Energy

Silicon Valley is home to an emerging business cluster in clean and green energy, such as solar power, in addition to being a competitively-priced power market.

Energy efficiency is critical to all businesses. With escalating energy costs nationwide, business owners and executives are always on the lookout to save on their energy bills. The electricity and natural gas providers in Silicon Valley offer consulting services to help you design energy efficient buildings and production processes. They work hard to keep their costs down while adopting technologies keep the air clean and reduce global warming emissions.

Silicon Valley's energy needs are served primarily by Pacific Gas & Electric, while two cities, Palo Alto and Santa Clara, operate municipally owned utilities.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)

PG&E is the largest utility in California and the U.S. to provide both natural gas and electricity. The company offers businesses a wealth of technical knowledge and experience to help increase energy efficiency and lower costs.

For valuable information about PG&E's programs, visit their Business Rebates & Incentives Information page.

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Calpine Corporation

The restructuring of California’s energy marketing in the late 1990’s opened the door for independent power companies to build and operate power plants, an activity once reserved for utilities such as PG&E and Southern California Edison. Widely recognized as an energy industry leader, Calpine, is headquartered right here in San Jose.

Consistent with our valley's clean energy focus, Calpine is the world's largest geothermal power producer.

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Silicon Valley Cities That Provide Energy

City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) is the only municipal utility in California that operates city-owned utility services that include electric, fiber optic, natural gas, water, and wastewater services. The utility has a goal of purchasing 10% of its electricity from renewable sources such as wind power, and provides incentives for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels, and for energy and water conservation. Since 1896, CPAU has been providing quality services to the citizens and businesses of Palo Alto.

Silicon Valley Power (SVP) provides electricity, water and sewer services to businesses and residences in City of Santa Clara. A recent survey found that SVP provided the lowest combined water, sewer and electric rates in the San Francisco Bay Area. SVP offers renewable energy source power, rebates, and free energy audits. The Optimal Power Use Service provides cost saving consulting services to help businesses manage their energy costs. For over a century, Santa Clara businesses have enjoyed an advantage over businesses in surrounding cities with Santa Clara's excellent electric and water services, and competitive rates.

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Core Gas Aggregation Service

The Core Gas Aggregation Service allows small commercial enterprises to purchase natural gas and electricity directly from competitive suppliers known as Core Transport Agents (CTA). Delivery of natural gas is handled by PG&E. CGAS suppliers can often provide customers with price protection, alternative billing methods and cost savings.

PG&E maintains a list of Core Transport Agents - see this page for more information.

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For information on state-wide rates, regulations, maps, incentive programs, and more, see the following websites:

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