Santa Monica: first US city to convert to renewable energy

On Tuesday, February 23, 1999, Santa Monica City Council voted to convert from energy generated by coal, oil, nuclear and other sources, and begin to use electricity generated exclusively from renewable sources.

Commonwealth Energy was selected as the exclusive renewable energy provider after an extensive screening process and a Request For Proposal (RFP) was sent out by the city.

Fourteen different energy providers answered the bid by submitting proposals.

The partnership between the City of Santa Monica and Commonwealth Energy calls for Commonwealth to supply green power to facilities as large as the Santa Monica Airport to facilities as small as the public bathrooms on the beach.

To meet the increasing demand for green power, Commonwealth Energy has negotiated several contracts for site-specific sources.

“Switching to green power allows Santa Monica to play our role in reducing climate change, gases and eliminating other emissions which cause severe health problems,” said Craig Perkins director of the Department of Environmental and Public Works.

Susan Munves, Santa Monica’s conservation coordinator said, “Commonwealth was awarded the bid because they offered a highly competitive price, but perhaps of even greater importance is their commitment to advancing the green power market and the protection of our environment not only in Santa Monica, but in communities throughout California.”