Concerns with new power system

A new source of energy for residents and businesses is one step closer to making its way to the Central Coast.

The project is called Monterey Bay Community Power and those backing it plan to develop an alternative to Pacific Gas and Electric. It’s a move that not everyone is in favor of though.

Monterey Bay Community Power is a regional project that plans to bring more green energy to the Central Coast.

Before that can happen, local cities and counties are deciding whether to get in on the plan or not.

It claims to be a way to bring in renewable energy and possibly even lower your power bill.

The Monterey Bay Community Power project has been in the works for more than three years.

Many in the community have spoken out in favor of joining as soon as possible.

Some are urging Monterey County to put its decision on hold.

“It’s possible that the Monterey Bay Community Power could be a good idea if it’s governed well” said Paul Farmer, CEO of the Salinas Chamber of Commerce. “But we’re concerned that there are a lot of questions about it that are just not really being answered.

Farmer says one of his concerns is that the project may favor other Central Coast areas more than Salinas.

“It seems like Santa Cruz County and a few people down there are really the driving force behind this which is well and good” Farmer says, “But one of our questions is do their values mimic what the values are for Salinas Valley.

All cities and counties that agree to the plan, will make up a governing structure. Each with a say in how the project moves forward.

In a meeting Tuesday, Monterey County supervisor John Phillips said he was ready to back it.

“I did a lot of research my staff did a lot of research, I became convinced that if it’s done right and run right it can save us money and make us grand” said Supervisor Phillips. “I had a lot of my constituents that were strongly in favor of it which is something you’ve got to listen to your constituents.”

Phillips says he still has a few things he hopes to see moving forward.

“My two concerns is one that we keep it as open and viable so that we have as much opportunity to be in the competitive market” said Phillips. “And two any projects we have is done with local labor.”

Other Central Coast communities have been in discussions to join Monterey Bay Community Power.