Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Noelia Corzo, Supervisor, District 2
Subject: Presentation by Peninsula Clean Energy and Approval of Administrative Amendment to Paragraph 2.2 of the Peninsula Clean Energy Joint Powers Agreement Reflecting the Peninsula Clean Energy Name Change to WestLight Energy
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation to:
A) Adopt a resolution:
1. Approving the amendment to Paragraph 2.2 of the Peninsula Clean Energy Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to reflect the Peninsula Clean Energy Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 2025-36 approving the selection of the new market-facing name of WestLight Energy, and reflecting the name change throughout the JPA as necessary; and
2. Authorizing the Chief Executive Officer of the County of San Mateo to execute any documents and take any actions necessary to effectuate the amendment of Paragraph 2.2 of the Peninsula Clean Energy JPA and reflecting the name change throughout the JPA as necessary consistent with this Resolution; and
B) Presentation on Agency Activities.
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BACKGROUND:
On October 23, 2025, the Peninsula Clean Energy Authority Board of Directors voted to adopt a new market-facing agency name of WestLight Energy following extensive research and a lengthy stakeholder engagement process. The name was selected in part to address several challenges that limit the effectiveness of the name Peninsula Clean Energy with deeper decarbonization goals across Peninsula Clean Energy’s service territory, including ongoing confusion with PG&E. The acronym “PCE” is often mistaken for PG&E, causing persistent brand confusion. Further, Peninsula Clean Energy reflects a geographic limitation given that the word “Peninsula” no longer reflects PCE’s full-service territory. The Peninsula Clean Energy Board of Directors’ October 23, 2025, action included direction to amend the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to formally reflect the new name.
DISCUSSION:
The action before the Board of Directors is not a reconsideration of the name itself. The Peninsula Clean Energy Board of Directors has already approved the name change to WestLight Energy. Member agencies are now required to approve an administrative amendment to Paragraph 2.2 of the JPA to formally update the agency’s legal name in that paragraph to WestLight Energy, and throughout the JPA document.
Approval of the Resolution ensures that the County of San Mateo remains aligned with the governing documents of the Joint Powers Authority and allows Peninsula Clean Energy the opportunity to implement the name transition to WestLight Energy in coordination with its 10-year anniversary and broader brand rollout.
In addition to consideration for approval of the amendment to the JPA, the Board of Supervisors will receive an update on agency activities.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Reducing brand confusion with PG&E may improve clarity for non-English-speaking customers and other residents in navigating multiple utility providers, increasing access to affordable clean energy programs and benefits available through the agency. Increasing enrollment among low-income residents and those in historically underserved communities would expand access to clean energy bill savings and other benefits that directly improve affordability and quality of life.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Fiscal Impact to the County of San Mateo. Costs associated with the rebranding effort are borne by the Peninsula Clean Energy Authority and were included in its adopted budget.