a program enacted at the state level that allows local governments to procure power on behalf of their residents, businesses, and municipal accounts from an alternative supplier while still receiving transmission and distribution service from their existing utility provider.
Pros
Allows communities to utilize their collective purchasing power to purchase renewable energy and direct the proceeds to other community initiatives.
Cons
Requires passage of state legislation; even then, starting up a CCA can be difficult due to limited credit history and operational experience
Real Talk
The CCA model is showing incredible potential and represents the purest alignment of energy and the economy. CCAs and municipalization to form a public power utility are currently the strongest paths to community control of their respective renewable energy destinies.