization,  while  the  municipal  public  utility  is  a  non-­‐profit  organization.  They  both  deal  with  all  generation,  transmission,  and  customer  service,  whereas  CCE  deals  with  the  generation  part  only.  Figure  2  illustrates  the  different  energy  models’  value  chain:  

 

Figure  2  Energy  model  value  chain  (Local  Energy  Aggregation  Network,  2015)  

Depending  on  community  goals  and  long-­‐term  objectives,  CCE  can  have  three  different  administrative  frameworks  (Stoner  &  Dalessi,  2009,  p.  51):  

• Joint  Power  Authority  (JPA):  This  multi-­‐jurisdictional  framework  is  a  legal  structure  where  neighboring  cities  and  communities  jointly  implement  a  single  CCE  program  through  a  public,  non-­‐profit  agency.  

• Single  Jurisdiction  /  Enterprise  Fund:  A  single  city  can  start  and  implement  a  CCE  on  its  own.  

• Commercial  Managed  Service:  A  private  for-­‐profit  company  manages  the  CCE  program,  and  assists  in  all  aspects  from  start-­‐up  to  full  implementation.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The  Case  Studies  

Marine  Clean  Energy  (MCE)  and  Sonoma  Clean  Power  (SCP)  are  non-­‐profit  agencies  located  in  Northern  California.  They  were  formed  as  Joint  Powers  Authorities  (JPAs)  in  2008  and  2012  respectively  under  California  law  (California  State  Legislature,  2002).    

Marin  Clean  Energy  

MCE  is  the  first  CCE  in  California  and  started  to  provide  service  to  8,000  customers  in  May  2010,  while  increasing  to  170,000  in  five  years,  in  2015.  MCE  is  currently  serving  customers  in  Marin  County,  unincorporated  Napa  County,  the  cities  in  Contra  Costa  County  of  Richmond,  San  Pablo,  and  El  Cerrito,  and  the  city  in  Solano  County  of  Benicia.  Seven  additional  cities  in  Napa  County  are  in  the  phase  of  join  MCE  throughout  2016,  which  will  increase  the  customer  base  to  approximately  256,000  accounts.  The  agency  is  based  in  San  Rafael  and  is  governed  by  MCE’s  Board  of  Directors,  consisting  of  one  representative  from  each  Member.  A  CEO  and  a  staff  of  about  30  people  run  the  agency.  An  Executive  Committee  and  a  Technical  Committee  provide  the  Board  with  recommendations  for  policy  decisions  making  (Marin  Clean  Energy,  2015a).  

MCE’s  mission  is  “to  address  climate  change  by  reducing  energy-­‐related  greenhouse  gas  emissions  through  renewable  energy  supply  and  energy  efficiency  at  stable  and  competitive  rates  for  customers  while  providing  local  economic  and  workforce  benefits”  (Marin  Clean  Energy,  2016a).    

Sonoma  Clean  Power  

SCP  started  providing  service  to  around  20,000  customers  in  May  2014.  Impressively  this  increased  to  approximately  190,000  in  only  one  year,  in  June  2015.  SCP  currently  serves  eight  cities  (Cloverdale,  Cotati,  Petaluma,  Rohnert  Park,  Santa  Rosa,  Sebastopol,  Sonoma,  and  Windsor)  and  all  of  the  unincorporated  areas  in  the  county.  The  agency  is  based  in  Santa  Rosa  and  is  governed  by  the  Sonoma  Clean  Power  Authority.  The  Board  of  Directors  includes  local  representatives  from  Sonoma  County  and  each  of  the  participating  cities.  A  CEO  and  a  small  staff  of  about  15  people  run  the  agency.  A  Ratepayer  Advisory  Committee,  representing  the  ratepayers  when  reviewing  SCP’s  annual  budget  and  rates,  and  a  Business  Operations  Committee,  in  charge  of  reviewing  SCP’s  internal  operations,  large  business  contracts  and  capital  projects  advise  the  Board.  Members  of  both  Committees  are  volunteers  (Sonoma  Clean  Power,  2015b).    

SCP’s  mission  is  to  “reduce  costs  and  environmental  impacts  of  energy  use  for  customers  throughout  Sonoma  County”  (Sonoma  Clean  Power,  2015a).  

 

 

 

 

 

   

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The  External  Environment  

The  business  model’s  external  environment  that  could  threat  CCE’s  business  model  as  well  as  provide  opportunities  embrace  several  areas  as  markets,  competitors,  key  trends  and  global  markets  dynamic  (Osterwalder  &  Pigneur,  2010).  Key  findings  include:  

Policy    

California  has  strong  climate  and  renewable  energy  goals,  with  increasing  Renewable  Portfolio  Standard  requirements  in  the  total  energy  mix  (California  Energy  Commission,  2016b).  Several  incentives  are  available  at  the  state  level  and  the  federal  level  for  renewable  energy  investments  from  different  sources  (California  Energy  Commission,  2016a)  (U.S.  Department  of  Energy,  2016).  

Competitors  

The  primary  competitor  of  CCE  is  the  incumbent  utility,  PG&E  in  this  study.  Its  competitive  advantages  lay  on  its  vertically  integrated  value  chain,  and  economies  of  scale  for  the  energy  procurement,  while  it  lacks  knowledge  of  local  needs.  Utilities  own  the  majority  of  the  distribution  grid  and  can  lobby  against  CCEs  (PG&E,  2016a).  

Regulatory  

The  utility’s  electricity  delivery  fee  and  the  PCIA  fee,  charged  to  CCE  customers  and  regulated  by  the  CPUC,  are  variable  costs.  An  increase  of  them  by  the  CPUC,  upon  utility’s  proposal,  could  negatively  impact  the  margins  of  existing  CCEs  programs  and  the  new  ones  (Local  Energy  Aggregation  Network,  2013).  

Key  Trends  and  Global  Markets  

The  renewable  energy  industry  continues  to  grow  globally  (REN21,  2016),  providing  clean  jobs  to  millions  of  people  (IRENA,  2015).  New  technology  will  allow  a  better  integration  of  electricity  from  intermittent  resources  while  decreasing  the  overall  cost  of  renewable  energy  (Deloitte  Development  LLC,  2016).  Several  cities  around  the  world  are  taking  the  lead  in  the  renewable  energy  transition.  Furthermore,  there  is  a  shift  in  consumer  behavior  toward  clean-­‐energy  products  and  services  (SolarCity,  CleanEdge,  2015).  

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The  Business  Model  

The  business  model  of  the  case  studies  provides  a  clear  understanding  of  how  the  current  CCE  works  to  provide  value  to  its  customers.  The  key  findings  are  as  follows:    

Offer  

CCEs  are  effective  in  delivering  to  consumers  reliable  electricity  generated  from  renewable  energy.  They  both  offer  a  higher  percentage  of  electricity  from  renewables  (MCE  57%,  SCP  36%)  than  the  utility  (PG&E  27%)  at  competitive  prices  (California  Energy  Commission,  2014).  

Total  Cost  of  Electricity  

CCEs  have  local  accountability  in  the  electricity  generation  rate  setting,  which  accounts  for  approximately  35%  of  the  total  electricity  costs,  and  program  administration,  including  the  selection  of  the  energy  sources.  However,  the  total  cost  of  electricity  is  highly  influenced  by  the  PG&E  delivery  rate  and  the  PG&E  PCIA  fee,  which  together  accounts  for  more  than  65%  of  the  total  cost,  and  are  both  regulated  by  the  CPUC.    Figure  3  provides  an  example  of  2016  residential  rates  for  PG&E,  MCE  and  SCP  (PG&E,  2016b)  (Sonoma  Clean  Power,  2016b).  

 

Figure  3  PG&E,  MCE  and  SCP  residential  electricity  rates  comparison  in  2016  

Initial  Process  

The  initial  process  to  get  CCE  up  and  running  required  considerable  time  along  with  a  consistent  amount  of  capital.  During  their  start-­‐up  phase,  the  capital  was  needed  for  staffing  and  contractors,  program  initiation,  and  working  capital  for  securing  the  electricity  supply  (Marin  Clean  Energy,  2015a)  (Sonoma  Clean  Power,  2015b).  

 

 

 

 

 

   

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Energy  Supply  Portfolio  

CCEs  have  several  energy  suppliers  and  a  diversified  energy  supply  portfolio,  which,  thanks  also  to  long-­‐term  contracts  ensures  generation  price  stability.  The  energy  sources  are  located  both  in  California  and  out  of  state  (Marin  Clean  Energy,  2015b)  (Sonoma  Clean  Power,  2014).  

Social  and  Environmental  Benefits  

CCEs  reinvested  part  of  the  profits  to  support  local  renewable  energy  projects,  providing  clean  energy  jobs,  GHG  emissions  reduction  and  other  benefits.  CCEs  are  also  working  toward  energy  efficiency  programs.  The  following  table  provides  a  summary  of  social  and  environmental  benefits  achieved  by  MCE  and  SCP  since  the  beginning  of  operations  (Marin  Clean  Energy,  2016b)  (Sonoma  Clean  Power,  2016a):  

Table  1  Summary  of  MCE  and  SCP  Social  and  Environmental  Benefits  

  MCE   SCP  

Local  clean    energy  jobs   2,787   n/a  

GHG  emissions  reduction    

122,102  MT3  (2010-­‐2014)  

53,579  MT  (2014)  

Contribution  to  renewable    development4  

20  MW  (Local)  195  MW  (Regional)  

15  MW  (Local)  70  MW  (Regional)  

Energy  Efficiency56  

1,626  MWh  (2014)  414  MWh  (2013)   n/a  

Other  7.7  million  gallons  of  water  saved  $16  million  saved  by  customer  

(2014-­‐2015)  

$13.6  million  in  customer  savings  (2014)  

 

                                                                                                                         3  Metric  tons  4  Completed,  under  development,  or  soon  to  be  under  construction  5  MCE   has   received   ratepayer   funding   from   2013   through   2015   under   the   umbrellas   of   the   CPUC   for   energy  

efficiency   programs.   MCE   has   applied   to   the   CPUC   for   a   more   robust   set   of   programs,   which   will   allow  offering  energy  efficiency  programs  in  each  customer  segments.  

6  While  planning  to  develop  specific  energy  efficiency  programs,  SCP  may  also  seek  program  funding  from  the  CPUC  to  administer  these  energy  efficiency  programs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SWOT  Analysis  Results  

To  analyze  the  programs,  a  SWOT  analysis  was  undertaken.  The  assessment  of  the  strengths,  weaknesses,  opportunities,  and  threats  showed  that  the  business  models  of  the  case  studies  are  very  similar.  Key  findings  are  as  follows:    

Strengths    

The  “Social  and  Environmental”  area  represents  a  key  strength,  in  particular,  the  building  block  “Social  and  Environmental  Benefits”  with  GHG  emission  reduction,  clean  jobs  creation,  and  local  renewable  energy  development.  The  “Financial”  area  is  in  good  shape  with  recurring  revenue  streams  and  frequent  repeat  purchases  in  the  “Revenue  Streams”  building  block.  The  “Offer”  area  is  good.  The  “Infrastructure”  area  is  satisfactory,  it  has  a  strong  “Key  Partners”  building  block  with  a  diversity  of  key  partners.  

Weaknesses  

The  “Customer”  area  is  a  weakness  and  may  need  some  attention.  Significant  weaknesses  in  this  area  for  both  CCEs  are  the  building  blocks  “Customer  Relationships”  where  relationship  quality  does  not  correctly  match  with  customer  segments  and  the  relationship  does  not  bind  customers  through  high  switching  costs,  and  “Channels”  with  a  weak  customers’  reach  and  after  sale  support.  

Opportunities  

Major  common  opportunities  are  identified  in  the  “Social  and  Environmental”  area,  and  in  particular  in  the  building  block  “Social  and  Environmental  Benefits,”  with  additional  GHG  emission  reductions,  a  further  contribution  to  local  renewable  energy  development  and  energy  efficiency  increase.  In  the  “Customer”  area  major  opportunities  are  in  the  building  block  “Customer  Relationships,”  where  it  is  suggested  to  tighten  customers  relationships  and  improve  customer  personalization,  and  in  the  “Channels,”  with  suggestions  to  improve  channel’s  efficiency  and  effectiveness.  In  the  “Infrastructure”  area  a  key  opportunity  is  within  the  building  block  “Key  Partners,”  where  greater  collaboration  with  them  could  increase  the  overall  success.  

Threats  

Although  the  “Customer”  area  is  not  in  danger  itself,  an  important  common  threat  is  identified  in  the  building  block  “Customer  Segments”  where  competitors  are  threatening  market  share.  This  threat  could  negatively  impact  the  “Financial”  area,  which  resulted  as  the  most  endangered  one.  Costs  could  become  unpredictable  and  grow  more  quickly  than  the  revenue  they  support,  and  margins  could  also  be  threatened  by  competitors  or  by  technology.  

 

 

 

 

 

   

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Conclusions  and  Recommendations  

This  report  provides  the  main  findings  of  a  recent  CCE  business  model’s  analysis  of  two  case  studies  in  Northern  California.    

CCE  is  a  great  tool  for  many  reasons,  it  gives  a  low-­‐carbon  choice  to  the  citizens,  it  creates  competition  in  the  retail  market,  and  most  importantly,  it  provides  financing  for  the  development  of  renewable  energy  sources  at  the  local  level7.  The  last  point  is  crucial  for  cities  and  local  governments  that  wish  to  shift  toward  a  more  sustainable  energy  and  decrease  their  overall  GHG  emissions.  The  CCE  model  could  be  the  key  to  a  faster  increase  of  renewable  energy  share  in  the  global  energy  consumption.  

While  California  has  a  favorable  energy  policy  with  ambitious  renewable  energy  and  energy  efficiency  targets,  CCEs  face  strong  opposition  from  the  incumbent  utility,  which  is  also  their  main  competitor.  Any  changes  in  the  rules  and  tariffs  in  the  retail  market  could  negatively  impact  the  CCE  business  model  as  well.    

The  two  CCEs  analyzed  in  the  study  proved  to  be  effective  in  delivering  to  consumer  reliable  electricity  generated  from  renewable  energy  at  competitive  prices.  However,  to  overcome  arising  barriers  and  remain  strong  in  the  market,  CCEs  need  to  leverage  their  internal  strengths,  while  mitigating  their  weaknesses  and  business  risks.  The  next  two  sections  provide  some  key  points  for  future  repeater  projects  and  a  Strategy  Map  providing  strategic  guidance  to  cities  and  local  governments  for  the  replication  of  CCE  model.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                         7  With  the  potential  to  also  finance  energy  efficiency  measures  in  the  future.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Recommendations  to  future  repeater  projects  

Many  complex  elements  have  to  be  brought  together  from  the  beginning  to  ensure  a  successful  CCE.  To  design  a  sustainable  and  robust  CCE  business  model  that  allows  an  increase  in  renewable  energy  and  energy  efficiency  investments  at  the  local  level  some  key  points  are  provided  as  follows:  

Ø Understand  the  external  environment.  The  external  environment  plays  an  essential  role  in  the  design  of  the  business  model.  Different  aspects  need  to  be  taken  into  account,  on  the  country’s  electricity  market,  current  legislation  and  regulation,  and  equally  important,  the  consumer’s  trends  and  choices.  

Ø Create  a  focused  mission  and  long-­‐term  vision.  When  starting  a  CCE,  it  is  important  to  create  a  clear  and  focused  mission  that  reflects  the  organization’s  value  propositions  and  key  objectives.  A  long-­‐term  vision  with  interim  and  measurable  goals  should  be  defined  at  the  very  beginning  and  in  support  of  the  overall  mission.    

Ø Plan  carefully.  To  increase  the  amount  of  renewable  energy  and  energy  efficiency  at  the  local  level,  CCE  needs  to  plan  and  carefully  consider  the  different  renewable  energy  sources  available  locally,  the  funds  to  dedicate  for  the  investments,  and  the  continuous  changes  in  technology.  

Ø Design  a  strong  marketing  campaign.  Competitors  may  lobby  against  CCEs.  A  solid  marketing  campaign  should  be  overseen  before,  during,  and  after  a  CCE  is  in  place  showing  the  CCE’s  tangible  benefits  for  the  citizens.  

Ø Have  a  diversified  energy  portfolio  and  ensure  price  stability.  Market  conditions  can  change  quickly,  and  prices  could  rise  significantly.  It  is  important  to  build  a  strong  and  diverse  portfolio  of  energy  resources  and  to  ensure  price  stability  through  long-­‐term  contracts  for  the  power  purchase.    

Ø Put  a  particular  emphasis  on  customer  &  local  needs.  CCE  is  local,  and  so  it  is  extremely  crucial  to  know  and  fill  local  needs.  Strong  customer  relationship  is  key  to  ensuring  their  loyalty,  along  with  an  effective  communication  channel  that  delivers  the  message  to  them.  

   

 

 

 

 

 

   

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The  Strategy  Map  

The  following  Strategy  Map  visualizes  the  key  objectives  derived  from  the  analysis  and  aims  at  providing  strategic  guidance  to  cities  and  local  governments  that  wish  to  start  a  CCE.  

 

Figure  4  CCE  Strategy  Map    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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About  the  author  

Silvia  Zinetti  is  an  independent  consultant  with  broad  experience  on  sustainable  energy  and  energy  efficiency  policies  and  technologies  at  the  international  level.  Ms.  Zinetti  recently  earned  a  Master’s  degree  in  MBA  Renewables  at  Beuth  University  of  Applied  Sciences  Berlin.  

Ms.  Zinetti  worked  many  years  in  Brussels  where  she  was  deputy  member  of  the  European  Economic  and  Social  Committee,  the  consultative  body  of  the  European  Union,  and  was  appointed  expert  to  several  opinions  on  energy,  transport,  and  industry.  Ms.  Zinetti  contributed  to  different  research  projects  funded  by  the  European  Commission  and  co-­‐authored  numerous  reports  and  publications  on  renewable  energy  and  energy  efficiency.  

For  more  information,  please  contact  [email protected]