Equity in Community Choice Aggregation: A Case Study of Boston’s Community Choice Electricity Program

Keywords: Community choice aggregation, energy justice, energy democracy, just transition, energy governance
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Tuesday
Session Start / End Time: 3/1/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 3/1/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 10

Abstract

In the race to decarbonize the energy system, disparities and injustices may arise. Alternative energy procurement models can provide cleaner and more equitable energy while enhancing local climate resilience. One such model is Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) which allows local municipalities to procure electricity on behalf of its customers. CCA currently serves more than 5 million customers across the U.S. and is expected to grow in the following years. However, research on CCA programs centers on their contributions to renewable energy procurement and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. To understand the benefits, challenges, and areas of improvement for CCAs in terms of equity, we examine the City of Boston’s recently implemented program, known as Community Choice Electricity (CCE), by interviewing city officials, community members, and experts who were involved with the design and implementation of the program. Boston’s program is guided by principles of environmental justice and follows a traditional CCA models (1.0) that purchases cleaner and more affordable energy electricity from the wholesale market. However, this type of CCA program misses opportunities to support other equity issues, such as democracy, decentralization, and community development, that guide other emerging CCA models (2.0, 3.0).