Marin Voice: Leadership needs to make some changes at MCE

MCE needs an independent audit and governance reform.

About 82% of Marin utility customers use the community-choice aggregator formerly known as Marin Clean Energy. That high number is an expression of our county’s support for renewable energy, steering our utility dollars to put electricity on the Pacific Gas & Electric Co.’s grid generated by wind, sunshine and water.

In the face of the Trump administration’s extreme efforts to dismantle almost all programs addressing climate change caused by carbon emissions and other human activities, MCE is an important way that we can take action. Marin County faces challenges from wildfires, sea-level rise and extreme weather events, all influenced by climate change. The heavy rainfall combined with king tides that produced flooding over the New Year’s break were a reminder that the risks are present and growing, not just concerns for the future.

MCE launched in Marin in 2010 under legislation enacted after failed deregulation of utilities that led to blackouts, price spikes and PG&E bankruptcy. MCE now serves 38 communities in four counties.

Last year, the Independent Journal published an important series of articles on MCE, exposing financial losses and an unwieldy organizational structure.

In the past year, financial reports showed a $100 million difference between the budget and actual expenses at the $800 million agency. Some elected officials who serve on MCE’s bloated 34-member board, and have heavy experience in finance and accounting, have raised critical questions about the nonprofit public entity’s finances and challenged the leadership of CEO Dawn Weisz and staff.

One director, Ross Councilmember Matt Salter — a chartered financial analyst, was removed from the board by his Ross colleagues last May, apparently for asking too many questions. Other MCE board members from Marin, including Belvedere Mayor Sally Wilkinson and Larkspur Mayor Stephanie Andre, continue to perform their oversight duties, which I strongly support. Near the end of 2025, the board voted to create a finance committee that’s separate from the executive committee. It’s an important first step, but more needs to be done.

I believe Weisz has wielded too much control over the board and should embrace a more collegial approach.

At a January board meeting, Andre called out MCE’s claim of funding “100% fossil-free power since 2018” in a document put forward for board approval containing “factual inaccuracies, contradictions and misleading information.”  Andre cited records from the California Energy Commission showing MCE with over 100 natural gas contracts in 2022 alone, proving that the claim is false.

I have some recommendations on moving forward.

First, MCE needs to be thoroughly audited by an impartial, outside expert — not a consultant hired by MCE officials. My first choice is the California state auditor.

Second, the governance structure must be reformed. In a recent commentary (“MCE should reconsider board’s structure,” Nov. 2), IJ political columnist Dick Spotswood described the 34-member board as “dysfunctional” and the current situation as a “fiasco.” I agree, and support Spotswood’s proposal to trim the board to nine members.

Third, we must see a strong commitment to transparency and accountability, which are clearly missing today.

Taken together, these developments point to a troubling disconnect between MCE’s stated mission, its public messaging and its internal practices. Marin residents overwhelmingly support MCE because we believe in clean energy, local control and responsible stewardship of public funds. That trust depends on honest reporting, effective oversight and a governance structure that encourages rigorous questioning rather than suppressing it.

The issues raised by investigative reporting, board members and financial data are not partisan or ideological — they are matters of basic accountability. Addressing them forthrightly is essential if MCE is to retain public confidence and fulfill its promise.

Weisz has been CEO since MCE’s inception. In most respects, she has done a good job. If she can get the message and lead the necessary changes to deliver transparency and accountability, I will support her continuation as CEO. If not, it’s time for her to resign.

Curtis G. Aikens Sr., of Novato, is a chef and author. He is running for the Marin County Board of Supervisors District 5 seat.