Utilities, Commercial, Finance, Industrial, Sourcing Renewables  -  September 25, 2017

Facebook switches to community choice RE option

Social media giant Facebook has switched all electric accounts at its Menlo Park, Calif., headquarters to participate in a 100% renewable energy program created by a newly established California electricity supplier. 

Formed as a joint powers authority in 2016, Peninsula Clean Energy is a public, locally controlled community choice energy program made up of all San Mateo County, including its 20 cities that began serving large customers in April, according to a Sept. 21 news release. By opting into PCE's ECO100 program, Facebook became its largest corporate customer. 

Customers of PCE are automatically enrolled in a program offering electricity that is 50% renewable and 80% greenhouse gas emissions free at a rate 5% lower than that of California's largest utility, PG&E, according to the release. Its ECO100 program provides electricity priced at "a slight premium" that is 100% renewable and 100% greenhouse gas emissions free. 

"Facebook is committed to being a good neighbor and that includes reducing its potential impact on
the environment," Facebook Sustainability and Community Outreach Manager Lauren Swezey said in a statement. "We're excited to enroll in Peninsula Clean Energy's ECO100 energy option, which will reduce our carbon footprint and help Menlo Park reach its local climate action goals."

Facebook has a goal to reach 50% renewable energy in its electricity supply mix for its data centers in 2018, with a longer-term goal of reaching 100% for its entire supply. According to PCE, more than 4,200 customer accounts are enrolled in ECO100.

According to PCE, more than 4,200 customer accounts are enrolled in ECO100.

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