Central Coast Community Energy Breaks Barriers to Ag Electrification, Offers DC Fast Charger Rebates and Technical Assistance

February 21, 2023

Concierge Service Helps Ag Customers Transition to Electric Equipment 

MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 21, 2023 – Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) announced today that it will provide a Concierge Service to Ag customers choosing to install Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC) on their properties. This innovative Ag electrification concierge service is the first of its kind in the state of California, which is the largest agricultural producer and exporter in the country.  

Based on growing customer demand for streamlined solutions that make operating electric farm equipment easier and more convenient, the Concierge Service will help customers evaluate their property, design a charging station plan, navigate bids from contractors, provide construction guidance, and apply for rebates. Customers will receive a plan that includes costs, rebates, tax credits, and a complete “how-to” guide. Customers can receive up to $100,000 for their DCFC project.  

“3CE is listening to its customers’ needs,” said 3CE Senior Customer Accounts Manager Gabe Ruiz. “We’re excited to work with Frontier Energy to personalize the electrification experience and provide free technical service for our Ag customers. Our service area stretches from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara, with 96% of eligible Ag customers participating in 3CE. We want to help our customers every step of the way when taking on electrification projects.” 

The adoption of sustainable agricultural equipment, such as electric irrigation pumps, tractors, and utility vehicles, is crucial to California’s fight against climate change and to meet the state’s ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. Switching to electric equipment improves air quality and healthier working conditions for farm workers and Central Coast communities.  

In December 2022, 3CE made $2.15 million available to Ag customers, enabling the local industry to replace fossil fuel-powered equipment with new, all-electric equipment. 3CE has distributed more than $1.2 million in rebates from its past three Ag Electrification programs, which were all fully subscribed.  

About Central Coast Community Energy  

Central Coast Community Energy is a public agency that sources competitively priced electricity from clean and renewable energy resources. 3CE is locally controlled and governed by board members who represent each community served by the agency. Revenue generated by 3CE stays local and helps keep electricity rates affordable for customers, while also funding innovative energy programs designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate economic development. 3CE serves 444,000 customers throughout the Central Coast, including residential, commercial, and agricultural customers in communities located within Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz counties. Learn more at 3CEnergy.organd on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  

For more information: 

Central Coast Community Energy 

Lena Wallace 

Communications Specialist 

831-641-7206 

lwallace@3ce.org