A less well-known middle ground between a fully regulated utility monopoly and full retail deregulation exists in a growing number of communities.
How CCA programs work
Community Choice Aggregation lets a city or county aggregate its residents' electricity demand and negotiate power supply on their behalf, often with a focus on higher renewable energy content, while the incumbent utility continues to handle delivery and billing. Residents are typically automatically enrolled but can opt out and stay with the traditional utility default supply if they prefer.
Different from full retail deregulation
Unlike the individual-choice model in states like Texas, CCA is a community-level (not individual) choice — the local government picks the supply arrangement for the whole area, and residents opt out individually rather than each shopping among many competing suppliers.
Where CCA programs exist
California has the most extensive CCA landscape, with numerous programs across the state; a smaller number of other states (including Illinois, Ohio, and Massachusetts) have some form of CCA or municipal aggregation as well. Availability is specific to your city or county, not a statewide guarantee even in states where the model exists.
What it means for your bill and solar
A CCA typically doesn't change your delivery charge (still set by the incumbent utility) but can change your generation/supply rate and often the renewable energy percentage in your mix. Net metering and solar interconnection generally remain governed by the underlying utility's rules, not the CCA program itself — check your specific area's terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I opt out of a Community Choice Aggregation program?
Yes — CCA programs typically allow residents to opt out and return to the traditional utility's default supply, though the specific opt-out process varies by program.
Does a CCA program affect my solar net metering terms?
Generally the underlying utility, not the CCA, continues to set net metering and interconnection rules — check your specific program and utility's documentation, since details can vary.