Lancaster to offer residents alternative to Edison energy

LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC) -- Lancaster city officials said Thursday that they plan to offer residents energy directly from the city at a reduced price.

Beginning in October, residents will be able to choose whether they want to utilize the city's new energy program or if they want to continue using Southern California Edison as an electricity provider.

Lancaster Choice Energy is a locally operated and controlled electrical power provider. City officials said the company harnesses its energy using solar panels and wind turbines.

"It has a huge ripple effect for Lancaster's economy, because there's now more money in the economy," Lancaster Mayor Rex Parris said.

According to city officials, Lancaster Choice Energy does not replace Edison, only their electric generation services. The new methods will generate higher renewable energy content at more affordable rates, city officials said.

"It is a step in the right direction in regards to our elderly," he said, referring to Lancaster's elderly residents who refrain from turning on their air conditioning during the city's scorching summer months out of fear that they could not pay the bill.

Officials said residents have the option to opt out of the new plan, but if they don't, they will automatically be placed into the city's new energy plan in October. Residents looking for more information on the new energy source can visit Lancaster Choice Energy's website.