Agenda packet — California Choice Energy Authority (CalChoice) Board of Directors, April 29, 2026

City of Lancaster, The Energy Room
44933 Fern Ave, Lancaster, CA. 93534
Members of the public can observe the livestream of the meeting via Zoom by clicking:
https://cityoflancasterca-gov.zoom.us/j/89080929282
or telephonically by dialing:
(253) 215-8782
Meeting ID: 890 8092 9282
This meeting will be held in person. As a convenience for the public, the meeting may also be accessed by Zoom and will be available by computer or telephone audio as indicated above. Because this is an in-person meeting and the virtual component is not required, but rather is offered as a convenience, if there are any technical issues during the meeting, this meeting will continue and will not be suspended.

Members of the public may also participate in this meeting at the following locations:

Members of the public can provide public comments in writing or orally in person as follows:

Written Comments: If you are unable to participate in person and you wish to make a comment, you may submit written comments up to 4 hours prior to the meeting via email to:

[email protected]. All written comments will be posted online and become part of the meeting record. Public comments received in writing will not be read aloud at the meeting.

Oral Comments: Members of the public can address the Board on items on the agenda at the time the item is being addressed or during Public Comments for topics that are not listed on the agenda. Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes each. In conformance with the Brown Act, no Board action can occur on items presented during Public Comment.

If you desire to speak during Public Comment and are in person, please fill out a speaker card and submit it to CalChoice staff. If you are participating in a remote location, please identify yourself with a CalChoice representative. When you are called to speak, please come forward to the podium and state your name. To address the Board regarding an item on the agenda, please fill out a speaker card and submit it to the Board Secretary before the Board Chair announces the item.

City of Pico Rivera City Hall
6615 Passons Blvd.,
Main Conference Room
Pico Rivera, CA 90660

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lancaster Energy
George Harris, Chair
Santa Barbara Clean Energy
Alelia Parenteau, Vice Chair
Apple Valley Choice Energy
Guy Eisenbrey
Energy for Palmdale’s
Independent Choice
Janelle Samson
Pico Rivera Innovative
Municipal Energy
Steve Carmona
Pomona Choice Energy
Chris Diggs
Rancho Mirage Energy Authority
Jessica Pulliam
San Jacinto Power
Tom Prill

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2 California Choice Energy Authority Special Board Meeting Agenda April 29, 2026

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

BOARD COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

PUBLIC COMMENT
.

New Business
Item 1: Energy Development Feasibility Ad-Hoc Subcommittee Report

RECOMMENDATION
Receive Energy Development Feasibility Ad-Hoc Subcommittee Report.

Item 2: Receive report on FY 2025/26 Projected Results and FY 2026/27 Proposed Budget and Provide Input

RECOMMENDATION
Receive report on FY 2025/26 Projected Results and FY 2026/27 Proposed Budget and Provide Input.

BOARD MEMBER QUESTIONS

BOARD MEMBER REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
NEXT MEETING: Regular Board Meeting Tuesday May 19, 2026 1:00pm, City of Lancaster If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable modification or accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), please contact [email protected] prior to the meeting for assistance.
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STAFF REPORT
California Choice Energy Authority
4/29/26
RJ
Date: April 29, 2026
To: Chair Harris and Authority Members
From: Energy Development Feasibility Ad-Hoc Subcommittee Item 1: Energy Development Feasibility Ad-Hoc Subcommittee Report Recommendation:

Receive Energy Development Feasibility Ad-Hoc Subcommittee Report.

Fiscal Impact:

Fiscal Impact is estimated to be $210,000 to complete all phases. If directed, this amount will be added to the FY 2026/27 Budget for Board consideration.

Background:

Chair Harris appointed an Ad-Hoc Subcommittee, made up of Chair Harris and Board Members Guy Eisenbrey and Jessica Pulliam for the purpose of looking into the feasibility and options surrounding CalChoice Member ownership of energy generation facilities, specifically renewable energy generation. The Subcommittee met and the results of their meeting is the attached Draft Energy Development Feasibility Scope of Services to identify an expert to assist with the options identification and feasibility.

Pacific Energy Advisors, CalChoice’s technical expert that provides energy portfolio management services, reviewed the draft Scope of Services, and had the following recommendation:

Break the project up into two phases: 1) a Preliminary Study (inclusive of Tasks 1 and 2); and 2) a Technical Study (inclusive of Tasks 3 - 11). The purpose of breaking into phases is to focus on what CalChoice is interested in achieving as well as what’s actually possible (considering existing supply commitments and potential portfolio impacts) before obligating more financial resources and time in developing additional technical specifics. The results from Phase 1 could be used to prepare a Request for Proposals to identify a development consultant that would assist CalChoice in completing tasks 3 – 11 in the attached Draft Scope. The estimated time to complete Phase 1 is 2 – 3 months and Phase 2 is 3 – 6 months.

Attachment:

A. Draft Energy Development Feasibility Scope of Services. 000003
Item 1 Attachment A
1 Project Scope
Feasibility Study for Energy Storage/Generation Facility Client: California Choice Energy Authority Joint Powers Authority Location: Lancaster, California
California Choice Energy Authority Joint Powers Authority California Choice Energy Authority (CalChoice or Authority) is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) formed under California law to procure and manage energy resources on behalf of participating public agencies and their communities. The Authority was established to expand local control over electricity supply, increase the use of renewable energy resources, and provide cost-competitive power options for customers within participating jurisdictions.

The eight CalChoice members operate Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs, which allows local governments to aggregate the electricity demand of residents and businesses while the existing investor-owned utility continues to deliver power, maintain the transmission and distribution system, and handle customer billing. Under this model, CalChoice is responsible for electricity procurement, resource planning, and portfolio management, including the acquisition of renewable energy generation and energy storage resources.

The Authority is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of representatives from its member public agencies. The Board establishes energy procurement policies to assist its members in meeting their renewable energy procurement requirements, renewable energy goals, achieve and maintain cost eKectiveness and electric rates competitive with the investor owned utility and support local economic development and clean energy jobs. , As part of its long-term energy procurement strategy, the Authority is evaluating the feasibility of developing or procuring utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) resources in or near Lancaster, California. The proposed feasibility study will evaluate whether the development or acquisition of such PV and BESS assets would provide economic, reliability, and environmental benefits to the Authority and its members.

The member agencies of CalChoice are the cities of Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Barbara, San Jacinto, Pomona, Pico Rivera, Rancho Mirage and the Town of Apple Valley.
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Item 1 Attachment A
2 1. Project Background
The Authority is evaluating the feasibility of developing, procuring, or partnering to construct a utility-scale or distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) generation facility with integrated battery energy storage system (BESS) to supply renewable electricity to its member agencies and customers.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the Authority should:

1. Develop and own a power generation facility.

2. Procure power through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or similar contract structure.

3. Enter a joint development partnership with a private developer.

4. Acquire existing renewable generation assets.

Generation technology may include renewable options such as:
• Solar PV and battery systems that generate electricity from sunlight while battery storage systems store electrical energy for later dispatch to meet demand or provide grid services.
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell power technology is a way to generate electricity using hydrogen gas as a fuel. Instead of burning the fuel like a normal engine, it produces electricity through a chemical reaction, making it very clean and eKicient. • Other power generation technology may be recommended and considered based on feasibility.

The feasibility study will provide technical, financial, regulatory, and operational analysis to inform a potential investment decision. The study should specifically evaluate how potential resources integrate into member CCA portfolios, including impacts on cost stability, capacity value, and long-term procurement strategy

2. Objectives
The consultant shall evaluate the feasibility of developing a power generation facility and provide recommendations regarding:
• Technical feasibility
• Financial viability and funding mechanisms
• Ownership/procurement structure
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Item 1 Attachment A
3 • Regulatory requirements
• Risk profile
• Implementation roadmap
• Evaluation of portfolio integration value, including capacity value, cost hedging potential, and alignment with evolving regulatory requirements

3. Scope of Work
Task 1 – Project Initiation and Data Collection
The consultant shall:
• Conduct kickoK meeting with CalChoice staK and consultants. • Identify project objectives and evaluation criteria
• Collect and review relevant information including:
o JPA load profiles
o Existing power supply portfolio
o Power procurement contracts
o Transmission access
o Potential project sites
o Interconnection capacity
o Land ownership constraints
Deliverable:
• Project Work Plan
Task 2 – Energy Demand and Resource Analysis
The consultant shall analyze current and forecasted electricity demand and renewable resource availability.

Work shall include:
• Historical load analysis
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Item 1 Attachment A
4 • Future load growth projections
• Solar resource analysis for the CalChoice member regions • Evaluation of seasonal and hourly load matching
• Evaluation of capacity value and peak demand reduction • Evaluation of resource capacity value, including potential contribution to system and local reliability needs
• Assessment of alignment between resource production profiles and member load shapes
Deliverable:
• Load and Resource Assessment Memo
Task 3 – Technology and System Configuration Analysis
Analysis shall include:
• Energy production modeling
• Storage dispatch modeling
• Reliability and resiliency benefits
• Grid services opportunities
• Evaluation of dispatch strategies to optimize revenue, capacity value, and grid services participation
• Assessment of long-duration storage or alternative technologies where appropriate to enhance reliability and market value
Deliverable:
• Technology Options Assessment
Task 4 – Site Identification and Screening
The consultant shall evaluate potential project locations including:
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Item 1 Attachment A
5 • Identification of optimal locations based on transmission availability, congestion, and nodal pricing considerations
• Evaluation of curtailment risk and ability to deliver energy to load-serving entities • Consideration of sites to include Cal Choice or Member-owned land as well as beyond member-owned land, including strategic regional locations • CalChoice or Member-owned land
• Public land
• Privately owned sites available for lease or acquisition Screening criteria shall include:
• Resource Viability;
• Land availability and zoning
• Environmental constraints
• Proximity to substations
• Transmission interconnection capacity
Deliverable:
• Site Screening Report and Shortlist
Task 5 – Interconnection and Grid Integration Assessment The consultant shall evaluate:
• Transmission access
• Substation capacity
• Interconnection requirements
• Potential grid constraints
• Preliminary assessment of deliverability and potential capacity accreditation • Identification of interconnection risks, timelines, and cost variability across candidate sites
Tasks include:
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Item 1 Attachment A
6 • Preliminary interconnection screening
• Coordination with utilities and system operators
• Assessment of interconnection costs and timelines
Deliverable:
• Interconnection Feasibility Memo
Task 6 – Regulatory and Permitting Analysis
The consultant shall evaluate regulatory and permitting requirements including:
• Local land use approvals
• Environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) • State and federal permits
• Utility interconnection approvals
Deliverable:
• Regulatory and Permitting Strategy
Task 7 – Financial and Economic Analysis
The consultant shall prepare financial models evaluating project economics under multiple scenarios.

Analysis shall include:

Capital Costs
• Solar PV installation
• Battery storage system
• Site development
• Interconnection infrastructure
Operating Costs
• Operations and maintenance
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Item 1 Attachment A
7 • Battery augmentation and replacement
• Land lease costs
Revenue and Value Streams
• Energy sales
• Capacity value
• Grid services
• Renewable energy credits (RECs)
Participation in wholesale market opportunities, including strategies for optimizing dispatch and monetizing excess generation Financing Structures • Direct ownership
• Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
• Public-private partnership
• Municipal financing
• Comparison of project ownership structures against market alternatives (e.g., Power Purchase Agreements) using risk-adjusted cost metrics Deliverable:
• Financial Feasibility Model
• Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) analysis
• Scenario comparison
•
Task 8 – Risk Assessment
The consultant shall evaluate project risks including:
• Market risk
• Technology risk
• Regulatory risk
• Construction risk
000010
Item 1 Attachment A
8 • Operational risk
Risk mitigation strategies shall be provided.

Deliverable:
• Risk Assessment Matrix
Task 9 – Procurement and Delivery Strategy
The consultant shall evaluate procurement strategies including:
• Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)
• Developer-led projects
• Public-private partnerships
• Build-own-operate models
• Evaluation of participation structures among CalChoice members, including allocation of costs, benefits, and risks
• Analysis of opt-in/opt-out frameworks and governance considerations for multi-member participation Deliverable:
• Recommended Project Delivery Strategy
Task 10 – Implementation Roadmap
Develop a roadmap for project implementation including:
• Project development timeline
• Key milestones
• Permitting schedule
• Procurement process
• Financing timeline
Deliverable:
• Implementation Plan
000011
Item 1 Attachment A
9 Task 11 – Final Feasibility Report
The consultant shall deliver a comprehensive feasibility study including:
• Executive summary
• Technical analysis
• Financial analysis
• Regulatory analysis
• Project alternatives
• Recommended option
• Clear decision framework outlining conditions under which project development, ownership, or alternative procurement is recommended
Deliverables:
• Draft Feasibility Study
• Final Feasibility Study
• Presentation to the JPA Board

4. Deliverables Summary
The consultant shall provide:

1. Project Work Plan

2. Load and Resource Assessment

3. Technology Options Report

4. Site Screening Report

5. Interconnection Assessment

6. Regulatory and Permitting Analysis

7. Financial Model and Economic Analysis

8. Risk Assessment
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Item 1 Attachment A
10 9. Procurement Strategy

10. Final Feasibility Study Report
If a project is determined to be viable by the CalChoice Board, the Consultant may also be selected to oversee development of the most feasible option; this subsequent task will be defined based on a range of relevant factors.
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ITEM 2 – FY 2025/26 PROJECTED RESULTS AND FY 2026/27 PROPOSED BUDGET

BUDGET WORKSHOP
April 29, 2026
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Agenda
• FY 2025/26 Operating Results Forecast
• Consulting Contracts Review
• FY 2026/27 Proposed Operating Budget Review
• Proposed Budget Additions
• FY 2026/27 Proposed CalChoice Administrative Service Fees • Ad-Hoc Subcommittee Recommendation – No Change to Calculation Methodology Based on Load
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FY 2025/26 Operating Results Forecast
FY 2025/26 Adopted
Budget
FY 2025/26 Forecast Variance $ Variance %
Operating Revenue $2,715,520 $2,715,520 $0 0%
Other Revenue 135,000 248,142 113,142 83%
TOTAL REVENUE $2,850,520 $2,963,662 $113,142 4%
Operating Expenditures $2,715,520 $2,477,331 ($238,189) 8.8% Net Results of Operations $135,000 $486,331 $351,331 260% Beginning Net Position 1,730,031 1,730,031
Ending Net Position $1,865,031 $2,216,362 $351,331 18%
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FY 2025/26 & 2026/27 Reserves
FY 2025/26 Adopted Budget FY 2025/26 Forecast
Ending Net Position $1,865,031 $2,216,362
Operating Reserve
25% Budgeted Exp $678,880 $678,880
Emergency Reserve
25% Budgeted Exp 678,880 678,880
Energy Purchase Reserve
10% Lowest Cash Balance 386,404 386,404
Total Reserve Requirement $1,744,164 $1,744,164
Undesignated $120,867 $472,198
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FY 2025/26 Key Revenue & Exp Variances
• Operating Revenue – Above Budget
• Interest Income $61,424
• Bakersfield Technical Study $35,000 (offset by $25,000 exp) • Sponsorship Income $16,718
• Operating Expenses - Savings
• Legal Svcs $93,163
• Professional Services $85,787 (Board Secty Savings)
• Program Development $25,000
• Marketing $22,164 (Tripepi Smith Savings)
• Other Savings $12,075
TOTAL $351,331
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Consulting Contracts Review
Consultant Term Not to
Exceed
Scope of Services
Bayshore
Consulting
Grp
Through January 2027
unless extended by mutual
agreement in writing
$1,102,843 Administrative Support/Executive Mgmt
Support/Operational
Support/Finance/Treasury/Accounting/Energy Program
Svcs/Reg & Legislative Support
Board Secretary Svcs
Braun,
Blaising,
Wynne
Through 12/31/27 $430,000 Regulatory and legal services in support of CalChoice Member CCAs. Provide Joint representation of CalChoice
and Members before California regulatory agencies;
provide regulatory reporting services.

Deveau Burr
Group
Through 6/30/26 unless
extended by mutual
agreement in writing
$79,000 Legislative Monitoring/Strategic Planning/Government Relations & Advocacy/Issue Analysis & Research/Coalition Building/Regulatory Compliance
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Consulting Contracts Review
Consultant Term Not to
Exceed
Scope of Services
Hall Energy
Law
Through 6/30/26 unless
extended by mutual
agreement in writing
$125,000 Energy transactions legal services
NewGen
Strategies
Through 6/30/28 unless
extended by mutual
agreement in writing
$10,000 General Regulatory Consulting, including evaluation of PCIA-related issues affecting California CCAs and
CalChoice’s competitive position.

Tripepi
Smith
Through 6/30/26 unless
extended by mutual
agreement in writing
$100,320 Marketing Support/Press Releases & Media
Engagement/Qrtrly Thought Leadership Article/Qrtrly
Digital Newsletter
Mailer Design – JRC and PCL/Unlimited Website
Support/Qrtrly Member Website Audit/All-Member
Meeting Support/Qrtrly CalCCA Newsletter Article
Content Development
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Pass-Through Agreements
• In addition to Consulting Agreements included in the
CalChoice Operating Budget, there are Consulting Agreements for services specific to a Member that are passed through to the Member.
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Pass-Through Consulting Contracts Review
Consultant Term Not to
Exceed per
Member
Scope of Services
Bayshore
Consulting
Group
Through 6/30/26 unless
extended by mutual
agreement in writing
$37,370 Accounting for each member CCA – Distribution
certificate processing/lockbox analysis/cash flow
analysis/NEM True-Up Processing/Coordination with
Calpine, Maher Accountancy and PEA for member specific
issues/JRC Prep/Power Content Label prep
Calpine
Community
Energy
Through March 31, 2030 $1.206/mete
r/month Not
to exceed
$4,500,000
Data Management and Call Center Operations
Maher
Accountancy
Through October 2028
unless extended by mutual
agreement in writing
$32,560 Monthly CCA analysis and revenue calculations/ Electric Energy Surcharge return processing/UUT processing (as
applicable
Pacific
Energy
Advisors
Through 6/30/2026 unless
extended by mutual
agreement in writing
$300,000 Power Resources Mgmt/Rate Setting/Financial
Modeling/Other Regulatory Compliance
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FY 2026/27 Proposed Operating Budget Review
FY 25/26 Budget FY 25/26 Forecast FY 26/27 Proposed Change $/% Professional Svcs $1,192,600 $1,106,813 $1,192,805 $205/.017% Legal Svcs 525,000 431,837 475,000 ($50,000)/(9.5%)
Memberships/Dues 522,025 522,072 434,700 (87,325)/(16.7%) Marketing 195,160 172,986 185,000 (10,160)/(5.2%)
Interim CEO 144,285 144,000 144,000 (285)/(.2%)
Board Admin 50,000 54,550 50,000 $0/0%
Workshops/Travel 30,000 21,221 30,000 $0/0%
Program Develop. 25,000 0 25,000 $0/0%
Other Exp 31,450 23,852 31,275 ($175)/(.5%)
TOTAL $2,715,520 $2,477,331 $2,567,780 ($147,740)/(5.4%) 000023
Proposed Budget Additions
• Lunar DERMS
• $60,000 – One-time Software Setup Fee
• $120,000 annually divided among members that participate • Halsten Dashboard (Formerly Strategage) • Phase 1 – Onboarding/Training/Project Program Mgmt • $50,000 - Funded in FY 2025/26 • Phase 2 – Program/Project Mgmt & 10 AI Co-Pilots; Subscription & Support • $16,365 per member annually • Pass-Through to Members participating
• Energy Development Feasibility Study
• Feasibility Analysis for Options for Renewable Energy Resources • Owned/leased/PPA
• $210,000
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FY 2026/27 Calculation of Available Net
Position
FY 26/27 Proposed
Proposed Operating Budget $2,567,780
Reserves:

Operating Reserve (25% of above) $641,945
Emergency Reserve (25% of above) 641,945
Energy Purchase Reserve 386,404
Total Reserves $1,670,294
2025/26 Net Position 2,216,362
Available to apply to 2026/27 Expenses $546,068
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FY 2026/27 Calculation of Service Fees
FY 26/27 Proposed
without Additions
FY 2026/27 Proposed
With Additions
Proposed Operating
Budget
$2,561,780 $2,561,780
Budget Additions $0 $270,000
Total Proposed Operating $2,561,780 $2,831,780
Available Net Position 546,068 546,068
To be Allocated $2,015,712 $2,285,712
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FY 2026/27 Calculation of Proposed Service
Fees
% of Load
Adopted FY
2025/26 Service
Fee
FY 26/27 Proposed
without Additions
FY 2026/27
Proposed
With Additions
To be Allocated $2,715,520 $2,015,712 $2,285,712
AVCE 8.4% $229,176 $170,116 $192,902
EPIC 18.4% $500,353 $371,409 $421,158
LE 21.5% $584,911 $434,176 $492,333
POM 15.2% $412,415 $306,133 $347,139
PRIME 7.5% $204,399 $151,724 $172,047
RMEA 10.2% $277,317 $205,851 $233,424
SBCE 12.2% $330,345 $245,213 $278,059
SJP 6.5% $176,604 $131,092 $148,651
TOTAL $2,715,520 $2,012,712 $2,282,712
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QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION
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Page 1 ends

California Choice Energy Authority
Fiscal Year 2025/26 Adopted & Fiscal Year 2026/27 Proposed Operating Expense Budget FY 2025/26
Budget
Actuals @
3/31/26
FY 2025/26
Estimates thru
6/30/26
FY 2026/27
Category
Breakdown
FY 2026/27
Proposed Budget

OPERATING EXPENDITURES
CalChoice Operating Expenditures
Workshops/Seminars/Travel/Meals 30,000 11,221 21,221 30,000 30,000 Promotion & Advertising (Marketing) - - - 185,000
Annual All Member Summit 60,000 68,983 68,983 60,000
Website Updates 10,000 - - -
Tripepi Smith Contract 125,160 78,002 104,003 125,000
Memberships & Dues - - 434,700
CalCCA Member Dues 520,000 390,000 520,000 432,600
California Special Districts Assoc 1,850 1,837 1,872 1,900 - Other Memberships 175 200 200 200 -
Office Supplies - 326 326 500 500
Insurance Expense 20,000 14,094 14,094 21,000 21,000
Professional Services - - 1,192,805
CalChoice Admin & Mgmt 1,081,500 661,529 997,643 1,081,500 Lobbyist 79,000 59,250 79,000 79,000
Audit Services 30,000 28,350 28,350 30,000
GFOA Audit Award 500 505 505 505
Website 600 392 588 600
Grasshopper VOiP 500 677 677 700
Bank Fees 500 50 50 500
NewGen GTSR Rate Review - - -
Software & Support - - - 9,775
Bill.com 2,000 276 416 500
DocuSign 2,800 2,760 2,760 2,800
Dropbox 2,800 2,016 2,016 2,100
QuickBooks 2,600 2,970 2,970 3,000
Microsoft Office 1,000 751 1,015 1,100
Nord VPN 250 255 255 275
CalChoice Board Admin 50,000 - 54,550 50,000 50,000
Program Development 25,000 - - 25,000 25,000
Legal Services - General & Procurement 175,000 92,595 150,928 175,000 175,000 Legal Services - Regulatory 350,000 164,242 280,909 300,000 300,000 Administrative Overhead for Interim CEO 144,285 108,000 144,000 144,000 144,000 Total CalChoice Operating Expenditures 2,715,520 1,689,281 2,477,331 2,567,780 2,567,780 000029

California Choice Energy Authority (CalChoice) Board of DirectorsApril 29, 2026

California Choice Energy Authority (CalChoice) Board of Directors
April 29, 2026