Lancaster Energy (Lancaster Choice Energy) Rate Selection Guide
Lancaster Energy (formerly Lancaster Choice Energy) is California's first municipal Community Choice Aggregator, serving roughly 52,580 electric customers in the City of Lancaster. As a CCA, it procures generation while Southern California Edison handles delivery, metering, and billing — so virtually all programmatic data access flows through SCE's Green Button, Share My Data, and CISR systems.
Lancaster Energy (Lancaster Choice Energy) Rate Schedule Comparison
| Schedule | Type | Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOU-GS-1-D | Small commercial | LE generation: summer peak $0.14753/kWh; off-peak $0.08900/kWh | Small shops/offices under 20 kW |
| TOU-GS-2-D | Medium commercial | LE generation: summer peak $0.14341/kWh; demand $25.81/kW | Mid-size facilities 20-200 kW |
| TOU-GS-3-D | Large commercial | LE generation: summer peak $0.13280/kWh; demand $22.08/kW | Large facilities 200-500 kW |
| TOU-8-SEC-D | Industrial | LE generation: summer peak $0.13065/kWh; demand $22.95/kW | Industrial loads greater than 500 kW (secondary) |
| TOU-8-PRI-D | Industrial (primary) | LE generation: summer peak $0.12491/kWh; demand $22.02/kW | Large industrial taking primary voltage |
Market Overview
Lancaster Energy is the default electricity generation provider for customers within the City of Lancaster under California's CCA framework. Customers are auto-enrolled and may opt out to SCE bundled service. SCE remains the regulated delivery utility; generation supply is the competitive layer.
Need to pull your actual usage data to compare rates? See the Lancaster Energy (Lancaster Choice Energy) Data Access Guide →
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Options
Default Lancaster Energy generation product, approximately 35% renewable, priced to be competitive with SCE generation. Auto-enrolled for in-city customers.
100% renewable energy option; customers pay the basic service rate plus a 100% renewable premium charge.
Net energy metering option for customers with behind-the-meter generation; excess annual generation credited at $0.06/kWh.
Customers may opt out of Lancaster Energy and return to SCE bundled generation service.
Current Rate Schedules
Lancaster Energy publishes adopted generation rate schedules that mirror SCE's nonresidential rate structure (SEC = secondary, PRI = primary, SUB = subtransmission voltage; A/B/D/E/R option letters). LE generation charges replace SCE's generation charges; SCE delivery charges are billed separately. Rates below are LE generation energy charges effective August 21, 2024. SCE delivery rates change separately (current SCE schedules as of January 1, 2026).
Effective: August 21, 2024 · Full Tariff Book →
| Schedule | Type | Applicability | Structure | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOU-GS-1 (Small Commercial, Option D) | commercial | Small business with monthly maximum demand under 20 kW (TOU). LE generation rates; SCE delivery separate. | LE generation energy charges (TOU-GS-1-D): summer peak $0.14753/kWh, summer mid-peak $0.13362, off-peak $0.08900; winter mid-peak $0.13914, off-peak $0.09945, super off-peak $0.07544; demand $20.20/kW summer peak. | — |
| TOU-GS-2 (Medium Commercial, Option D) | commercial | Medium customers with demand above 20 kW to below 200 kW (TOU). LE generation rates; SCE delivery separate. | LE generation energy charges (TOU-GS-2-D): summer peak $0.14341/kWh, summer mid-peak $0.13114, off-peak $0.08571; winter mid-peak $0.09823, off-peak $0.09879, super off-peak $0.05394; demand $25.81/kW summer peak. | — |
| TOU-GS-3 (Large Commercial, Option D) | commercial | Large commercial/industrial with registered demand 200 kW to 500 kW (TOU). LE generation rates; SCE delivery separate. | LE generation energy charges (TOU-GS-3-D): summer peak $0.13280/kWh, summer mid-peak $0.12147, off-peak $0.08341; winter mid-peak $0.09560, off-peak $0.09616, super off-peak $0.05252; demand $22.08/kW summer peak. | — |
| TOU-8 (Large >500 kW, Secondary, Option D) | industrial | Large C&I regularly registering demand greater than 500 kW, secondary voltage. LE generation rates; SCE delivery separate. | LE generation energy charges (TOU-8-SEC-D): summer peak $0.13065/kWh, summer mid-peak $0.11950, off-peak $0.08229; winter mid-peak $0.09434, super off-peak $0.05177; demand $22.95/kW summer TR peak, $7.03/kW winter. | — |
| TOU-8 (Large >500 kW, Primary, Option D) | industrial | Large C&I greater than 500 kW taking service at primary distribution voltage. LE generation rates; SCE delivery separate. | LE generation energy charges (TOU-8-PRI-D): summer peak $0.12491/kWh, summer mid-peak $0.11448, off-peak $0.07870; winter mid-peak $0.09041, super off-peak $0.04972; demand $22.02/kW summer TR peak, $8.25/kW winter. | — |
| TOU-EV-8 (Commercial EV Charging) | ev | Commercial EV charging with demand above 20 kW up to 500 kW. LE generation rates; SCE delivery separate. | LE generation energy charges (TOU-EV-8): summer peak $0.45421/kWh, summer mid-peak $0.13212, off-peak $0.10320; winter peak $0.18835, off-peak $0.12052, super off-peak $0.05434 (no demand charge). | — |
Rate Recommendations by Use Case
Large industrial facility (>500 kW)
Take service on TOU-8 at the highest available voltage and aggressively manage summer on-peak demand.
Primary/subtransmission voltage lowers LE generation energy and demand rates; demand charges dominate the bill at this size.
- Pull hourly interval data via SCE Green Button to model peak periods
- Deploy storage to shave the 4-9 p.m. summer peak
- Compare combined LE generation + SCE delivery in the joint rate comparison
Mid-size commercial (20-200 kW)
Use TOU-GS-2 Option D and shift HVAC/process load out of summer on-peak.
Summer on-peak energy ($0.14341/kWh LE) and $25.81/kW demand make peak avoidance the biggest lever.
- Pre-cool before 4 p.m.
- Consider Option E (FRD, no time-related demand) if peak is hard to control
- Authorize a consultant via Green Button Connect for ongoing monitoring
Commercial EV charging / fleet depot
Use TOU-EV-8 or TOU-EV-9 and schedule charging into off-peak/super-off-peak windows.
EV schedules have no demand charge but very high summer on-peak energy ($0.45421/kWh on TOU-EV-8); off-peak charging is dramatically cheaper.
- Charge overnight off-peak ($0.10320/kWh summer off-peak)
- Avoid the 4-9 p.m. window entirely where possible
- Explore SCE Charge Ready incentives for infrastructure
ESG-focused corporate campus
Elect Smart Choice 100% for fully renewable generation while optimizing TOU load.
Lancaster Energy's 100% renewable premium supports clean-energy procurement claims; pair with peak management to control cost.
- Document the 100% renewable premium for ESG reporting
- Benchmark via ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager through SCE
- Use Personal Choice (NEM) if on-site solar is installed
Historical Rate Trends
Lancaster Energy generation rates are adopted annually by the Lancaster City Council; the current published commercial schedule took effect August 21, 2024. SCE's delivery rates change more frequently through CPUC general rate cases and are reflected in the joint rate comparison (SCE rates as of January 1, 2026).
August 21, 2024
Lancaster Energy adopted current commercial, industrial, and general service generation rate schedules.
n/aOverall trend: LE generation rates are positioned to stay competitive with SCE generation; SCE delivery charges have trended upward through successive CPUC filings.
Next expected change: Next Lancaster City Council annual rate adoption (expected 2025-2026 cycle); SCE delivery updates per CPUC schedule.
Cost Optimization Strategies
Because the bill combines LE generation and SCE delivery, C&I customers optimize both layers: shift load off summer on-peak (4-9 p.m.), manage demand, and choose the right generation product.
Shift load out of summer on-peak
For: All TOU C&I schedules (TOU-GS-1/2/3, TOU-8)
Move discretionary load away from the 4-9 p.m. summer on-peak window where Option D/E energy charges and demand charges peak.
Demand-charge management
For: TOU-GS-2/3 and TOU-8
Use battery storage or load staggering to cut peak kW; demand charges run $20-26/kW summer peak on larger schedules.
Voltage-level optimization
For: Large C&I greater than 500 kW
Taking service at primary voltage (TOU-8-PRI) instead of secondary (TOU-8-SEC) lowers both energy and demand rates where feasible.
Match the generation product to ESG goals
For: All commercial accounts
Smart Choice 100% adds a renewable premium; evaluate whether the premium is justified vs. the basic ~35% renewable rate for procurement/ESG targets.
To implement these strategies, you need your 15-minute interval data. Learn how to download Lancaster Energy (Lancaster Choice Energy) interval data →
Deregulated Market Shopping
Within the City of Lancaster, electricity generation is provided by Lancaster Energy (CCA) by default. Customers can opt out to SCE bundled service, and eligible non-residential customers may pursue Direct Access with a competitive ESP subject to CPUC enrollment caps. Delivery always remains with SCE.
How to Compare Lancaster Energy (Lancaster Choice Energy) Suppliers
- 01Review the SCE/LE Joint Rate Comparison to weigh Lancaster Energy generation against SCE generation
- 02Choose a Lancaster Energy product (Smart Choice, Smart Choice 100%, Personal Choice) or opt out to SCE
- 03For C&I load, check Direct Access eligibility and CPUC annual enrollment availability with an ESP
Contract Terms for Lancaster Energy (Lancaster Choice Energy) Supply Agreements
- Lancaster Energy rates are set annually by the Lancaster City Council (no fixed-term contract)
- SCE delivery charges apply regardless of generation provider
- Direct Access ESP contracts have negotiated terms and are subject to CCA/DA cost responsibility surcharges (CRS)
Common Pitfalls When Shopping Lancaster Energy (Lancaster Choice Energy) Rates
- CCA/DA customers pay a Cost Responsibility Surcharge (CRS) and Generation Municipal Surcharge on the SCE delivery bill
- Opting out after the initial enrollment window may involve transition fees
- Compare total generation cost, not just headline rate, when evaluating ESP Direct Access offers
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides my electricity and who do I pay — Lancaster Energy or SCE?▾
Lancaster Energy procures and supplies your electricity generation, while Southern California Edison delivers it and handles metering and billing. You receive a single consolidated bill from SCE that shows SCE delivery charges plus Lancaster Energy generation charges.
How does a consultant or aggregator get my facility's usage data?▾
Through SCE, not Lancaster Energy. The preferred method is SCE Green Button Connect My Data (OAuth 2.0) for registered third parties. Alternatively, submit a signed CISR Form 14-796 to SCE (fees: $9 base plus $7-$35 per service account).
What interval granularity is available for C&I accounts?▾
SCE's Edison SmartConnect AMI provides 60-minute (hourly) interval data, with up to 36 months of history available via Green Button download or CISR. Finer 15-minute granularity is not generally offered.
How are Lancaster Energy commercial rates set and how often do they change?▾
Lancaster Energy generation rates are adopted annually by the Lancaster City Council, giving businesses a predictable outlook. The current commercial schedule took effect August 21, 2024. SCE delivery charges change separately under CPUC proceedings.
Can a large C&I customer opt out of Lancaster Energy?▾
Yes. Customers can opt out to SCE bundled generation service at any time, and eligible non-residential customers may pursue Direct Access with a competitive ESP subject to CPUC enrollment limits. SCE delivery and applicable Cost Responsibility Surcharges still apply.
Does Lancaster Energy offer a 100% renewable option for businesses?▾
Yes. Smart Choice 100% (Clear Choice) provides 100% renewable generation; customers pay the basic service rate plus a 100% renewable premium charge, useful for ESG and clean-energy procurement goals.
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