Ava Community Energy
Community Advisory Committee Chair Report to the Board
December 17, 2025
1. Customer Programs Strategic Roadmap (CSA), CAC Letter • In November, the CAC voted to reject the proposed CSA with Deloitte. • The Committee has since transmitted a letter of support for the Customer Programs Strategic Roadmap (attached), affirming our commitment to advancing customer-focused programs.
• The CAC emphasized a “no fear” policy framework for future RFPs and contractor engagements, ensuring equity, transparency, and respect for immigrant communities.
• Vice Chair Souza noted community recommendations, including Dohee Kim’s suggestion to move projects in-house or engage trusted community contractors. • The CAC requests a report-out on the Resilience Hub initiative from Emerald Cities Collective (lead consultant) and Local Clean Energy Alliance at our January/February meeting, to assess what is working and what needs improvement. • The CAC voted to approve the letter of support for the roadmap, with a minor edit changing “ownership” to “buy-in.”
• The vote passed unanimously except Member Pete Stevenson, who opposed.
2. On-Bill Credits for CARE/FERA Customers
• The CAC unanimously voted to support Option B, aligning with staff’s recommendation to provide an equal bill credit of approximately $80 to all active CARE/FERA customers.
• Public commenter Audry Ichinose emphasized that this consensus demonstrates “we are all in this together” and highlighted the need for a strong communication pipeline to distinguish Ava from PG&E.
• Member Davis Harper noted that the bill credit will encourage customers to remain enrolled with Ava.
• Member Peter Weiner raised the question of whether surplus funds could also support home retrofits and energy efficiency investments in the future.
3. Value Proposition Adjustments (2026 Financial Forecast) • The CAC supported Option B, maintaining Renewable Energy Credit (REC) levels while adjusting the Brilliant 100 premium to 1.75¢, covering about $6.6 million of the $10 million deficit.
• Staff were given flexibility to address the remaining ~$3.4 million gap through operational adjustments.
• The motion passed with all members in favor except Member Pete Stevenson, who opposed.
• In discussion, Member Peter Weiner cautioned against reducing solar procurement and recommended the higher Renewable 100% premium to preserve funding.
• The Committee adopted this adjustment, leaving staff discretion to close the gap. • The motion passed with all members in favor except Member Stevenson, who opposed.
4. CAC Guide Updates & Term Extensions
• The CAC supported staff’s proposed updates to the CAC Guide, including incorporation of unincorporated San Joaquin County and extension of all current terms to April 30, 2026.
• The Committee also recommends allowing Member Cynthia Landry to continue for an additional fifth term, recognizing her tenure and interest in continued service.
5. Future Agenda Items
• The CAC requests a presentation in January on how Ava will address the increase in AI-related electrical demand on the grid.
• The CAC requests a report-out on the Resilience Hub initiative from Emerald Cities Collective and Local Clean Energy Alliance at the January/February meeting, to assess what is working and what needs improvement.
Closing
The CAC remains committed to advancing Ava’s mission of equitable, community-driven energy solutions. We appreciate the Board’s consideration of our recommendations and look forward to continued collaboration.
Attachments:
• CAC Letter of Support for the Customer Programs Strategic Roadmap Dear Ava Board,
We want to express our appreciation for the efforts of the staff on Ava’s “Customer Programs Strategic Roadmap.” The CAC considers this program to be a high priority.
This work encompasses critical projects, including:
1. Ava Bike Electric Rebate Program
2. Ava SmartHome Charging – Managed Sharing Program
3. Ava Charge (DC fast charging sites)
4. Critical Municipal Facilities
5. Health-e Communities Pilot
6. Building Efficiency Accelerator
7. SmartHome Battery (solar and storage incentive program)
8. The Resilience Hub initiative
9. Any new programs that will come out of the public workshops We support the BOD’s decision to not move forward with the proposed contractor. The CAC feels that this is the best course of action for Ava customers and the community.
The CAC supports the overall goals of the Customer Program Strategic Roadmap which is structured to attract customers and encourage community input and buy-in of Ava’s programs. We also agree with the idea of developing a policy or a framework of policies and actions that promote no fear in support of future requests for proposals.
Our clear intention is to get the Customer Programs Strategic Roadmap back on track as quickly as possible with an organization that respects immigrants as a core constituent. If Ava cannot find a contractor, Ava could consider developing the program in-house.
We would like to present this matter as an action item for the greater CAC, serving as an adjunct to the original proposal offered by staff during the November 2025 CAC meeting.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Best regards.
The CAC