The Agricultural Energy Consumers Association (AECA) represents the interests of more than 40,000 agricultural operations from Redding to San Diego. AECA members include the state’s leading agricultural associations, water agencies, farmers, ranchers, producers and food processors. AECA members share a common concern of ensuring affordable and reliable energy resources throughout California.

Combatting the out-of-control costs of energy continues to be our primary goal.

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Key Issues

State mandated programs and requirements are rapidly increasing energy costs for California farming and food processing operations compared to the rest of the nation – making our business climate more challenging. California’s energy rates have risen on average 42% in just the last three years and up to 110% over the last decade.

AECA’s primary mission is simple and straight forward:

• Advocate for fair, just, reasonable, stable and competitive energy rates and policies.
• Encourage energy efficiency and on-farm renewable energy development.
• Educate the farming and food processing community on energy programs and opportunities to lower costs.

If left unchecked, California’s already expensive energy rates will continue to rise.

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Legislative and Regulatory Goals

AECA was formed more than 30 years ago by California farmers and ranchers concerned about rapidly rising energy rates and constantly changing rate structures and price signals. Our primary focus remains on eliminating costly mandates and promoting energy efficiency to support California’s food production sector in the face of growing energy demands and regulatory pressures.

• Eliminate Costly State Mandates That Are Driving Energy Rates Higher
• Enhance Energy Affordability – Achieve legislative or regulatory changes that lock in stable, predictable and affordable energy rates specifically tailored for agriculture operations and food and fiber processors, minimizing exposure to out-of-control energy costs.
• Expand Renewable Energy Incentives – Continue state incentives for renewable energy projects on farms and processing facilities, such as solar, wind and bioenergy, making clean energy adoption more affordable.
• Improve Access to Grid Infrastructure – Ensure agricultural operations can easily connect to and upgrade grid infrastructure, promoting resilience and enabling new renewable installations.
• Increase SGIP and NEM Capabilities for Food Production – Expand eligibility for the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) and Net Energy Metering (NEM) to allow for more affordable on-farm renewable energy generation and storage.
• Expand Self-Production Opportunities – Create programs specifically for food production resilience projects, including microgrids, on-site energy production and storage solutions that reduce dependence on costly grid power.
• Work with utility regulators to tailor energy rates specifically for agricultural needs, ensuring options that recognize seasonal energy demands.

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