AGENDA
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Monday, September 8, 2025
4:30 p.m.
This meeting will proceed as an in-person meeting at 15310 Barranca Parkway, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92618 and 100 Nohea Kai Drive, Lahaina, HI 96761. In addition, as a convenience to the public, the Orange County Power Authority is also providing an option for members of the public to remotely view and participate in the meeting. Further details are below. Please note that, in the event of a technical issue causing a disruption in the remote participation option, the meeting may continue unless otherwise required by law.
Public Comments: Any member of the public may provide comments to the Orange County Power Authority Board of Directors on any agenda items by requesting to speak during Item 4, or on any matter not appearing on the agenda but within the jurisdiction of the Board by requesting to speak during Item
5. When providing comments to the Board, it is requested that you provide your name and city of residence for the record. Commenters are requested to address their comments to the Board as a whole through the Chair. Comments may be provided in the following manner:
To provide comments during the meeting, in-person attendees, please fill out the public speaker slip and provide it to the clerk at the beginning of the meeting. Before Items 4 and 5, the Chair or Clerk will ask members of the public to join the queue to provide public comment. The queue will remain open for a reasonable amount of time to allow members of the public sufficient time to request to speak and inform the Board of the number of speakers. After such time, the queue will be closed and the members of the public who have joined the queue to speak will be recognized at the appropriate time may speak. To join the queue on Zoom video conference by computer or mobile phone, use the “Raise Hand” feature. If joining the meeting using the Zoom dial-in number, you can raise your hand and join the queue by pressing *9. Members of the public will not be shown on video but will be able to speak when called upon.
Comments shall generally be limited to three minutes when speaking, provided that the Chair may equally reduce each speaker’s time to accommodate a large number of speakers or a large number of agenda items.
Written Communications: If you have a written communication that you wish to be distributed to the Board, please provide it via e-mail to [email protected]. Written communications are public records and, if received by 5:00 p.m. on the day prior to the meeting, will be distributed to the Board prior to the meeting by either e-mail or hard-copy, posted on the Authority’s website and noted, but not read, at the meeting. Communications received after the 5:00 p.m. deadline will be retained in the Authority’s records.
The public may participate using the following remote options:
ZOOM WEBINAR
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Launch Meeting - Zoom
Dial-in: 1-669-900-6833
Webinar ID: 820 3148 3015
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
Opportunity for members of the public to address the Board on any items on the agenda.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Opportunity for members of the public to address the Board on any items not on the agenda but within the jurisdiction of the Board.
6. DIRECTOR ANNOUNCEMENTS & REPORTS ON CONFERENCES/EVENTS
ATTENDED
Board Members may briefly provide information to other members of the Board and the public, ask questions of staff, or report on conferences, events, or activities related to Authority business. There is to be no discussion or action taken on comments made by Board Members unless authorized by law.
7. PRESENTATIONS
1. 2025 BRIGHT FUTURES GRANT PRESENTATION
Staff will present the awardees and their projects for the 2025 Bright Futures Grant.
2. CALPINE COMMUNITY ENERGY – SERVICES FOR OCPA
Presentation from OCPA’s data manager consisting of services provided, contractor performance statistics, and process information.
8. CLOSED SESSION
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code § 54957
Title: Chief Executive Officer
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code § 54957.6
Agency designated representatives: Susan Sonne, Board Chair; Nicholaus Norvell, General Counsel
Unrepresented employee: Chief Executive Officer
9. CONSENT CALENDAR
All items listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and may be enacted by one motion. Prior to the motion to consider any action by the Board of Directors, any public comments on any of the Consent Items will be heard. There will be no separate action unless members of the Board of Directors request specific items be removed from the Consent Calendar.
1. MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF JULY 14, 2025 Recommended Action:
Approve as submitted.
2. COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT
Recommended Action:
Receive and file.
3. LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY UPDATE
Recommended Action:
Receive and file.
4. STRATEGIC PLAN MONTHLY STATUS REPORT
Recommended Action:
Receive and file.
5. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT REPORT
Recommended Action:
Receive and file.
6. COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH UPDATE
Recommended Action:
Receive and file.
7. UPDATES TO POLICY NO. 9, NEW CUSTOMER COMMUNITIES
Recommended Action:
Approve revisions to Policy No. 9, New Customer Communities Policy.
10. REGULAR CALENDAR
The following items call for discussion or action by the Board of Directors. The Board may discuss and/or take action on any item listed below if the Board is so inclined.
1. ANNUAL POWER SOURCE DISCLOSURE ATTESTATION FOR REPORTING YEAR 2024
Recommended Action:
Based on the comprehensive portfolio review completed by OCPA’s consultants and staff, it is recommended that the Board endorse the accuracy of information presented in OCPA’s 2024 Power Source Disclosure reports for Basic Choice, Smart Choice and 100% Renewable Choice service as well as the related Power Content Label reflecting such products.
2. INTRODUCTION OF 2025 JOINT RATE COMPARISON MAILER
Recommended Action:
Receive and file.
11. STAFF REPORT
Staff may briefly provide information to the Board and the public. The Board may engage in discussion if the specific subject matter of the report is identified, but the Board may not take any action. There is to be no other discussion or action taken unless authorized by law.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
Board of Directors meetings comply with the protections and prohibitions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with a disability who require a modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, in order to participate in the public meeting may contact 949-263-2612.
Requests for disability-related modifications or accommodations require different lead times and should be provided at least 72-hours in advance of the public meeting.
Availability of Board Documents
Copies of the agenda and agenda packet are available at www.ocpower.org. Late-arriving documents related to a Board meeting item which are distributed to a majority of the Board prior to or during the Board meeting are available for public review as required by law. Public records, including agenda-related documents, can be requested electronically at [email protected] or by mail to 15642 Sand Canyon Avenue, P.O. Box 54283, Irvine, CA 92619-4283. The documents may also be posted at the above website. Such public records are also available for inspection, by appointment, at 15310 Barranca Parkway, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92618. Please contact [email protected] to arrange an appointment.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY
Monday, July 14, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Sonne called to order the Regular Meeting of the Orange County Authority Board of Directors at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director Jung led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
Present: Director William Go City of Irvine
Director Glenn Grandis City of Fountain Valley
Director Fred Jung City of Fullerton
Vice Chair James Mai City of Irvine Arrived at 4:57 p.m.
Chair Susan Sonne City of Buena Park
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
Tomas Castro
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None.
6. DIRECTOR ANNOUNCEMENTS & REPORTS ON CONFERENCES/EVENTS
ATTENDED
Director Go thanked OCPA for attending the Irvine Fourth of July event.
7. CLOSED SESSION
Recess to Closed Session
At 4:37 p.m., Chair Sonne called on General Counsel Norvell to recess the Board to closed session to discuss Item 7.1 on the agenda. General Counsel Norvell announced the Board was recessing to closed session. The following Board Members were present: Go, Grandis, Jung, and Sonne. Also present was Board Counsel Norvell.
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code § 54957(b)(1)
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Reconvene
At 4:47 p.m., the regular meeting of the Orange County Power Authority Board of Directors reconvened with the following present: Directors Go, Grandis, Jung, and Sonne.
General Counsel Norvell reported out of closed session that the Board met in Closed Session and discussed Item 7.1 as listed on the agenda, and there was no reportable action taken.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Director Jung made the motion, seconded by Director Go, to:
Approve consent calendar 8.1 – 8.6
The motion carried unanimously by the following 4-0-1 vote:
Ayes: Chair Sonne, Director Jung,
Director Grandis, Director Go
Noes: None
Absent: Vice Chair Mai
1. MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 9, 2025 Action Taken:
Approved as submitted.
2. COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC) REPORT
Action Taken:
Received and filed.
3. LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY UPDATE
Action Taken:
Received and filed.
4. STRATEGIC PLAN MONTHLY STATUS REPORT
Action Taken:
Received and filed.
5. PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE FOR MARCH – MAY 2025
Action Taken:
Received and filed.
6. APPROVE RATES EFFECTIVE JULY 14, 2025
Action Taken:
Approved rates effective July 14, 2025.
9. REGULAR CALENDAR
1. APPROVE SUSTAINABLE WORKFORCE AND INCLUSIVE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
Regulatory & Legislative Manager Halligan provided a brief summary of this item.
Director Go thanked the staff for their work on the Sustainable Workforce and Inclusive Economic Development Guidelines and for engaging with the various stakeholders.
Chair Sonne asked if these guidelines were aligned with what other CCAs had done.
What were the differences, and if they had started with similar ones? Manager Halligan affirmed that these guidelines aligned with what other CCAs had done. A difference was that some of the older CCAs have now obtained funding from contractors for some of their projects.
Director Jung made the motion, seconded by Director Go, to:
Approve the Sustainable Workforce and Inclusive Economic Development Guidelines.
The motion carried unanimously by the following 4-0-1 vote:
Ayes: Chair Sonne, Director Jung,
Director Grandis, Director Go
Noes: None
Absent: Vice Chair Mai
2. APPROVE PRINTING AND PROMOTIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS
Please note: Director Mai arrived at 4:57 p.m., and Director Jung left the dais at 4:58 p.m. and returned at 5:12 p.m.
Director of Communications & External Affairs, Henderson, and Administrative Services Manager, Viramontes, presented this item.
Director Grandis asked why the amounts were separated among the three vendors.
He believed this would create problems for staff and requested that the three vendors fall under one aggregate amount, not to exceed $260,000.
Chair Sonne questioned if the vendors would sign an agreement without a set amount.
General Counsel Norvell clarified that an amendment to the recommendation could be made to provide the CEO authority to allocate the funding among the three vendors.
Director Grandis made the motion, seconded by Director Jung, to:
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), or designee, to finalize and execute two-year agreements for Printing and Promotional Services with RR Donnelley d.b.a. Orange County Printing and Communications ($180,000), The DOT Corp. ($40,000), and We Mail For You, Inc. ($40,000), with a combined aggregate not-to-exceed amount of $260,000. Authorize the CEO, or his designee, to allocate funding among the three vendors as needed, provided the total amount across all three contracts does not exceed $260,000. Authorize the CEO to extend the agreements for up to three additional one-year terms, subject to satisfactory performance.
The motion carried unanimously by the following 5-0 vote:
Ayes: Chair Sonne, Vice Chair Mai, Director Jung,
Director Grandis, Director Go
Noes: None
Absent: None
10. STAFF REPORT
CEO Mosca provided his full report in the agenda packet. He introduced the new intern, Tula Larson, and lauded the Finance Team for their financial investments, which garnered $3.2 million in interest.
11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, Chair Sonne adjourned the July 18, 2025, Orange County Power Authority Board Regular meeting at 5:18 p.m.
Submitted by:
Pat Jacquez-Nares, Authority Secretary
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY
Staff Report – Item 9.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Orange County Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Jacquie Henderson, Director of Communications & External Affairs Andrew Di Giovanna, External Affairs Manager
Linda Kraemer, Community Engagement Manager
Approved By: Joe Mosca, Chief Executive Officer
Subject: COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT
Date: September 8, 2025
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIC GOALS
☐ Enrich & Grow the OCPA Community:
☐ Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability & Affordability:
☐ Design & Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs:
☐ Energize Our Community with Renewable Energy:
☐ Raise Awareness of Community Energy & Advocate for Our Customers:
☒ Not Applicable:
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S)
Receive and file.
BACKGROUND
On Monday, August 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) held its regular monthly meeting. The agenda featured five items: a discussion on extending the duration of monthly CAC meetings, an update on OCPA’s Youth and School Outreach Program, a summary of relevant regulatory and legislative activity, an overview of customer and business engagement strategies, and a preview of public outreach planned for August and September 2025. The meeting provided an opportunity for CAC members to provide feedback on outreach priorities, customer engagement practices, and OCPA’s evolving role in policy advocacy and education.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
The CAC regular meeting on August 25, 2025, included the following presentations and updates:
Duration of Community Advisory Committee Monthly Public Meetings The CAC reviewed current meeting duration protocols and considered three options for future meetings: (1) maintaining the existing 1.5-hour limit, (2) extending meetings to a 2-hour maximum, or (3) removing fixed time limits altogether while aiming to conclude within two hours. After discussion, CAC members expressed general support for adopting a 2-hour format to allow for more complete discussions, particularly on agenda-heavy months, and voted to affirm that change.
Youth and School Outreach Program
Staff provided an update on OCPA’s Youth and School Outreach Program, highlighting its alignment with the agency’s 2025-2026 Strategic Plan goal to promote renewable energy education and workforce readiness. The program supports student engagement through curriculum-aligned workshops, youth ambassador initiatives, and community events. Recent outreach included a cleantech career presentation for the Irvine High School Youth Action Team and ongoing coordination with the Fullerton Joint Union High School District to explore career technical education opportunities related to clean energy and electrification. Staff also noted positive momentum in forming partnerships with schools in all member cities.
In addition, OCPA participated in a summer internship collaboration with the CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County, offering students hands-on exposure to green energy careers and project-based learning tied to the Community Power Plan. Staff are building a regional database of cleantech programs and certifications, with future outreach planned at universities and community colleges.
CAC members were invited to participate and provide input on future school partnerships.
Regulatory and Legislative Update
The CAC received an update on key legislative and regulatory proceedings affecting community choice energy programs. Staff summarized recent CPUC decisions related to Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA) reforms and Resource Adequacy (RA) frameworks. Updates also included state legislative developments such as SB 540 (Independent System Operator governance) and AB 825 (Public Transmission Financing), the former being supported by OCPA and CalCCA.
The presentation also addressed broader policy trends and their potential impact on program operations, customer rates, and the long-term role of CCAs within California’s energy landscape.
Overview of Business and Customer Strategies and Programs Staff provided an overview of ongoing efforts to strengthen customer and business engagement.
Outreach has focused on small and medium-sized businesses, with strategies including direct communication, coordination with local chambers of commerce, and simplified messaging to improve program visibility and participation.
The presentation highlighted existing programs available to customers, such as electric vehicle (EV) charger rebates and energy efficiency kits, which are intended to support sustainability goals and provide tangible customer benefits. Staff also discussed how customer input and participation data will continue to inform outreach and engagement efforts, ensuring alignment with community priorities and improved accessibility.
OCPA Public Engagement for August and September
Staff presented an overview of OCPA’s public engagement activities planned for August and September 2025. Outreach efforts are taking place across all member cities and include participation in local events such as community festivals, senior resource fairs, and neighborhood markets. These events provide opportunities for in-person engagement, distribution of educational materials, and direct customer support, particularly regarding energy plan options and general service inquiries.
Digital communications and multilingual outreach materials are being utilized to broaden access and ensure inclusive participation across diverse communities.
Updates from Staff
Staff provided updates on communications, outreach, and program activities. The August blog post highlights the expiration timeline for federal clean energy tax credits and promotes OCPA’s new residential battery rebate program. Community Engagement Manager Linda Kraemer attended the 16th Annual California Climate and Energy Forum in San Jose, where statewide agencies and CCAs shared strategies on affordability, climate metrics, and energy program implementation.
Survey responses for the Community Power Plan have exceeded 1,000, though underrepresentation remains among Fullerton, Buena Park, and commercial participants. Program updates included the distribution of 191 Energy Efficiency Kits, 77 EV charger rebates through Charge@Home, and three approved battery rebate applications. The Bright Futures Grant recipients will be announced in September, and the Equitable Building Decarbonization program is expected to launch in partnership with Los Angeles County. Staff also participated in summer events across member cities and encouraged CAC members to continue promoting outreach and awareness.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT(S)
None
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY
Staff Report – Item 9.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Orange County Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Steven Halligan, Regulatory and Legislative Manager Approved By: Joe Mosca, Chief Executive Officer
Subject: REGULATORY AND LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Date: September 8, 2025
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIC GOALS
☐ Enrich & Grow the OCPA Community:
☐ Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability & Affordability:
☐ Design & Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs:
☐ Energize Our Community with Renewable Energy:
☒ Raise Awareness of Community Energy & Advocate for Our Customers:
☐ Not Applicable:
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file.
BACKGROUND
Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) staff actively participate in several regulatory proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Independent System Operator (CAISO), and the California Energy Commission (CEC). A summary of high priority, active proceedings is provided in the Regulatory Analysis.
Staff have identified 120 bills (Attachment A – 2025 Orange County Power Authority Bill Tracker) to analyze and monitor. 61 of the bills have failed to meet statutory deadlines to continue moving forward and 10 bills have been flagged as high priority. Staff track bills in several categories including but not limited to affordability, building standards, energy sources, CEQA, transmission, decarbonization, demand forecasting, electrification, IOU rate cases and oversight, and workforce development.
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Staff recently presented a Regulatory and Legislative update which included the below topics to both the Community Advisory Committee and the Regulatory and Legislative Committee.
Regulatory Update
Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA) Proceeding – R.25-02-005 Background: On February 11, 2025, the CPUC issued an Order Instituting Rulemaking (OIR) to initiate a new proceeding related to the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA). The proceeding will consist of two tracks. The first track will be an expedited track focused on potential modifications to the Market Price Benchmark (MPB). Track two may consider several issues including a review of the revisions to the MPB, consideration of ERRA-specific implementation guidance for RA program changes, changes to Bundled Procurement Plan directions, and consideration of improved PCIA and ERRA mechanisms to reduce rate volatility. The CPUC has identified four objectives of the proceeding:
1. Consider and identify reasonable improvements to existing ERRA and PCIA rules, mechanisms, and processes to ensure best practices in utility forecasting and other procurement plan activities;
2. Identify ways to mitigate and respond to rate volatility, whether resulting from market conditions or ratemaking constructs;
3. Best ensure indifference among bundled and departed customers;
4. Provide policy guidance to ensure that individual utility forecast ratemaking proceedings function as efficiently and consistently as possible.
CalCCA filed Reply Comments on the Track 1 PD on June 17, 2025, recommending that the CPUC:
• Reject the Joint IOUs’ recommendation to include in the definition of “affiliate” “any Joint Powers Agency [JPA] or partnership in which a load serving entity is a member” given that this definition would result in the exclusion of transactions by individual CCAs who are members of JPAs such as CC Power, which do not fall within the non-market based affiliate transactions the PD seeks to exclude;
• Reject the PD’s proposed timeframe of transactions to include in the RA MPB as supported by parties including the Joint IOUs and CUE, given this timeframe is not supported by the record and will decrease the accuracy of the RA MPB; and • Reject the PD’s adoption of the new calculation methodology for the Final 2025 RA MPB, as such adoption would constitute impermissible retroactive ratemaking.
The Track 1 PD was approved at the June 26, 2025, CPUC Voting Meeting. The Track 1 PD states:
• The current RA MPB methodology examines a three-year dataset to determine the local RA MPB forecast, adding a fourth year to the dataset for the final local RA MPB. Adjusting the methodology to a single RA MPB calculation, utilizing system, flexible, and local RA procurement data from the three- and four- year datasets, allows for the consideration of more transaction data.
• Combining the three MPBs into a single MPB with three years of data for forecast MPBs and an additional year of data for final MPBs appropriately balances data sufficiency with the Commission’s currently established method of valuing RA portfolios based upon short-run market prices. • The RA MPB should be based upon competitive market pricing that reflects supply and demand dynamics.
• Affiliate and swap transactions reflect considerations other than market based supply and demand pricing of the resources involved in the transaction. • Inclusion of affiliate and swap transactions in the RA MPB calculation introduces the potential for manipulation of the RA MPB.
• Transactions between the PG&E CPE and PG&E LSE, as well as transactions between the SCE CPE and SCE LSE are subject to independent verification that ensures transaction values reflect competitive pricing.
• Sleeve transactions involve multiple transactions based involving the same resource and single market-based price. Considering each transaction within a sleeve as a separate transaction in the RA MPB calculation result in the overweighting of a single price determination within the transaction dataset and distorts the RA MPB. • The changes adopted should be applied to the calculation of the 2025 Final and 2026 Forecast RA MPB and all succeeding forecast and final MPB calculations.
Update: On July 28th, 2025, CalCCA filed an Application for Rehearing (AfR) on Track 1 of the proceeding. This AfR addressed CCA opposition for the CPUC’s engagement with retroactive ratemaking in the MPB calculation methodology for the 2025 ERRA True Up, which is prohibited under Section 728 of the Public Utilities Code.
Resource Adequacy (RA) - R.23-10-001
Background: The OIR for R.23-10-011 continues the CPUC’s oversight of the RA program, establishes forward RA procurement obligations applicable to Load-Serving Entities (LSEs) beginning with the 2025 compliance year, and considers structural reforms to the program. This proceeding is the successor to R.21-10-002 and includes the following issues in scope: (1) adoption of local and flexible RA requirements; (2) loss of load expectation (LOLE) study and PRM; (3) 24-hour Slice of Day (SOD) framework; (4) unforced capacity (UCAP); (5) QC counting conventions; (6) RA compliance and penalties; and (7) other refinements to the RA program.
Update: CalCCA filed comments on the Track 3 PD on June 11 and reply comments on June 16.
The reply comments recommended:
• SDG&E’s support for declining to adopt hourly load obligation trading is unfounded and should be rejected;
• The PD should be modified to adopt the same PRM for all LSEs, with a waiver for market power mitigation, because party comments demonstrate that the effective PRM has been unsuccessful;
• Parties’ recommendations for additional modeling and stakeholder engagement before adopting the 2027 PRM should be adopted; and
• The PD should be modified to refrain from dictating how to allocate imbalance reserve (IR) and reliability capacity (RC) revenues, as supported by party opening comments.
The Track 3 PD was approved at the June 26, 2025, CPUC Voting Meeting. The Track 3 PD states:
• The CAISO’s recommended LCR study results for 2025-2027 are reasonable and should be adopted.
• The CAISO’s recommended systemwide FCR figures for 2026 are reasonable and should be adopted.
• A modification to the RA measurement hours to 5:00-10:00 pm for winter months (November to February) is reasonable and should be adopted. • A 18% PRM with an extension of the effective PRM target for June-October should be adopted for the 2026 and 2027 RA years.
• The Commission should authorize further development of Energy Division’s UCAP framework proposal.
• The Commission should authorize further discussion of an accreditation methodology for LDES resources.
• The counting rules for PCDS and FCDS co-located resources under the SOD framework should be formalized.
• The Commission should authorize Energy Division to prepare a report in Q2 2026 on whether transactability issues exist.
• SCE’s proposal that an LSE should not be assessed a penalty if it cures its deficiency with a new resource coming online before the T-1 deadline should be adopted. • The off-peak import counting rule should be extended to Q3 2026. • It is reasonable to shift the timing of the mid-year load migration update. • The proposals to incorporate the CPE data collection process into the year-ahead RA filing process are reasonable.
Provider of Last Resort (POLR) - R.21-03-011
Background: The CPUC issued a September 1, 2021, Scoping Ruling to set forth the scope in the Provider of Last Resort (POLR) proceeding. This proceeding implements the POLR requirements and framework directed by SB 520. The POLR proceeding is being considered in three phases.
Phase 1, which culminated with D.24-04-009 in April 2024, focused on issues necessary to establish a comprehensive framework for existing IOU POLRs. Phase 2, currently under consideration, will set rules that allow a non-IOU LSE to be designated as the POLR. Phase 3 may be opened to consider any additional issues not covered in Phase 1 or Phase 2.
Update: A Ruling was issued May 28, 2025, in Phase 2 of the POLR proceeding regarding non-IOU LSE POLRs. The Ruling requests comments on two issues given no non-IOU LSE currently seeks to serve as POLR:
• A “procedural path forward” to allow the CPUC to issue a decision closing the instant proceeding and directing any non-IOU LSE seeking POLR status to file a Petition for Rulemaking at least 12 months before filing an application to assume POLR responsibilities; and
• Definitions framing the CPUC’s authority over non-IOU POLR-specific services.
CalCCA filed Opening Comments on June 13, 2025, recommending the CPUC issue a decision:
• Adopting the Ruling’s proposed Procedural Pathway to close the proceeding and allow a non-IOU LSE to submit a Petition for Rulemaking twelve months prior to submitting an Application to serve as POLR; and
• Clarifying the CPUC’s authority over a Designated POLR through the adoption of the Ruling’s proposed definition for “POLR-specific services” as those services “whose only purpose is to execute POLR responsibilities.”
CalCCA filed Reply Comments on June 20, 2025, recommending that the CPUC:
• Issue a Decision adopting the Ruling’s definition of “POLR-specific services” only; • Reject arguments of PG&E, SDG&E, SCE, and Cal Advocates that support unlawfully extending Commission oversight of a non-IOU LSE POLR beyond POLR-specific services:
• Reject PG&E’s recommendation to place requirements regarding public and governing board approvals on non-IOU LSEs and CCAs because such requirements are not only unlawful and impractical, but also unnecessary;
• Reject SCE’s recommendation to supplement the Ruling’s procedural pathway with a Decision on the threshold issues as party and Commission resources should be conserved until an LSE seeks to serve as the non-IOU LSE; and
• Reject SDG&E’s request to address “carry-over” issues from Phase 1 as such issues are either being addressed in other venues or are moot.
Integrated Resource Planning – R.20-05-003
Background: On April 29, 2025, the CPUC released its long awaited Reliable and Clean Power Procurement Program (RCPPP) Staff Proposal through an ALJ Ruling. The CPUC’s goal in RCPPP is to give LSEs a more predictable regulatory framework to procure their share of the resources needed to meet electric system reliability and GHG emission reduction goals at least cost. The Staff Proposal includes a reliability framework and GHG reduction framework, each with the following key design elements: need determination, need allocation, compliance, and enforcement. The Staff Proposal proposes two options for the reliability framework. The first requires LSEs to demonstrate procurement of new and existing resources. The second requires LSEs to demonstrate procurement of new resources plus adopt a multi-year RA framework for existing resources. The Staff Proposal also proposes a clean energy standard framework for GHG reduction. Finally, the Staff Proposal includes a proposal to allocate CPE procurement via credits to LSEs to show in RCPPP filings. The CPUC hosted a Workshop on May 16, 2025.
Staff attended and CalCCA presented at the June 23-24, 2025, RCPPP workshop. The presentation focused on CalCCA’s initial conclusions regarding the Staff Proposal, including a new plus existing resource reliability framework based upon slice-of-day and a clean energy standard.
Comments are due June 15, Reply Comments are due August 5.
Update: On July 15th, 2025, CalCCA submitted comments on the RCPPP. CalCCA recommended that the Commission:
• Provide LSEs certainty that their investments will not be undermined by regulatory shifts.
The Commission should develop RCPPP through a robust stakeholder process. The Commission should also carefully consider the practical realities of the current procurement environment and assess the need for interim procurement requirements prior to RCPPP implementation;
• Develop the reliability and GHG-reduction frameworks on two tracks. The first track should develop the reliability framework, targeting implementation in 2029. The second track should develop the CES proposal, targeting implementation for a 2031-2033 compliance period;
• Develop a reliability framework based upon the Staff Proposal’s Option I with the following modifications;
ο Use slice-of-day (SOD) methodology;
ο Establish the five-year forward showing requirements in alignment with the month-ahead and year-ahead RA processes, focusing on critical months and hours and reduced percentage requirements in the out years;
ο Remove the buffer and CCR in favor of LSE-level risk management and the RA PRM;
ο Adopt a penalty waiver process, building upon the mid-term reliability (MTR) Order’s “good faith efforts”; and
ο Ensure the program is transactable so requirements can be met without excessive costs or over-procurement.
• Develop CES GHG-emissions reduction framework based on actual energy sales as an extension of the RPS program, using a stakeholder process in developing the details; and • Coordinate with the CEC to develop a workshop process to ensure load forecast accuracy.
California Legislative Update
June 6 was the deadline for bills to pass out of their house of origin. Bills that passed out of their house of origin are now being heard in Committees in the other house. Bills must pass out of Committees by July 18, which is also the start of the legislature's summer recess. The legislature will reconvene on August 18. The deadline for approval of bills is September 12. Staff have included a summary and status of the bills being tracked as an attachment to this report (Attachment 1).
From July 18th, 2025, to August 18th, 2025, the State Legislature was on summer recess. During this time, staff scheduled meetings with State Legislator Offices that cover OCPA Member Cities.
In these meetings, staff cover OCPA Updates as well as Federal and State Bill Changes that are expected to impact OCPA.
Senate Bill (SB) 540 (Becker) West-Wide Governance Pathways Initiative (WWGPI) SB 540 provides the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) with the authority necessary to implement the Pathways Initiative Proposal if it determines an independent regional organization (RO) meets specific requirements. The bill allows CAISO to tap into a wider market of electricity resources which studies have shown stand to provide significant benefits to Californians including cost savings, enhanced grid reliability, and reduced air pollution.
Current Status: SB 540 was re-referred to the Assembly Utilities and Energy and Appropriations Committees, and its July 16th hearing was canceled at the request of the author.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) have affirmed their support for compromising on a fix of the SB 540 amendments. Along with individual CCAs, CalCCA is organizing SB 540 outreach targets.
Assembly Bill (AB) 825 (Petrie-Norris): Affordability
AB 825 is an Assembly Affordability Bill that aims to:
• Create the Public Transmission Financing Program and Fund for eligible entities to become a public owner for a portion of a transmission project; • Enhances coordination regarding underground infrastructure notifications; • Create the Permitting Local Assistance for Clean Energy Program to help local • governments more efficiently permit 100 MW+ projects; • Establish a new demand-side management taskforce at the CEC to meet monthly and evaluate all energy efficiency and demand management programs – including those authorized by the Boards of CCAs – and to recommend which programs should be consolidated or closed;
• Allow IOUs to securitize undergrounding costs while excluding the first $15 billion expended from their equity rate base; and
• Update the IOU wildfire mitigation planning process.
Current Bill Status: Do pass and re-refer to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Senate Bill (SB) 254 (Becker): Senate Energy Affordability Bill SB 254 aims to address energy rate affordability. The bill aims to:
• Create the Clean Energy Infrastructure Authority to develop transmission and other infrastructure, which can “finance, plan, develop, acquire, own, maintain, sell, or operate eligible clean energy infrastructure (including transmission and storage) necessary or useful” in the state’s transition to 100% clean energy. It includes public financing of transmission that would be operated and maintained by the utilities; • Require each electrical corporation to submit a wildfire mitigation plan covering a 3-year period, and requires its review and approval by an electrical corporation within 9 months of its submission;
• Prevent the Commission from allowing large electrical corporations to include in its equity rate base its share of the ten billion dollars ($10,000,000,000) that the large electrical corporations collectively first expend on energization capital expenditures approved by the commission on or after January 1, 2025;
• Increase the Climate Credit for CARE/FERA customers and concentrate the credit on the most expensive months;
• Establish the Policy-Oriented and Wildfire Electric Reimbursement (POWER) program that will use appropriated funds, if any, to reimburse CPUC programs “driven by public policy goals, that provide benefit to the general public and not just to ratepayers, and that are not required for the safe and reliable delivery of electricity to the ratepayers….” (e.g. transportation electrification, building decarbonization, energy efficiency, low-income discounts, and wildfire mitigation);
• Modify the Commission’s reporting responsibility for demand-side management programs it oversees or that are paid for by ratepayers of the IOUs or CCAs by (1) limiting the requirement to provide budgets and actual expenditures to “utility” expenditures and (2) specifying that “public interest impacts” include non-energy effects, emissions reductions, or equity considerations;
• Heighten the burden of proof for proposed costs in excess of inflation to “clear and convincing” evidence and increase reporting requirements for the Commission if such costs are authorized;
• Require the CEC to prepare a program EIR to analyze the development of classes of facilities, including solar PV, wind, energy storage, and thermal generation so that other agencies considering approval of specific facilities within the class may rely and build on the program EIR; and
• Broaden the scope of projects that fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the CEC for permitting by reducing the capital investment requirement for discretionary projects from $250 million to $100 million and extend eligibility to come within the CEC’s jurisdiction from mid-2029 to mid-2034.
Current Bill Status: Do pass and re-refer to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.
Federal Update
H.R. 1 Overview
On June 30, 2025, the Senate passed their version of the budget bill, H.R. 1, “One Big Beautiful Bill”, on a 51-50 vote. On July 3, 2025, the House of Representatives approved the Senate amendments on a 218-214 vote, and the bill was signed into law on July 4th.
The bill makes several amendments to both utility-scale and smaller commercial clean energy and technology-neutral federal tax credits. Notably, the bill phases out the Section 45Y Clean Energy Production Tax Credits (PTCs) and Section 48E Investment Tax Credits (ITCs). These credits cannot be used for any wind or solar facility placed in service after December 31st, 2027, unless these projects begin construction within one year of the bill’s enactment.
Several federal incentives that offered cost savings are set to expire. These include:
• Up to $7,500 for new and up to $4,000 for used electric vehicles (EVs), which expires September 30th, 2025;
• 30% tax credits for heat pump water heaters, HVAC systems, standalone battery storage, and rooftop solar, which expire December 31st, 2025;
• 30% tax credit for installing an EV Charger at home, which expires June 30th, 2026; and • Several funds established by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, including the Federal Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), the Federal Green and Resilient Retrofit Program, and several Environmental Justice and Climate Pollution Reduction Grants.
All projects must meet “foreign entity of concern” (FEOC) requirements to qualify for the Clean Energy PTCs and ITCs.
Events, Workshops, and Meetings
During the past two months staff attended several events, workshops, and meetings. These included:
• CalCCA Regulatory Policy meetings – including several tiger team meetings covering PCIA, POLR, IRP, and RA proceedings
• Weekly CalCCA Legislative Policy meetings - including several Tiger teams such as Infrastructure, Building Decarbonization, Zero-Emission Vehicles, Autonomy, and Affordability
• CalCCA Federal Policy meetings
• CalCCA Monthly CAISO Meeting
• Stakeholder Policy Meetings
• California Assembly Utilities and Energy and Senate Energy Utilities and Communications Committee meetings and hearings
• CalCCA Regulatory Directors meetings
• CalCCA Compliance meetings
• CPUC Voting meeting
• CEC Business meeting
• Pathways Stakeholder meetings
• Joint CCA SCE ERRA Forecast Review and Phase 1 GRC meetings • CAISO stakeholder meetings
• Little Hoover Commission Meetings
• CAISO Demand and Distributed Energy Market Integration Initiative Meetings • CEC IEPR Workshop on Firm-Zero Carbon Resources and workshop on Accelerating Interconnection and Energization
• CPUC Workshop on Slice of Day Implementation and 2026 Year Ahead Load Forecasting
• PANC Virtual Workshop on Federal Impacts
• OCBC Legislative Day
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – 2025 Orange County Power Authority Bill Tracker Orange County Power Authority
2025 California Bill Tracker (Updated 8/4/2025)
High Priority
Bill # Author Title Category Summary Status Position
AB 527 Papan California Environmental
Quality Act: geothermal
exploratory projects
Geothermal This bill provides that “geothermal exploratory project” includes, among other things, equipment and activities necessary to establish interconnectivity between wells and reservoirs. The bill would exempt geothermal exploratory projects for which the county is the lead agency that meet specified conditions from CEQA. The bill would require the lead agency, at least 30 days before the making the determination to approve or carry out a change in use pursuant to this exemption, to post a written notice on its internet website and at the project site. Because the exemption would apply to projects where the county is the lead agency and the county would be required to determine if a project qualifies for this exemption, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Read second time and
amended. Re-referred
to Com. on APPR.
CalCCA
Support
AB 531 Rogers Geothermal powerplants
and geothermal field
development projects:
certification and
environmental review
Geothermal This bill would expand the types of facilities eligible to be certified as environmental leadership development projects by the Energy Commission to include geothermal powerplants and geothermal field development projects, as defined.
From committee: Do
pass and re-refer to
Com. on APPR. (Ayes
6. Noes 1.) (July 16).
Re-referred to Com. on
APPR.
CalCCA
Support
AB 825 Petrie-Norris Public Transmission
Financing Act of 2025
Public Financing 1) Enhances coordination regarding underground infrastructure notifications. 2) Creates the Public Transmission Financing Program for eligible entities to become a public owner for a portion of a transmission project. 3) Creates the Permitting Local Assistance for Clean Energy Program to help local governments more efficiently permit 100 MW+ projects. 4) Establishes a new demand-side management taskforce at the CEC to meet monthly and evaluate all energy efficiency and demand management programs – including those authorized by the Board’s of CCAs – and to recommend which programs should be consolidated or closed. 5) Allows IOUs to securitize undergrounding costs and excludes the first $15 billion expended from their equity rate base. 6) Updates the IOU wildfire mitigation planning process.
From committee: Do
pass and re-refer to
Com. on APPR. (Ayes
12. Noes 1.) (July 15).
Re-referred to Com. on
APPR.
Orange County Power Authority
2025 California Bill Tracker (Updated 8/4/2025)
High Priority
SB 57 Padilla Data centers: special
tariff or program
Data Centers This bill, the Ratepayer and Technological Innovation Protection Act, would require the commission, on or before July 1, 2026, to establish a special electrical corporation tariff or program, or modify an existing tariff or program, for transmission and distribution service to eligible customers, as defined, that, among other things, ensures just and reasonable rates for customers of electrical corporations and does not result in cost shifts to customers who do not receive the tariff. The bill would authorize the commission to require an eligible customer to site distributed energy storage systems and backup power systems that better enable the state to meet its emission reduction goals. The bill would authorize the commission to establish minimum requirements for zero-carbon procurement on behalf of retail sellers for eligible customers receiving the tariff.
Read second time and
amended. Re-referred
to Com. on APPR.
Orange County Power Authority
2025 California Bill Tracker (Updated 8/4/2025)
High Priority
SB 254 Becker Electricity: wildfire
mitigation: rate
assistance: Policy-Oriented and Wildfire
Electric Reimbursement
Program.
Affordability 1) Creates the Clean Energy Infrastructure Authority to develop transmission and other infrastructure. The Authority, which is exempt from CPUC oversight, can “finance, plan, develop, acquire, own, maintain, sell, or operate eligible clean energy infrastructure (including transmission and storage) necessary or useful” in the state’s transition to 100% clean energy. It includes public financing of transmission that would be operated and maintained by the utilities.2) Overhauls the framework for oversight of wildfire mitigation project review, introduces the need to evaluate wildfire investments based on cost efficiency, and exempts undergrounding from CEQA. 3) Prevents the IOUs from including in their rate base their proportional share of $5 billion of fire risk mitigation capital expenditures and $20 billion of energization capital expenditures approved by the Commission on or after January 1, 2025. 4) Increases the Climate Credit for CARE/FERA customers and concentrates the credit on peak bill months. 5) Establishes the Policy-Oriented and Wildfire Electric Reimbursement (POWER) program that will use appropriated funds, if any, to reimburse CPUC programs “driven by public policy goals, that provide benefit to the general public and not just to ratepayers, and that are not required for the safe and reliable delivery of electricity to the ratepayers….” (e.g. transportation electrification, building decarbonization, energy efficiency, low-income discounts, and wildfire mitigation). 6) Modifies the Commission’s reporting responsibility for demand-side management programs it oversees or that are paid for by ratepayers of the IOUs or community choice aggregators by (1) limiting the requirement to provide budgets and actual expenditures to “utility” expenditures and (2) specifies that “public interest impacts” include nonenergy effects, emissions reductions, or equity considerations. 7) Heightens the burden of proof for proposed costs in excess of inflation to “clear and convincing” evidence and increases reporting requirements for the Commission if such costs are authorized. 8) Requires the CEC to prepare a program EIR to analyze the development of classes of facilities, including solar PV, wind, energy storage, and thermal generation so that other agencies considering approval of specific facilities within the class may rely and build on the program EIR. 9) Broadens the scope of projects that fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the CEC for permitting by reducing the capital investment requirement for discretionary projects from $250 million to $100 million and extends eligibility to come within the CEC’s jurisdiction from mid-2029 to mid-2034. Makes other material changes to the certification process.
From committee: Do
pass and re-refer to
Com. on APPR. (Ayes
9. Noes 4.) (July 17).
Re-referred to Com. on
APPR.
CalCCA
Support
Orange County Power Authority
2025 California Bill Tracker (Updated 8/4/2025)
High Priority
SB 283 Laird Energy Storage Systems Battery Storage This bill would require an application submitted to the Energy Commission in accordance with the above-described provisions relating to certification of facilities by the Energy Commission, and an application submitted to a local jurisdiction for an energy storage management system, to include the applicant’s certification that the facility has been designed in accordance with the NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems, and, at least 30 days before submitting an application, the applicant met and conferred with the local fire department responsible for fire suppression in the area where the facility or system is proposed, as provided.
The bill would also prohibit the approval of those applications unless the local jurisdiction requires as a condition of approval that the system be constructed, installed, commissioned, operated, maintained, and decommissioned in accordance with NFPA 855, that after installation is complete, but before commencing operations, the system be inspected by the local fire department responsible for fire suppression or by a representative or designee of the State Fire Marshal, and that the applicant bear the cost of the inspection. By imposing additional duties on local officers, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Read second time and
amended. Re-referred
to Com. on APPR.
CalCCA
Support if
Amended
SB 302 Padilla Personal Income Tax Law
and Corporation Tax Law:
exclusions:
environmental credits
Tax Credits This bill, in conformity with federal law, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, would exclude from gross income a refund payment made for the specified federal environmental credits described above and any payment received by a transferor as consideration for a transfer, as provided. The bill would also prohibit a transferee from deducting the amount paid as consideration for the transfer, in conformity with federal law.
Read second time and
amended. Re-referred
to Com. on APPR.
CalCCA
Support
Orange County Power Authority
2025 California Bill Tracker (Updated 8/4/2025)
High Priority
SB 540 Becker and Stern Independent System
Operator: independent
regional organization
Regional Organization This bill would delete provisions providing for the transformation of the ISO into a regional organization. The bill would authorize the ISO and the electrical corporations that are participating transmission owners whose transmission systems are operated by the ISO, in lieu of the ISO managing related energy markets, as provided, to use energy markets governed by an independent regional organization, provided that specified requirements are satisfied. This bill would specify that the above-described provisions do not diminish the PUC’s authority to direct an electrical corporation to withdraw from an energy market governed by an independent regional organization, and would authorize the PUC to direct an electrical corporation to withdraw from an energy market governed by an independent regional organization under specific circumstances. The bill would also require an electrical corporation within the balancing authority of the ISO to withdraw from an energy market governed by an independent regional organization under two specified conditions.
This bill would establish the Regional Energy Market Oversight Council, which would be responsible for ensuring that participation in regional energy markets serves the interests of the state. The bill would require the council to approve or disapprove initial participation in the independent regional organization by electrical corporations and any other participating load-serving entities and determine whether electrical corporations and any other participating load-serving entities should be required to withdraw from an energy market governed by the independent regional organization. The bill would require the council to convene a duly noticed public meeting to make a finding of approval or withdrawal of participation in the independent regional organization and would require the council to disapprove of initial participation in the independent regional organization, or order withdrawal, if the council makes any of specified findings.
July 16 set for first
hearing canceled at
the request of author.
OCPA and
CalCCA
Support
Orange County Power Authority
2025 California Bill Tracker (Updated 8/4/2025)
High Priority
SB 541 Becker Electricity: load shifting:
dynamic pricing
Dynamic Rates This bill would require the PUC, on or before January 1, 2028, to develop a strategy to leverage distributed resources and load shifting to increase the utilization of existing distribution and transmission infrastructure, increase the effective load-hosting capacity of existing distribution and transmission infrastructure, provide bridging solutions to enable faster energization of new loads, and reduce the total distribution infrastructure investment required to meet long-term electricity load growth. The bill would require the PUC to take certain actions in support of that strategy, as provided. The bill would require the PUC to ensure that a large electrical corporation has made reasonable efforts to increase cost-effective load shifting or other types of peak demand reduction, as specified, before determining that an investment by the large electrical corporation to increase distribution system capacity is just and reasonable, as specified. The bill would require each large electrical corporation to provide relevant distribution planning data to the Energy Commission and to consult with the Energy Commission, as specified.
Read second time and
amended. Re-referred
to Com. on APPR.
CalCCA
Oppose
SB 707 Durazo Open meetings: meeting
and teleconference
requirements.
Brown Act This bill would, until January 1, 2030, require an eligible legislative body, as defined, to comply with additional meeting requirements, including that, except as specified, all open and public meetings include an opportunity for members of the public to attend via a 2-way telephonic service or a 2- way audiovisual platform, as defined, and that the eligible legislative body take specified actions to encourage residents to participate in public meetings, as specified. This bill would revise and recast the above-described definition of a legislative body and would specify that advisory committees with a continuing subject matter jurisdiction or a fixed meeting schedule, as specified, are legislative bodies. This bill would also require the agenda for each meeting of an eligible legislative body, as defined, to be translated into all applicable languages. The bill would define “applicable languages” to mean languages spoken jointly by 20% or more of the population in the city or county in which the eligible legislative body is located that, among other things, speaks English less than “very well,” as specified, and except as provided.
Read second time and
amended. Re-referred
to Com. on APPR.
Medium Priority
Bill # Author Title Category Summary Status
AB 13 Ransom Public Utilities
Commission:
membership: reports.
CPUC Reporting The bill would require the Governor, in selecting, and the Senate, in confirming, members of the commission to consider regional diversity in the membership of the commission. The bill would require the Governor, in appointing a candidate for membership in the commission, to consider using a candidate pool that comprises persons with permanent residences in certain regions of the state, as specified.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 39 Zbur General plans: Local
Electrification Planning
Act.
Local Programs This bill, the Local Electrification Planning Act, would require a city, county, or city and county, on or after January 1, 2027, but no later than January 1, 2030, to prepare and adopt a specified plan, or integrate a plan in the next adoption or revision of the general plan, that includes locally based goals, objectives, policies, and feasible implementation measures that include, among other things, the identification of opportunities to expand electric vehicle charging and other zero-emission vehicle fueling infrastructure, as specified, and includes policies and implementation measures that address the needs of disadvantaged communities, low-income households, and small businesses for equitable and prioritized investments in zero-emission technologies that directly benefit these groups. For these purposes, the bill would authorize a city, county, or city and county to designate a previously adopted similar plan that meets the above-described requirements, as specified. By increasing the duties of local public officials, the bill would establish a state-mandated local program.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 44 Schultz Energy: electrical
demand forecasts.
Demand Forecasts This bill would require the Energy Commission, on or before December 1, 2026, and in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, Independent System Operator, load-serving entities, and resource aggregators, to adopt a set of upfront technical requirements and load modification protocols, as defined, to provide the option for a load-serving entity to reduce or modify its electrical demand forecast upon aggregated system operation, as specified. The bill would require the commission to evaluate new and existing mechanisms that can support or expand opportunities for load-serving entities to modify their hourly resource adequacy obligations through load management, and would authorize the Energy Commission to include its findings and recommendations in its integrated energy policy report.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Medium Priority
AB 61 Pacheco Electricity and natural
gas: legislation imposing
mandated program and
requirements: third-party
review.
Programs This bill would request the office to establish, by January 1, 2027, a program to, upon request of the Legislature, analyze legislation that would establish a mandated requirement or program or otherwise affect electrical or gas ratepayers, as specified. The bill would request the office to develop and implement conflict-of-interest provisions that would prohibit a person from participating in an analysis for which the person knows or has reasons to know that the person has a financial interest. The bill would establish the Energy Programs Benefit Fund in the State Treasury and continuously appropriate the moneys in the fund to the office to support the work of the office in providing analyses under the bill.
The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2031.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 222 Bauer-Kahan Data centers: power
usage effectiveness: cost
shifts.
Data Centers This bill would require the Energy Commission to establish a process for the owner of a data center, as defined, to submit the power usage effectiveness ratio, as defined, for the data center to the Energy Commission on a biannual basis, and require the owner of a data center to submit this information for the data center in the manner and timeframe specified by the Energy Commission. The bill would require the Energy Commission, as part of the 2027 edition of the integrated energy policy report, to include an assessment of electrical load trends for data centers, as provided.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11.
Noes 2.) (July 15). Re-referred to
Com. on APPR.
AB 368 Ward Energy: building
standards: passive house
standards
Building Standards This bill would require the commission to evaluate the passive house energy efficiency standards, and, if appropriate, adopt those standards, or any elements that align with the state’s existing requirements, as an alternative compliance pathway for the building efficiency standards established by the Energy Commission.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 420 Petrie-Norris Public Utilities
Commission:
proceedings
CPUC This bill would authorize an interested person to submit a written ex parte communication during a quiet period if the commission modifies, rather than materially modifies, a proposed decision. The bill would require each public utility, as a part of its general rate case, to report all transactions performed pursuant to this exemption, enumerated by date, value, location, and party.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 443 Bennett Energy Commission:
integrated resource policy
report: curtailed solar and
wind generation:
hydrogen production
Hydrogen This bill would require the Energy Commission, as part of the 2027 edition of the integrated energy policy report and each edition thereafter, and contingent upon an appropriation for this purpose, to include an assessment of funding needs for port infrastructure for offshore wind energy development, as specified.
The bill would require the Energy Commission, in consultation with specified entities, to include in the assessment any federal, state, and local funding opportunities, including general obligation bonds and funding from the private sector, that can help build port infrastructure for offshore wind energy development.
In committee: Referred to APPR.
suspense file.
Medium Priority
AB 615 Davies Power facilites:
emergency response and
action plan
Power Facilities This bill would require that those applications also contain emergency response and action plans, to be paid for by the applicant, that incorporate impacts to the surrounding areas in the event of an emergency and that would be conducted and coordinated with local emergency management agencies, unified program agencies, and local first response agencies. The bill would require that applications for an energy storage system also contain emergency response and action plans, to be paid for by the applicant, and that the plan plans include analysis and feedback from the local emergency management agencies as to whether the proposed facilities require supplemental first responder capabilities and meet National Fire Protection Association 855 Standard as it relates to setbacks, as specified.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 705 Boerner Public Utilites Comission:
Independent Office of
Audits and Investigations
CPUC This bill would delete the provision providing for the appointment of the chief internal auditor and instead provide that, effective January 1, 2026, the internal audit unit of the commission and its staff are transferred to the Independent Office of Audits and Investigations, which the bill would establish within the commission, as specified. The bill would provide for the appointment and removal of the director of the office, who would have the title of Inspector General. The bill would require that the office have access and authority to examine all records, files, documents, accounts, reports, correspondence, or other property of the commission, public utilities, and other entities regulated by the commission, as specified.
The bill would require the Inspector General to report to the Governor and the Legislature, as provided.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 15.
Noes 1.) (July 15). Re-referred to
Com. on APPR.
AB 716 Carillo Fire safety standards:
hydrogen facilities
Hydrogen This bill would require the State Fire Marshal to to appoint a hydrogen fire expert to answer questions and provide clarification on the implementation of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution facilities, ensuring that hydrogen facilities comply with the most up-to-date fire safety standards. The bill would require the State Fire Marshal to provide ongoing training to local fire departments and building inspectors to ensure that hydrogen-related safety protocols are understood and enforced statewide.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 737 Qurik-Silva Energy: building
decarbonization: notice
and recordation of a
decarbonization charge
Decarbonization This bill would additionally add gas corporations to the definition of “energy supplier” for purposes of the above-described provisions.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Medium Priority
AB 738 Tangipa and
Patterson
Energy: building
standards: photovoltaic
requirements
Building Standards This bill would, until January 1, 2028, require residential construction intended to repair, restore, or replace a residential building damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster in an area in which a state of emergency has been proclaimed by the Governor to comply only with the requirements regarding photovoltaic systems pursuant to those regulations, if any, that were in effect at the time the damaged or destroyed building was originally constructed and would prohibit that construction from being required to comply with any additional or conflicting photovoltaic system requirements in effect at the time of repair, restoration, or replacement. The bill would only apply to the construction of a building if certain conditions are met with respect to the building owner’s income and insurance coverage, and to the location and square footage of the construction.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 14.
Noes 1.) (July 7). Re-referred to
Com. on APPR.
AB 740 Harabedian Integrated energy policy
report: virtual power
plants
VPP This bill would require the Energy Commission, on or before November 1, 2026, to adopt a virtual power plant deployment plan. The bill would require the Energy Commission, in developing the plan, to take certain actions, and would require that the plan meet specified requirements. The bill would require the plan adopted pursuant to these provisions to be included in the above-described integrated energy policy report.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 16.
Noes 0.) (July 15). Re-referred to
Com. on APPR.
AB 745 Irwin Electricity: climate
credits
Climate Credits This bill would require the credit provided to residential customers of an electrical corporation to be provided on the bills of those customers for the months of July, August, and September of each year, or as otherwise directed by the commission to address extreme, unforeseen, and temporary circumstances.
The bill would require the credit to be volumetric, rather than independent of consumption.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 16.
Noes 0.) (July 15). Re-referred to
Com. on APPR.
AB 777 Rodriguez Food assistance:
disasters: utilities.
Data Sharing This bill would require electrical corporations, gas corporations, water corporations, and local publicly owned electric utilities to respond to data requests from the department, and would require the commission to establish any memoramdum memorandum of understanding or other data sharing agreements agreement necessary to direct those utilities to provide data to the department to maximize food assistance, as provided. The bill would require the department to maximize the amount of assistance requested and received through D-SNAP and all other federally funded nutrition assistance, including utilizing that provided utility data, in order to timely seek automated mass replacement of specified federally funded nutrition assistance programs. The bill would require the department, on or before December 31, 2026, to submit a report to the Legislature related to food assistance, as specified.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5.
Noes 0.) (July 7). Re-referred to
Com. on APPR.
Medium Priority
AB 841 Patel State Fire Marshal:
personal protective
equipment: fires
Battery Storage This bill would require the State Fire Marshal, in consultation with the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, to develop a working group with specified membership to make recommendations regarding personal protective equipment used in responding to lithium-ion battery fires. The bill would require, at a minimum, the working group to review, and for the purpose of making the recommendations to consider, the latest personal protective equipment to limit exposure to lithium and other heavy metals, technology to clean personal protective equipment, whether different types of personal protective equipment should be used for different types of lithium-ion battery fires, and current decontamination practices at the fire scene, as specified. The bill would require the recommendations to be submitted to the Legislature on or before September 1, 2026.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent
Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (July
8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 864 Ward Hazardous waste: solar
photovoltaic modules
Solar Panel Recycling This bill would exempt solar photovoltaic modules not identified as hazardous waste and treated, except as provided, as universal waste, as defined, from state hazardous waste regulations, if transferred to a designated recycler for legitimate recycling, as described, and if the facility meets specified criteria relating to registration permits, as provided. The bill would make the universal waste designation applicable to a solar photovoltaic module that is intended for recycling and cannot otherwise be resold, reused, or refurbished only until the department adopts regulations implementing alternative management standards for solar photovoltaic modules. The bill would also designate a solar photovoltaic module that can be resold, reused, or refurbished as surplus material. The bill would make a conforming change.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 942 Calderon Electricity: climate
credits
Climate Credits This bill would exclude residential customers from receiving the California Climate Credit if they are not enrolled in the CARE or FERA program and their total electricity bills for the previous year were less than $300.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 1020 Schiavo Public utilities: energy:
taxpayer funding:
reporting.
IOU This bill would require each utility, defined as an investor-owned electrical corporation or gas corporation, to report certain information for any taxpayer funding, as defined, greater than or equal to $1,000,000, that the utility has applied for or received. The bill would require the commission, for each application in which a utility is seeking ratepayer funding, to require the utility to report all relevant taxpayer funding the utility is pursuing or has secured, and, if the commission determines that a utility is not in compliance with that requirement, the bill would authorize the commission to impose a penalty against the utility, as specified. The bill would require the commission to require each utility to promptly deliver the financial benefits of taxpayer funding to ratepayers, as provided.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 12.
Noes 3.) (July 15). Re-referred to
Com. on APPR.
Medium Priority
AB 1104 Pellerin Net energy metering:
construction of
renewable electrical
generation facilities:
public works project
requirements.
Solar Existing law provides for various enforcement mechanisms related to ensuring a contractor pays each construction worker the prevailing rate of per diem wages, and provides that an enforcement of a willful violation of any of these mechanisms against a contractor for the construction of a renewable electrical generation facility disqualifies that facility from eligibility being eligible to receive service pursuant to NEM
1.0, NEM 2.0, or the net billing tariff. This bill instead would make a renewable electrical generation facility eligible to receive service pursuant to NEM 1.0, NEM 2.0, or the net billing tariff despite enforcement of a willful violation against a contractor for the construction of the facility, as described above, if restitution has been made to the affected workers and all associated penalties and fines have been paid.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent
Calendar. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (July
7). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 1117 Schultz Electricity rates: optional
dynamic rate tariffs
Rates This bill would require the commission, through a new or existing proceeding, to develop optional dynamic rate tariffs applicable to each large electrical corporation for the large electrical corporation’s commercial and industrial customers on or before July 1, 2028, and for its other customers, including residential customers, on or before July 1, 2030. The bill would require each optional dynamic rate tariff to include, at minimum, specified components, including dynamic transmission and distribution rates that reflect real-time grid conditions and certain nonbypassable charges, as specified.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 1156 Wicks Solar-use easements:
suspension of Williamson
Act contracts: terms of
easement: termination.
Solar This bill would revise these provisions to authorize the Department of Conservation to determine that a parcel is eligible for suspension, as described above, upon the request of the landowner, instead of a request from a county or city, and would require the department to additionally make that determination in consultation with any applicable groundwater sustainability agency or services. The bill would revise the eligibility criteria for a parcel to be deemed eligible under these provisions by (1) additionally authorizing land for which there are or will be insufficient surface water or groundwater rights associated with the land to support commercially viable irrigated agricultural use; (2) deleting the requirement that the land not be located on lands designated as prime farmland, unique farmland, or farmland of statewide importance; and (3) additionally requiring that the land meet certain additional requirements relating to the land’s historical use as cropland and whether it is encumbered by a conservation easement or enrolled in a land conservation program, as specified. The bill would also require the Department of Conservation to issue its determination of eligibility within 120 days following submission of a completed application package, and would deem any application not rejected within this 120-day period to be approved.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Medium Priority
AB 1167 Berman Electrical corporations
and gas corporations:
rate recovery: political
activities and promotional
advertising.
IOUs This bill would prohibit, except as provided, an electrical corporation or gas corporation from recording various expenses associated with political influence activities, as defined, or with promotional public messages, as defined, to accounts that contain expenses that the electrical corporation or gas corporation recovers from ratepayers. The bill would require electrical corporations and gas corporations to clearly and conspicuously disclose in all of its public messages whether the costs of the advertising are paid for by the corporation’s shareholders or ratepayers. The bill would require an electrical corporation or gas corporation, on or before May 31, 2026, and annually thereafter, to include, as part of a specified statement to the commission, certain information.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 1207 Irwin Climate change: market-based compliance
mechanism: price ceiling
Cap-and-Trade This bill would require the state board to instead consider the full social cost associated with emitting a metric ton of greenhouse gases, as determined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in November 2023.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 7.
Noes 0.) (July 16). Re-referred to
Com. on APPR.
AB 1273 Patterson Public utilities:
ratesetting proceedings:
local publicly owned
electric utilities:
California Renewables
Portfolio Standard
Program
Rates This bill would prohibit the commission from placing the consideration of an application from an electrical corporation for a rate increase on its consent calendar.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 1280 Garcia Energy Energy This bill would authorize the I-bank to provide financial assistance in connection with the financing or refinancing of a new category of climate catalyst projects, those that enable the decarbonization of industrial facilities’ use of heat and power, including, but not limited to, industrial heat pump and thermal energy storage projects, as specified, with the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission and the State Air Resources Board as consulting agencies. This bill would establish and implement an Industrial Facilities Thermal Energy Storage Program within the Long-Duration Energy Storage Program to provide financial incentives for eligible projects to decarbonize industrial facilities’ use of heat and power, as specified.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Medium Priority
AB 1285 Committee on
Emergency
Management
State Fire Marshal:
lithium-ion battery
facilities: guidance
Battery Storage This bill would require the State Fire Marshal, in consultation with the Office of Emergency Services, to develop fire prevention, response, and recovery measures for utility grade lithium-ion battery storage facilities, as specified.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent
Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (July
8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 1408 Irwin Electricity:
interconnections
Interconnections This bill would require each electrical corporation, and each local publicly owned utility with an annual electrical demand exceeding 700 gigawatthours, to require the evaluation of surplus interconnection options and to consider surplus interconnection options, for purposes of its integrated resource plan.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 1410 Garcia Utilities: service outages
and updates: alerts
Outages This bill would require each electrical corporation, gas corporation, water corporations, or local publicly owned electric utility to automatically enroll customers in alerts for service outages and updates. The bill would require customers to be provided with the opportunity to opt-out of any alerts they do not wish to receive, except as provided. The bill would require each public utility to provide information on customers’ bills on how to update their preferred contact methods and to allow customers to update their contact information by email or telephone.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
AB 1423 Irwin Transportation
electrification: electric
vehicle charging stations:
payment methods.
EVSE This bill would authorize the commission to modify, add to, or subtract from those required payment methods, as appropriate in light of changing technologies or cost impacts.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Medium Priority
SB 24 McNerney Public utilities: review of
accounts: electrical and
gas corporations: rates:
political influence
activities and promotional
advertising.
IOU This bill would prohibit, except as provided, an electrical corporation or gas corporation from recording various expenses associated with political influence activities, as defined, promotional advertising, as defined, or opposing the municipalization of electrical or gas service, to accounts that contain expenses that the electrical corporation or gas corporation recovers from ratepayers. The bill would require electrical corporations and gas corporations to clearly and conspicuously disclose in all of its advertising whether the costs of the advertising are paid for by the corporation’s shareholders or ratepayers. The bill would require an electrical corporation or gas corporation, on or before May 31, 2026, and annually thereafter, to provide the commission with a report of expenses from the previous calendar year and would require that, for each business unit of the corporation that performs work associated with political influence activities or promotional advertising, the report contain specified information. The bill would require the commission to make the report publicly available.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
SB 80 Caballero The Fusion Research and
Development Innovation
Hub Program.
Fusion This bill would establish the Fusion Research and Development Innovation Hub Program within the commission to accelerate the development and growth of fusion energy by advancing fusion science and technology with the goal of delivering the world’s first fusion energy pilot plant in the state by the 2040s.
The bill would require, among other things, the commission to designate fusion research and development innovation hubs representing regions of southern California, the central valley, adn the San Francisco Bay.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
SB 86 McNerney California Alternative
Energy and Advanced
Transportation Financing
Authority Act: sales and
use tax exclusion.
Fusion This bill would extend to January 1, 2031 the authorization to provide financial assistance in the form of a sales and use tax exclusion for projects approved by the authority. The bill would increase the maximum cumulative amount of the sales and use tax exclusions authorized under these provisions to $200,000,000 per calendar year. The bill would add electrical generation facilities using nuclear fusion technology to the types of projects qualifying for this sales and use tax exclusion. The bill would make other conforming changes.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
SB 88 Caballero Air resources: carbon
emissions: biomass.
Biomass The bill would require the state board, on or before January 1, 2028, to adopt a method of quantification of the life-cycle emissions from alternative uses of forest and agricultural biomass residues. The bill would require the state board, on or before January 1, 2029, to include in the next scoping plan update a strategy to support beneficial carbon removal products, including, but not limited to, biochar, that are generated from agricultural or forest biomass resources.
July 2 set for first hearing. Placed
on suspense file.
Medium Priority
SB 256 Perez Electricity: electrical
infrastructure: wildfire
mitigation.
Infrastructure This bill would require an electrical corporation, for the description in the wildfire mitigation plan of the preventative strategies and programs to minimize the risk of its electrical lines and equipment causing catastrophic wildfires, to include consideration of areas adjacent to high fire threat areas. The bill would require an electrical corporation’s wildfire mitigation plan to consider the impacts on the opportunity for residents within a household who are not the customer of record to subscribe to receive notifications related to deenergization events and communication with public safety partners, identify any lapses in communication coordination during recent past emergency response events with local governments, describe opportunities to collaborate with local governments and other steps that can be taken to establish more efficient communication coordination during future emergency responses, consider undergrounding distribution infrastructure when it is being rebuilt, include an accounting of all transmission facilities, including permanently abandoned facilities, and include a plan for how and when each permanently abandoned facility will be removed and the wildfire mitigation measures that are being implemented to prevent hazards, as provided. The bill would also require electrical corporations to conduct annual wildfire preparedness workshops, as provided.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
SB 298 Caballero State Energy Resources
Conservation and
Development
Commission: seaports:
plan: alternative fuels
Alternative Fuels This bill would require the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission), in coordination with the State Lands Commission, the Transportation Agency, and the state board, to develop a plan on or before December 31, 2030, for the alternative fuel needs of oceangoing vessels at California’s public seaports that will enable the seaports to meet their emissions reduction goals. The bill would require the plan to do specified things, including, among other things, identifying barriers to permitting alternative fuel facilities at seaports and opportunities to address those barriers. The bill would require the Energy Commission to convene a working group to advise the Energy Commission on the development of information required by the plan, as specified. The bill would require the state board to provide the Energy Commission with information regarding fuels for oceangoing vessels that comply with the state board’s regulations for those vessels.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 12.
Noes 0.) (July 14). Re-referred to
Com. on APPR.
Medium Priority
SB 326 Becker and Laird Wildfire safety: The
California Wildfire
Mitigation Strategic
Planning Act
Wildfires This bill would require the deputy director, on or before January 1, 2027, and every 3 years thereafter, to prepare a Wildfire Risk Mitigation Planning Framework sufficient to quantitatively evaluate wildfire risk mitigation actions, as provided. The bill would require the framework to allow for geospatial evaluation and comparison of wildfire risk mitigation actions, as defined, sufficient to direct coordinated mitigation efforts and long-term collaborative mitigation planning. The bill would require the deputy director to, each year the framework is completed, submit a copy of the framework to the Legislature, the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety, and the Public Utilities Commission for review and consideration.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
SB 332 Wahab Investor-Owned Utilities
Accountability Act
IOU Oversight This bill would require the research institute to conduct the first phase of the comparative analysis and to submit an interim report, on or before December 31, 2026, to the Energy Commission on threshold legal issues, as provided. The bill would require the Energy Commission to convene a group of state attorneys from the legal departments of state agencies that regulate electrical corporations to advise the research institute on the first phase of the comparative analysis, as specified.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
SB 500 Stern Energy: usage data Energy Data Existing law requires each utility, on and after January 1, 2017, to, upon the request and authorization of the owner, owner’s agent, or operator of a covered building, as defined, deliver or otherwise provide aggregated energy usage data for a covered building to the owner, owner’s agent, or building operator, or to the owner’s account in the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, as specified.
This bill would authorize a utility to satisfy that requirement by delivering or otherwise providing aggregated energy usage data to the owner’s account in any alternative system or tool approved by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent
calendar. (Ayes 18. Noes 0.) (July
9). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
SB 533 Richardson Electric vehicle charging
stations: arenas:
payments: internet based
applications
EVSE This bill would create an exception to the above-described provisions that authorizes an electric vehicle charging station to require that payment for charging services be made through the use of an internet-based application and require the use of that internet-based application for admission to an arena that has a seating capacity of at least 15,000 seats and can only be accessed through the use of that internet-based application.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Medium Priority
SB 567 Limon Gravity-Based Energy
Storage Well Pilot
Program
Energy Storage This bill would, until January 1, 2035, establish the Gravity-Based Energy Storage Well Pilot Program and would authorize the supervisor to authorize the conversion of not more than 250 wells for use as gravity-based energy storage wells, as defined, to evaluate their use, including the establishment of appropriate operating conditions and physical parameters to safely generate energy. The bill would require idle wells that are authorized for use as gravity-based energy storage wells to be identified as gravity-based energy storage wells in a plan for the management and elimination of idle wells or updates to the plan required to be filed with the supervisor. The bill would require the mechanical integrity of gravity-based energy storage wells to be assessed by the Geologic Energy Management Division not less than annually. The bill would require an operator of a gravity-based energy storage well, in the event of a loss of mechanical integrity of the well or a leak to the environment, to notify the division, the State Air Resources Board, the appropriate regional water quality control board, and schools and community members within 3,200 feet of the well and to cease operation until the mechanical integrity is restored or to plug and abandon the well, as provided. The bill would require gravity-based energy storage wells to be continuously monitored for fluid leaks. The bill would specify that the authorization for wells to be used as gravity-based energy storage wells end at the termination of the pilot program. The bill would, by January 1, 2033, require the Secretary for Environmental Protection, in consultation with certain entities, to evaluate the pilot program and make recommendations to the Legislature for a framework to implement an ongoing Gravity-Based Energy Storage Well Program to regulate the operation of gravity-based energy storage wells, as provided.
July 9 set for first hearing. Placed
on suspense file.
SB 593 Hurtado Voltage changes:
consumer protection.
Notice This bill would require the commission, on or before July 1, 2027, to require electrical corporations to adjust their consumer protections to better protect customers from significant voltage changes that can result in damage to customers’ equipment and appliances if the commission determines adjustments to the consumer protections are necessary. The bill would specify the factors that the commission would be required to evaluate when determining whether to adjust the consumer protections, as provided.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
SB 710 Blakespear Property taxation: active
solar energy systems:
extension
Solar Under existing property tax law, this exclusion remains in effect only until there is a subsequent change in ownership, but an active solar energy system that qualifies for the exclusion before January 1, 2027, will continue to receive the exclusion until there is a subsequent change in ownership. Existing law repeals these exclusion provisions on January 1, 2027. This bill would, beginning with the 2026–27 fiscal year, extend the exclusion indefinitely, and would limit the exclusion to customer-sited active solar energy systems, as defined.
Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Medium Priority
SB 782 Perez Enhanced infrastructure
financing district: climate
resilience districts.
Enhanced
infrastructure climate
district
This bill would authorize a city or county to adopt a resolution providing for the division of taxes of any participating entity without following specified procedures for the preparation and adoption of an infrastructure financing plan, if certain conditions are met. The bill would require the district to hold a public meeting to consider the resolution of intention to establish the district and a second public meeting to consider the adoption of the infrastructure financing plan, and would require the district to post specified notices prior to the meetings. The bill would require the resolution to include specified information, including that incremental property tax revenue from the city or county and all affected taxing entities within the district may be used to finance the district’s activities. The bill would require the district to make the infrastructure financing plan available for public inspection at least 10 days before the hearing to approve the formation of the district, and would require the designated official of the district to consult with each affected taxing entity prior to development of the infrastructure financing plan.
Read second time and amended.
Ordered to second reading.
Medium Priority
SB 787 McNerney Energy: Task Force on
Equitable Clean Energy
Supply Chains and
Industrial Policy in
California
Task Force on
Equitable Clean
Energy Supply Chains
This bill would require the commission, on or before March 1, 2026, to designate a person, within the commission, to serve as the Senior Counselor on Industrial Policy and Clean Energy Development and would specify the senior counselor’s duties. The bill would require the Senior Counselor on Industrial Policy and Clean Energy Development to convene working groups that focus on certain issues, as provided. The bill would require the commission, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the Public Utilities Commission, the Department of Water Resources, the Department of General Services, and the office of the Treasurer, on or before March 1, 2026, to enter into an a memorandum of understanding on equitable clean energy supply chains and industrial policy in California to, among other things, review, investigate, and develop strategies for building integrated industrial bases in California to support the zero-emission vehicle and battery supply chain industries, offshore wind and offshore wind component industries, and building decarbonization and heat pump industries through industrial planning and public investment, procurement, and subsidization, as provided. The bill would require the Senior Counselor on Industrial Policy and Clean Energy Development to track and coordinate the work taken under the memorandum of understanding and to prepare an annual report summarizing the key findings and recommendations resulting from that work. The bill would require that the report be presented at a public meeting of the commission and be published on the commission’s internet website. The bill would establish in the State Treasury the Equitable Clean Energy Supply Chain and Industrial Policy Fund and would, upon appropriation by the Legislature, authorize the moneys in the fund be expended for the purposes of the bill.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 14.
Noes 1.) (July 14). Re-referred to
Com. on APPR.
SB 804 Archuleta Hydrogen pipeline safety Hydrogen This bill would require the PUC to require that hydrogen pipelines meet specified requirements. The bill would require the PUC to establish, on or before January 1, 2028, and, with the exception specified below, to enforce, standards that meet or exceed those requirements, as provided. The bill would require the Energy Commission to enforce the standards for private, intrastate hydrogen pipelines.
The bill would require a hydrogen pipeline owner to maintain accurate records of hydrogen concentration levels within its hydrogen pipeline and any leakage of hydrogen and, on or before December 31 of each year, to submit a report to the PUC detailing compliance with that requirement.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent
calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (July
14). Re-referred to Com. on
APPR.
Medium Priority
SB 840 Limon and
McGuire
Greenhouse gases: report Cap-and-Trade This bill would extend indefinitely the requirement for the Legislative Analyst’s Office to annually submit to the Legislature the report on the economic impacts and benefits of those greenhouse gas emissions targets. The bill would require the committee, at a public hearing, to review the annual report by the Legislative Analyst’s Office.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 12.
Noes 0.) (July 14). Re-referred to
Com. on APPR.
SB 842 Stern Energy: firm zero-carbon
resources
Zero-Carbon
Resources
This bill would require commission, on or before December 31, 2026, through a new or ongoing proceeding, to establish or identify a process by which each load-serving entity subject to its jurisdiction may solicit bids and propose projects for new firm zero-carbon resources to meet identified local reliability needs, as provided. The bill would require the report to include, among other things, characterization of the resource attributes vital for local reliability and identification of barriers, including market barriers, to deploying firm zero-carbon resources to enhance local reliability.
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent
calendar. (Ayes 18. Noes 0.) (July
9). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Failed Deadline
Bill # Author Title Category Summary Status
AB 23 DeMaio The Cost of Living
Reduction Act of 2025.
Affordability This bill would require the Energy Commission to develop a rebate methodology to compensate Californians for the higher cost of gasoline, electricity, and natural gas compared to the national average, and, beginning with the 2026–27 fiscal year, in any year where the average prices for gasoline, electricity, or natural gas have exceeded the national average for those energy sources by more than 10% in the preceding 12 months, would require the Controller to provide rebates to households consistent with the methodology developed by the commission. The bill would establish the Cost of Living Reduction Fund and would require an amount necessary to fund the rebates, as specified, to be transferred from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to the Cost of Living Reduction Fund, the moneys in which would be continuously appropriated to the Controller for the purpose of making the rebate payments. By requiring the transfer of moneys into a continuously appropriated fund, the bill would make an appropriation.
Re-referred to Com. on U. & E.
AB 99 Ta Electrical
corporations: rates.
Affordability This bill would prohibit an electrical corporation from proposing a rate increase above the rate of inflation as defined, as a systemwide average for any general rate case cycle, except the bill would expressly authorize the commission to approve a rate increase above the rate of inflation if the commission determines that the costs underlying the rate increase are directly related to safety enhancements and modernization or to higher commodity or fuel costs.
In committee: Held under
submission.
AB 267 Macedo Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Fund: high-speed rail: water
infrastructure and
wildfire prevention
GGRF This bill would suspend the appropriation to the High-Speed Rail Authority for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 fiscal years and would instead require those amounts from moneys collected by the state board to be transferred to the General Fund. The bill would specify that the transferred amounts shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to augment funding for water infrastructure and wildfire prevention.
Referred to Coms. on TRANS.
and NAT. RES.
AB 273 Sanchez Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Fund: high-speed rail:
infrastructure
improvements
GGRF This bill would eliminate the continuous appropriation of 25% of the annual proceeds of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to the High-Speed Rail Authority on June 30, 2026. The bill, beginning with the 2026–27 fiscal year, would instead require 25% of the annual proceeds of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to be transferred to the General Fund and for those moneys, upon appropriation, to be used to augment funding provided to local governments to improve infrastructure.
Referred to Coms. on TRANS.
and NAT. RES.
Failed Deadline
AB 275 Petrie-Norris Office of Emergency
Services: wildfire
aerial response:
program
Wildfires This bill would require the Office of Emergency Services, in consultation with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, to establish, on or before December 31, 2026, a working group to evaluate and develop recommendations for implementing a wildfire aerial response program to provide year-round, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, rapid aerial suppression capabilities. The bill would require the working group to consider specified elements to ensure effective statewide aerial wildfire suppression and to develop recommendations, including whether the program should be implemented as a pilot program, a full-scale statewide initiative, or if implementation is not recommended based on feasibility findings. The bill would require the Director of Emergency Services, in consultation with the department, to appoint members to the working group who are familiar with wildfire aviation response programs, as provided. The bill would require the working group to report its findings and implementation recommendations to the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management and the Senate Committee on Governmental Organization on or before December 31, 2027, as provided.
In committee: Set, second
hearing. Hearing canceled at the
request of author.
AB 286 Gallagher Electricity: mandatory
rate reduction.
Rates This bill would require the commission to generate a report outlining recommendations to decrease the kilowatt-per-hour rate for electricity charged to ratepayers by not less than 30% by January 1, 2027. The bill would require the commission, in making those reduction recommendations, to take certain actions, as specified.
In committee: Held under
submission.
AB 303 Addis Battery energy storage
facilities
Battery Storage This bill would prohibit the authorization of a development project that includes a battery energy storage system capable of storing 200 megawatthours or more of energy if the development project is located within 3,200 feet of a sensitive receptor or is located on an environmentally sensitive site, as specified.
In committee: Hearing
postponed by committee.
AB 305 Arambula Energy: nuclear
facilities
Nuclear Power This bill would exempt small modular reactors, as defined, from those provisions. This bill would require the PUC, on or before January 1, 2028, to adopt a plan to increase the procurement of electricity generated from nuclear facilities and to phase out the procurement of electricity generated from natural gas facilities.
In committee: Hearing
postponed by committee.
AB 306 Schultz and RivasBuilding regulations:
state building
standards
Building Standards This bill would, from June 1, 2025, until June 1, 2031, inclusive, prohibit a city or county from making changes to the above-described building standards unless a certain condition is met, including that the commission deems those changes or modifications necessary as emergency standards to protect health and safety.
From committee chair, with
author's amendments: Amend,
and re-refer to committee. Read
second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on HOUSING.
Failed Deadline
AB 388 Rogers Electricity Electrical
Corporations
This bill would revise the definition of “electrical corporation” to exclude a corporation or person employing certain solar or wind generating technology if electricity is transmitted exclusively and directly through private electrical lines to a single facility owned by a different corporation or person that uses the electricity only for new load, not for departing load, and for an electrolytic hydrogen production facility, as defined, or a facility using the electricity to provide industrial process heat, or both.
In committee: Held under
submission.
AB 434 DeMaio Construction and
safety standards:
battery storage
facilities
Battery Storage This bill would prohibit, until January 1, 2028, a public agency from authorizing the construction of a battery energy storage facility, as defined. The bill would require the State Fire Marshal, on or before January 1, 2028, to adopt guidelines and minimum standards for the construction of a battery energy storage facility to prevent fires and protect nearby communities from any fire hazard posed by the facility. The bill would require a public agency, when authorizing the construction of a battery energy storage facility on or after January 1, 2028, to require the facility to meet the guidelines and minimum standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal or more stringent guidelines and minimum standards as determined appropriate by the public agency.
In committee: Set, first hearing.
Referred to suspense file.
AB 441 Hadwick Wildfire prevention:
Office of Wildfire
Technology Research
and Development:
wildfire mitigation
program
Wildfires Would repeal provisions related to the Office of Wildifre Technology Research and Development. In committee: Set, first hearing.
Hearing canceled at the request
of author.
AB 472 Rogers and
Connolly
Energy: offshore wind
generation
Offshore Wind This bill would amend the definition of “infrastructure” described above to include port infrastructure for offshore wind energy development, and would require the 5-year infrastructure plan to include, beginning in the 2027–28 fiscal year, and contingent upon an appropriation for this purpose, an assessment of funding needs for port infrastructure for offshore wind energy development, as specified. The bill would require the Governor, in consultation with specified entities, to assess federal, state, and local funding opportunities, including general obligation bonds and funding from the private sector, that can help build port infrastructure for offshore wind energy development.
In committee: Held under
submission.
Failed Deadline
AB 526 Papan Energy: new in-state
geothermal energy
generation
Geothermal The bill would require the Energy Commission, on or before June 1, 2026, to evaluate and quantify the maximum feasible capacity of new in-state geothermal energy to achieve reliability, ratepayer, employment, and decarbonization benefits, and to establish megawatt in-state next-generation geothermal planning goals for 2035 and 2045, as specified.
In committee: Held under
submission.
AB 729 Zbur Public utilities: climate
credits
Climate Credits This bill would require that the electric California Climate Credit be provided to the residential and small business retail customers of electrical corporations on the bills of those customers for the months of August and September of each year, and to the emissions-intensive trade-exposed retail customers of electrical corporations on the bills of those customers for the month of August of each year, unless otherwise directed by the commission, as specified. The bill would require that the natural gas California Climate Credit be provided to residential customers on the bills of those customers for the month of February of each year unless otherwise directed by the commission, as specified.
From committee chair, with
author's amendments: Amend,
and re-refer to committee. Read
second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on E., U & C.
AB 884 Essayli Campaign
contributions: investor-owned utilities
IOU This bill would prohibit an investor-owned utility from making a contribution to a candidate for elective state office and would prohibit a candidate for elective state office from accepting a contribution from an investor-owned utility.
In committee: Hearing
postponed by committee.
AB 941 Zbur California
Environmental Quality
Act: electrical
infrastructure projects
CEQA This bill would require the commission to determine whether to certify the environmental impact report for an electrical infrastructure project that is a priority project, as defined, no later than 270 days after the commission determines that an application for an electrical infrastructure project is complete, except as specified.
In committee: Held under
submission.
Failed Deadline
AB 1016 Gonzalez Power facility and site
certifications: thermal
powerplants:
geothermal resources
Geothermal This bill would additionally authorize the commission to exempt from the certification requirement, only until January 1, 2030, a thermal powerplant that generates electricity using geothermal resources and meets specified criteria, including that a person proposing an eligible thermal powerplant files an application on or before June 30, 2029, for certification with the local governmental agency that has land use and related jurisdiction over the area in which the powerplant is located to certify the site and related facility, and that the powerplant has a generating capacity of up to 150 megawatts, or that modifications are being made to a thermal powerplant that generates electricity using geothermal resources that do not add capacity in excess of 150 megawatts and for any plan for multiple geothermal powerplants that use at least one common infrastructure component and those powerplants, in total, have a net generating capacity of 50 or more megawatts.. Upon the commission granting an exemption, the bill would require the local governmental agency to be the lead agency to certify the site and related facility, as provided. The bill would make the local governmental agency that has land use and related jurisdiction over the area of the proposed site and related facility the lead agency pursuant to CEQA for any project that the commission exempts from the certification requirement and that generates electricity using geothermal resources as provided.
In committee: Set, first hearing.
Hearing canceled at the request
of author.
AB 1017 Boerner Energy: electrical and
gas corporations:
general rate cases.
General Rate
Cases
This bill would require an electrical corporation or gas corporation, as a part of its general rate case, to provide to the commission certain information, including, among other things, the authorized and actual rate of return and return on equity for the past 10 years and projects related to the corporation’s distribution capacity that include the forecast submitted in the prior general rate case of the corporation.
In committee: Hearing
postponed by committee.
AB 1173 Patterson Public Utilities
Commission:
organization
IOU/CPUC This bill would prohibit a staff member who moves from the Public Advocate’s Office of the Public Utilities Commission to the commission from working on any matter that the staff member participated in while employed at the office.
In committee: Held under
submission.
AB 1174 Alanis Clean Transportation
Program: eligible
programs and
projects: electrical
vehicle charging
stations: vandalism
deterrence
EVSE This bill would add to the categories of programs and projects eligible for funding under the Clean Transportation Program programs and projects to deter and combat vandalism of publicly available electric vehicle charging stations.
Referred to Com. on TRANS.
Failed Deadline
AB 1176 Flora Energy: renewable
energy resources
programs
Energy Spot Bill In committee: Hearing
postponed by committee.
AB 1182 Irwin State Energy
Resources
Conservation and
Development
Commission: report:
electrical grid
infrastructure
manufacturing
Transmission and
Distribution
Manufacturing
This bill would require the commission to prepare and submit a report, on or before July 1, 2026, to the Governor and the Legislature regarding the status of electrical transmission and distribution grid infrastructure manufacturing in this state.
In committee: Held under
submission.
AB 1191 Tangipa California Renewables
Portfolio Standard
Program: hydroelectric
generation.
RPS/Hydro This bill would revise the definition of an eligible renewable energy resource for the purposes of the California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program to include all hydroelectric generating facilities and would make conforming changes.
In committee: Set, first hearing.
Failed passage.
Reconsideration granted.
AB 1222 Bauer-Kahan Public utilities: judicial
review
IOUs This bill would prohibit the commission from authorizing electrical or gas corporations to recover from their ratepayers the costs associated with seeking judicial review of a commission decision by a state or federal court or requesting relief from a commission decision at a federal agency. The bill would require the electrical and gas corporation to track those costs.
In committee: Held under
submission.
AB 1228 Essayli Electricity: expedited
utility distribution
infrastructure
undergrounding
program
Infrastructure This bill would specify that the approval of a distribution infrastructure undergrounding plan is not a project for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act, as specified.
Referred to Coms. on U. & E.
and NAT. RES.
AB 1238 DeMaio California Energy
Consumer Freedom
Act
Electrification This bill, the California Energy Consumer Freedom Act, would prohibit state agencies and local governments from adopting or enforcing a rule, regulation, resolution, or ordinance that directly or indirectly results in prohibiting the use of gas appliances in residential or nonresidential buildings, and the buying, selling, or use of gasoline-powered vehicles or equipment.
Re-referred to Com. on U. & E.
Failed Deadline
AB 1260 Ward Electricity: renewable
energy subscription
programs
Community
Renewables
This bill would revise and recast the requirements for the customer renewable energy subscription program to, among other things, specify that the avoided costs include certain avoided cost values. The bill would impose additional requirements that the program is required to meet, including requiring facilities participating in the program to have no more than 5 megawatts of generation capacity and no more than 5 megawatts of storage, and capping the total program capacity at 5 gigawatts or ending program subscription after 7 years, when either limit is first reached. The bill would require the PUC, on or before September 1, 2026, to adopt or modify the community renewable energy program to ensure consistency with certain requirements, as provided. The bill would require each community choice aggregator and electric service provider, within 180 days of the adoption or modification of the program, to notify the PUC regarding whether it will participate in the program. The bill would authorize a community choice aggregator or electric service provider to begin participating in, or end its participation in, the program at any time by notifying the PUC. The bill would require the PUC, beginning 2 years from the adoption or modification of the program, to evaluate the program to ensure consistency with the program’s requirements and would require the PUC to authorize the termination or modification of the program if the PUC determines that the program does not meet those requirements. The bill would require the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission) to evaluate community solar and storage projects as a load-modifying resource so that those projects may be counted as a load-modifying resource. The bill would require the Energy Commission to undertake the evaluation and issue a determination on or before September 1, 2026, as provided.
In committee: Held under
submission.
AB 1295 Patterson Public utilities: bills
and notices:
consolidation and
transparency
Billing This bill would require the commission, on or before June 1, 2026, to evaluate all customer billing and noticing requirements existing on January 1, 2026, that apply to gas or electric utilities, and to identify and consider potential avenues to consolidate and enhance billing transparency, including avenues that clearly show the source and value of each charge within each customer’s bill, as specified, and use the most cost-effective communications channels, as provided. The bill would authorize the commission to seek and consider input from utilities and other relevant stakeholders to inform its evaluation and identification and consideration of potential avenues to consolidate notices and enhance billing transparency.
In committee: Held under
submission.
AB 1301 Petrie-Norris Electricity: Power
Exchange
Power Exchange This bill would abolish the Power Exchange and would make various conforming changes. Referred to Com. on E., U & C.
Failed Deadline
AB 1302 Wallis Electricity: customer
generators: departing
load charges.
Departing Load This bill would require the commission, until December 31, 2031, to study and design a new system for allowing electrical customers of electrical corporations, community choice aggregators, local publicly owned electric utilities, and electrical cooperatives to generate their own electricity on their commercial or residential sites. The bill would require the commission, in designing the new system, to ensure all electrical customers are treated fairly, increase transparency in the calculation and application of departing load charges, promote the development and integration of renewable energy sources, support the state’s clean energy goals, consider the benefits of customer-generated energy, and provide a mechanism for stakeholder input, as provided. The bill would require the commission, on or before December 31, 2027, to submit a report to the Legislature detailing the proposed new process for departing load charges and any recommendations for legislative action.
Re-referred to Com. on U. & E.
AB 1334 Wallis Solar energy: official
state energy
Solar This bill would establish solar energy as the official state energy. In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
AB 1342 Soria Public Utilities
Commission: energy
efficiency programs:
report.
Programs Existing law requires the Public Utilities Commission, on or before December 31, 2018, and biennially thereafter, as part of a specified report, to identify and report to the Legislature on electrical and gas corporation ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs that are similar to programs administered by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, the State Air Resources Board, and the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority. This bill would instead require the commission to identify and report to the Legislature on those programs on an annual basis.
In committee: Hearing
postponed by committee.
AB 1347 Carrillo Electrical
modernization zones
Electrical
modernization
zones
This bill would require the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, in conjunction with the ISO, to identify six electrical infrastructure modernization zones, as provided. The bill would require the PUC and the Energy Commission to recognize these zones as load growth priority areas. The bill would authorize an electrical corporation that serves a customer within an electrical infrastructure modernization zone to work with the local jurisdiction to update its electrical load projections. The bill would require the PUC to authorize an electrical corporation that serves a customer within an electrical infrastructure modernization zone to expedite cost recovery and to manage microgrids, as specified.
In committee: Set, first hearing.
Hearing canceled at the request
of author.
Failed Deadline
AB 1372 Papan Renewable electrical
generation facilities:
electrified commuter
railroads: regenerative
braking: net billing
Rates This bill would, upon an electrical corporation, electric service provider, or community choice aggregator and an operator of an electrified commuter railroad that produces electricity through the regenerative braking of electric trains, including the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, completing certain technical studies, require the electrical corporation, electric service provider, or community choice aggregator to adopt or modify a net billing contract or tariff that is approved by the commission or the appropriate rate approving entity, as provided. The bill would require that contract or tariff to, among other things, require the supplier or distributor to apply bill credits for the electricity exported to the electrical grid based on its value, as specified. The bill would require the load-serving entity responsible for the delivery of electricity to provide, or install at its cost, if necessary, metering that records and documents electricity imports and exports, as specified.
In committee: Hearing
postponed by committee.
AB 1404 Ortega Electrical
Corporations:
connections:
affordable housing
projects
Rates This bill would require an electrical corporation to connect an affordable housing project, as defined, to the electrical distribution grid within 60 days, except as specified. The bill would require the commission to streamline any necessary review on an affordable housing project that is ready to connect but sitting vacant and that has not been connected by an electrical corporation within the required 60 days. The bill would delay the effective date of a rate increase approved by the commission for the greater of either the amount of time the electrical corporation took, beyond 90 days from receipt of the project building plans, to provide a final contract, or the amount of time the electrical corporation took, beyond the 60 days allowed, to connect the most recently completed affordable housing project within the electrical corporation’s service area.
In committee: Hearing
postponed by committee.
AB 1436 Avila Farias Public Utilities
Commission:
outreach.
PUC Outreach Existing law, in effect until January 1, 2020, required the Policy and Planning Division of the Public Utilities Commission to undertake one or more studies of outreach efforts undertaken by other state and federal utility regulatory bodies and make recommendations to the commission to promote effective outreach, including metrics for use in evaluating success. This bill would repeal that obsolete provision.
Referred to Com. on E., U & C.
AB 1484 Bennett Energy reliability Spot Spot Bill Read first time.
Failed Deadline
SB 58 Padilla Sales and Use Tax
Law: exemptions:
certified data center
facilities
Data Centers This bill would, on and after January 1, 2026, provide a partial exemption from those taxes with respect to the gross receipts from the sale, storage, use, installation, assembly, repair, maintenance, or other consumption of data center equipment, as defined, used at or for the benefit of a certified data center facility, as defined. The bill would require a data center facility to meet specified requirements in order to receive certification from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, including requirements relating to job creation, investment, and renewable energy procurement requirements. The bill would require the department to revoke certification where a data center facility obtains certification and subsequently fails to meet these requirements after reasonable opportunity for the data center facility to cure noncompliance, as provided.
May 14 set for first hearing
canceled at the request of
author.
SB 239 Arreguin Open meetings:
teleconferencing:
subsidiary body
Teleconferencing This bill would authorize a subsidiary body, as defined, to use alternative teleconferencing provisions and would impose requirements for notice, agenda, and public participation, as prescribed. The bill would require the subsidiary body to post the agenda at each physical meeting location designated by the subsidiary body, as specified. The bill would require the members of the subsidiary body to visibly appear on camera during the open portion of a meeting that is publicly accessible via the internet or other online platform, as specified. The bill would also require the subsidiary body to list a member of the subsidiary body who participates in a teleconference meeting from a remote location in the minutes of the meeting.
Ordered to inactive file on
request of Senator Arreguín.
SB 252 Valladares CEQA: exemption:
undegrounding
powerlines
CEQA This bill would exempt from the provisions of CEQA a project to underground powerlines. April 2 set for second hearing canceled at the request of
author.
SB 282 Wiener Residential heat pump
systems: water
heaters and HVAC:
installations
Heat Pumps This bill would require the commission, on or before January 1, 2027, to establish a statewide certification program for licensed contractors of residential heat pump water heaters and heat pump heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to obtain a heat pump installation certification, and would require the commission to create a state training program, as described, on residential heat pump water heaters and heat pump HVAC systems for purposes of the certification program, as specified.
May 23 hearing: Held in
committee and under
submission.
SB 285 Becker Net zero greenhouse
gas emissions goal:
carbon dioxide
removal: regulations
GHG Emissions This bill would, for the purpose of meeting, or tracking progress against, any state requirement to achieve net zero emissions of greenhouse gases,authorize only qualified carbon dioxide removal, as defined, to be used to counterbalance the state’s or an entity’s greenhouse gas emissions and would require qualified carbon dioxide removal used for those purposes to meet certain requirements, as specified.
May 23 hearing: Held in
committee and under
submission.
Failed Deadline
SB 314 Padilla Weights and
measures: electric
vehicle supply
equipment
EVSE This bill would authorize an EVSE that has been audited or tested by the manufacturer or supplier to be used commercially without further testing during the remainder of the inspection period adopted by the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, but not until it has been sealed by a sealer. The bill would, among other things, require the county sealer to ensure that certain EVSE installed before January 1, 2026, are initially placed in service and tested by a sealer on or before January 1, 2027, at no additional cost other than the registration fees paid by the EVSE owner or operator.
May 23 hearing: Held in
committee and under
submission.
SB 327 McNerney Fusion energy data
centers
Fusion energy This bill would require the commission to initiate an agreement with the United States Department of Energy for the establishment of a fusion energy data center, as specified.
April 29 set for first hearing
canceled at the request of
author.
SB 330 Padilla Electrical transmission
infrastructure:
finacning
Transmission This bill would authorize the Governor to establish one or more pilot projects to develop, finance, or operate electrical transmission infrastructure that meet the specified criteria, including, among other things, that the transmission line is identified by the Independent System Operator in its transmission planning process as a project subject to competitive bidding and necessary to support clean energy generation to meet the state’s clean energy goals. The bill would require the Governor to designate existing state agencies, local public agencies, tribal organizations, or joint powers authorities to implement the pilot projects. The bill would authorize the pilot projects to develop, finance, operate, and maintain electrical transmission lines and all works, facilities, improvements, and property, or portions thereof, necessary or convenient for the conveyance of electricity, as specified. The bill would authorize the Governor to issue guidelines regarding application and certification of pilot projects.
July 16 set for second hearing
canceled at the request of
author.
SB 348 Hurtado State Air Resources
Board: Low-Carbon
Fuel Standard
LCFS This bill would require the state board, beginning no later than January 31, 2026, to reconsider and revise the Low Carbon Fuel Standard to reduce the program’s financial burden on drivers in the state, including by taking specified actions.
May 23 hearing: Held in
committee and under
submission.
SB 377 Grayson Biomethane
procurement targets
Biomethane This bill would instead require that biomethane delivered to California through a common carrier pipeline meet either of the specified requirements, rather than both. The bill would also additionally add the displacement of conventional natural gas that results in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as one of the specified environmental benefits.
April 7 set for first hearing
canceled at the request of
author.
Failed Deadline
SB 534 Padilla Green Empowerment
Zone for the Salton Sea
and Southeastern
Desert Valleys.
Green
Empowerment
Zone
This bill, until January 1, 2035, would authorize establishment of a Green Empowerment Zone for the Salton Sea and Southeastern Desert Valleys (empowerment zone). The bill would authorize the empowerment zone to be composed of specified land and communities within the Imperial, Eastern Coachella, and Palo Verde Valleys, upon adoption of a resolution by the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, and would provide for the empowerment zone to be governed by a board of directors, as specified. The bill would task the empowerment zone with various duties, including, among other things, identification of projects and programs that will best utilize public dollars, distribute benefits to disinvested communities, and most quickly improve the economic vitality of California’s southeastern desert valleys, as specified, in a coordinated effort to support the development and equitable transition to a clean energy economy. The bill would require the board of directors, beginning on January 1, 2027, to submit an annual progress report to the Legislature and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, as specified. The bill would require the empowerment zone, commencing on January 1, 2027, as specified, to post the above-described report on its internet website and to submit a letter to the Legislature informing the Legislature that the report has been posted.
Referred to Com. on E.D., G., &
H.I.
SB 559 Stern Electricity:
deenergization events:
communications
Deenergization events This bill would require, at the start of a deenergization event, an electrical corporation to immediately notify local emergency management organizations and local utility districts about the impacts of the deenergization, as specified. The bill would require detailed status information on restoration efforts to be made available to emergency management organizations, public safety officials, customers, and the public in real-time, with regular progress updates issued at intervals of no more than 12 hours, for all impacted circuits, as specified.
May 23 hearing: Held in
committee and under
submission.
SB 620 Stern Energy utility data. Data This bill would require the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission) to create the Data Access Governance Committee, with specified membership, and would require the committee, on or before January 1, 2027, to provide initial recommendations on prescribed topics to the Energy Commission and the PUC, as specified. The bill would authorize the Energy Commission to work with certain gas corporations, electrical corporations, and local publicly owned utilities that provide gas or electrical service to enact cost-effective energy utility data programs, as specified. The bill would create, and would require the PUC and the Energy Commission to administer and enforce, the Customer Energy Utility Data Bill of Rights, with specified protections and customer rights.
April 29 set for first hearing
canceled at the request of
author.
Failed Deadline
SB 636 Menjivar Electrical or gas
corporations:
deferment of
payments: hardship
Disconnections This bill would prohibit an electrical or gas corporation from disconnecting service of a customer who meets certain criteria, including making a hardship request based on certain circumstances, as provided. The bill would require the corporation to grant that customer a 6-month deferment for any and all payments due from the date that the deferment is granted. Upon the expiration of the deferment period, the bill would require the corporation to enroll the customer into its arrearage management program for any and all debts on the customer’s account.
The bill would authorize the commission to adopt rules to implement these provisions.
May 23 hearing: Held in
committee and under
submission.
SB 684 Menjivar Polluters Pay Climate
Superfund Act of 2025.
Climate This bill would enact the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025 and would establish the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Program to be administered by the California Environmental Protection Agency to require fossil fuel polluters to pay their fair share of the damage caused by greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere during the covered period, which the bill would define as the time period between the 1990 and 2024 calendar years, inclusive, resulting from the extraction, production, refining, sale, or combustion of fossil fuels or petroleum products, to relieve a portion of the burden to address cost borne by current and future California taxpayers. The bill would require the agency, within 90 days of the effective date of the act, to determine and publish a list of responsible parties, which the bill would define as an entity with a majority ownership interest in a business engaged in extracting or refining fossil fuels that, during the covered period, did business in the state or otherwise had sufficient contact with the state, and is determined by the agency to be responsible for more than 1,000,000,000 metric tons of covered fossil fuel emissions, as defined, in aggregate globally, during the covered period.
April 22 set for first hearing
canceled at the request of
author.
SB 698 McNerney California Solar
Initiative: distributed
energy resource
equipment lists
DER This bill would authorize the Energy Commission to establish distributed energy resource equipment lists with rating standards for equipment, components, and systems that further state energy and environmental goals, including, but not limited to, for solar energy systems, energy storage systems, bidirectional charging systems, and electric vehicle supply equipment. The bill would define various terms for these purposes. The bill would require the Energy Commission to adopt guidelines for the distributed energy resource equipment lists, as provided.
May 23 hearing: Held in
committee and under
submission.
SB 708 Alvarado-Gil Public Utilities
Commission: quorum
for the transaction of
business
CPUC Spot Bill Referred to Com. on RLS.
Failed Deadline
SB 714 Archuleta Zero-emission
vehicles: workforce
development: Clean
Energy Workforce
Training Council
Workforce
Development
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would establish a zero-emission vehicle workforce development pilot project and a Clean Energy Workforce Training Council, as provided.
Referred to Com. on RLS.
SB 752 Richardson Sales and use taxes:
exemtions: California
Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and
Bus Voucher Incentive
Project: transit buses
Tax on ZE Buses The Sales and Use Tax Law provides various exemptions from those taxes, including, until January 1, 2026, an exemption from those taxes with respect to the sale in this state of, and the storage, use, or other consumption in this state of, specified zero-emission technology transit buses sold to specified public agencies that are eligible for specified incentives from the State Air Resources Board. This bill would extend the exemption for specified zero-emission technology transit buses until January 1, 2028.
May 23 hearing: Held in
committee and under
submission.
SB 755 Blakespear California Contractor
Climate Transparency
Act
California Contractor Climate Transparency Act This bill would enact the California Contractor Climate Transparency Act, which would require the board, beginning January 1, 2027, to require a large contractor and a significant contractor, as defined, to report annually specified information, including, for large contractors, an annual disclosure of scope 1 emissions, scope 2 emissions, scope 3 emissions, and climate-related financial risk, as specified, and for significant contractors, an annual disclosure of scope 1 emissions and scope 2 emissions, as specified.
May 23 hearing: Held in
committee and under
submission.
SB 803 Durazo California
Conservation Corps:
Green Collar
Certification Program
California Conservation Corps This bill would require the Director of the California Conservation Corps to establish a Green Collar Certification Program that provides young persons participating in the corps with skills and education relating to reducing carbon emissions in residential and nonresidential buildings, preparing communities for environmental disasters, and developing conservation infrastructure projects that stabilize shorelines and restore ecological habitats, as provided.
May 23 hearing: Held in
committee and under
submission.
Failed Deadline
SB 810 Dahle Electricity: ratepayer-funded programs:
reports
Reporting Existing law requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (Energy Commission) to administer various programs, such as the Electric Program Investment Charge program, that are funded by a charge on electrical ratepayers. Existing law requires the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to require electrical corporations to implement various programs, such as energy efficiency programs, that are funded by electrical ratepayers. Under its authority, the Governor has issued an executive order directing the Energy Commission and the PUC to examine electrical ratepayer-funded programs under their respective jurisdictions and to identify programs and regulations that may be unduly adding to electricity rates for which the benefits provided may not be justified by the costs imposed on electrical ratepayers. The executive order requires those 2 commissions to report back to the Governor by January 1, 2025. This bill would require the Energy Commission and the PUC, by July 1, 2025, to each submit to the Legislature a report containing certain information required by the executive order.
Referred to Com. on E., U & C.
SB 836 Rubio Electricity:
transmission planning
and permitting
Transmission Existing law requires the Energy Commission and PUC, in coordination with the Independent System Operator, every 5 years, to review and update, as necessary, the memorandum of understanding and a related workplan to ensure the memorandum and workplan reflect the coordination that is needed to help meet the state’s energy goals. This bill would require those entities to review and update, as necessary, the memorandum every 3 years, rather than every 5 years.
May 23 hearing: Held in
committee and under
submission.
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY
Staff Report – Item 9.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Orange County Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Saul Viramontes, Administrative Services Manager
Approved By: Joe Mosca, Chief Executive Officer
Subject: STRATEGIC PLAN MONTHLY STATUS REPORT
Date: September 8, 2025
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIC GOALS
☐ Enrich & Grow the OCPA Community:
☐ Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability & Affordability:
☐ Design & Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs:
☐ Energize Our Community with Renewable Energy:
☐ Raise Awareness of Community Energy & Advocate for Our Customers:
☒ Not Applicable: Project management for Strategic Plan; promote transparency.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file.
BACKGROUND
On May 12, 2025, the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) Board of Directors (Board) approved the 2025-26 Strategic Plan. This strategic plan marks the third iteration of the OCPA strategic planning process. This year’s strategic plan includes five (5) strategic goals and 27 objectives. Specific details on the status of each objective, the expected completion date, and the responsible parties are included in Attachment A.
The strategic plan is available online at – https://www.ocpower.org/strategic-plan 2025-26 Strategic Goals
1. Enrich and Grow the OCPA Community
2. Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability and Affordability
3. Design and Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs
4. Energize Our Community with Renewable Energy Sources
5. Raise Awareness of Community Energy & Advocating for Our Customers Not Started In Progress Completed
Objectives 17 9 1
Summary of changes since the last Board meeting:
2.4 Initiate planning for a 0.5MW local renewable energy project in a Disadvantaged Community (DAC) to serve income-qualified residential customers without rooftop solar access. The project will provide 100% renewable energy and a 20% bill discount.
Over the past few months, OCPA has worked closely with CPUC Energy Division staff to clarify the filing requirements for program approval. These efforts support launching a local renewable energy project in a Disadvantaged Community (DAC), designed to serve income-qualified residential customers without access to rooftop solar. The project will deliver 100% renewable energy and a 20% monthly bill discount. In addition, OCPA secured support from Southern California Edison’s (SCE) customer programs team for a
0.53 MW capacity transfer from SCE to OCPA.
In June 2025, OCPA prepared a draft DAC-GT Advice Letter, including a preliminary budget forecast for Program Years 2026 and 2027 (PY26 and PY27). Internal and external stakeholder reviews followed. In July 2025, the CPUC clarified that interim resources could be used to fulfill program needs before the new DAC-GT project becomes operational. OCPA selected an RPS-eligible solar generation project as an interim solution from its portfolio, enabling the agency to auto-enroll eligible customers and begin delivering bill discounts as early as Q3 2026. OCPA previewed the draft Advice Letter with SCE and received general support. OCPA plans to introduce a dedicated “Clean Energy Access” tariff for enrolled customers as part of the program design. The program is expected to auto-enroll more than 200 eligible customers, each receiving an average monthly bill credit of about $20. The initial two-year program budget was estimated at approximately $466,000.
In early August 2025, OCPA finalized the DAC-GT Advice Letter and completed legal review. In parallel, OCPA worked with SCE and the CPUC to establish a practical cost recovery mechanism through SCE’s ERRA Forecast filings in 2025 or 2026. On August 14, OCPA submitted the final Advice Letter to the CPUC, formally requesting the capacity transfer from SCE and program administration authority. The filing incorporated feedback from both SCE and CPUC Energy Division staff. CPUC approval is anticipated in Q1 2026. The estimated total program budget for PY26 and PY27 was revised downward to $421,291. OCPA and SCE also agreed on a cost recovery mechanism through SCE’s future ERRA Forecast updates.
3.1 Finalize the Community Needs Assessment for the Community Power Plan and present the findings and next steps.
We are in the final week of gathering community input. The Existing Program Assessment has been drafted and will be completed in September, along with the Funding Opportunity and Internal Needs assessments. The Programs team will share draft program ideas with the CAC in November, followed by broader public feedback in December and a final presentation to the Board in February/March.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – 2025-26 OCPA Strategic Plan Monthly Status Report – 8.26.2025 Strategic Goal Objective Progress Due Date Assigned To Status Date Status Update #1 Enrich & Grow the OCPA
Community
1.1 Present an overview of CCAs and OCPA to two (2)
organizations per quarter that cover the wider Orange County region or those that are focused on non-member cities.
In progress 10/13/2025 Director of Communications &
External Affairs 6/3/2025 Presented to the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce on May 13 #1 Enrich & Grow the OCPA
Community
1.2 Present OCPA to key stakeholders in at least two (2) prospective member cities to promote OCPA’s mission and benefits.
Not started 06/01/2026 Director of Communications &
External Affairs
#1 Enrich & Grow the OCPA
Community
1.3 Develop educational tools and programs that promote renewable energy for students of all ages, including school partnerships, curriculum support, internship program, youth ambassador program, and community academy.
Not started 06/01/2026 Director of Communications &
External Affairs
7/3/2025
OCPA staff have begun engaging local students through the OC Leadership Academy, which visited OCPA headquarters and learned about community energy and clean tech careers on June 24, as well as, provided a presentation to the Irvine high school students at the Irvine Youth Action Team Summer Camp Cleantech Workshop on June 10.
#1 Enrich & Grow the OCPA
Community
1.4 Partner with new local CBOs, including food assistance organizations, to promote state-funded low-income programs widely in member cities, including CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline.
In progress 12/08/2025 Director of Communications &
External Affairs
6/3/2025
OCPA now has a point of contact at Families Forward (Irvine) and has shared program materials.
Currently partnering with Pathways of Hope (Fullerton) to promote the community power plan survey.
#2 Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability &
Affordability
2.1 Ensure affordable rates for OCPA customers while covering all expenses and advancing equitable renewable energy initiatives. Not started 01/01/2026 Chief Financial Officer #2 Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability &
Affordability 2.2 Strengthen Financial Resilience and Credit Rating Preparation. Not started 12/08/2025 Chief Financial Officer #2 Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability &
Affordability
2.3 Explore innovative financing to optimize long-term power procurement costs and educate the board on options.
Not started 12/08/2025 Chief Financial Officer
#2 Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability &
Affordability
2.4 Initiate planning for a 0.5MW local renewable energy project in a Disadvantaged Community (DAC) to serve income-qualified residential customers without rooftop solar access. The project will provide 100% renewable energy and a 20% bill discount.
In progress 01/01/2026 Chief Financial Officer 8/26/2025 Over the past few months, OCPA has worked closely with CPUC Energy Division staff to clarify the filing requirements for program approval. These efforts support launching a local renewable energy project in a Disadvantaged Community (DAC), designed to serve income-qualified residential customers without access to rooftop solar. The project will deliver 100% renewable energy and a 20% monthly bill discount. In addition, OCPA secured support from Southern California Edison’s (SCE) customer programs team for a 0.53 MW capacity transfer from SCE to OCPA.
In June 2025, OCPA prepared a draft DAC-GT Advice Letter, including a preliminary budget forecast for Program Years 2026 and 2027 (PY26 and PY27). Internal and external stakeholder reviews followed. In July 2025, the CPUC clarified that interim resources could be used to fulfill program needs before the new DAC-GT project becomes operational. OCPA selected an RPS-eligible solar generation project as an interim solution from its portfolio, enabling the agency to auto-enroll eligible customers and begin delivering bill discounts as early as Q3 2026. OCPA previewed the draft Advice Letter with SCE and received general support. OCPA plans to introduce a dedicated “Clean Energy Access” tariff for enrolled customers as part of the program design. The program is expected to auto-enroll more than 200 eligible customers, each receiving an average monthly bill credit of about $20. The initial two-year program budget was estimated at approximately $466,000.
In early August 2025, OCPA finalized the DAC-GT Advice Letter and completed legal review. In parallel, OCPA worked with SCE and the CPUC to establish a practical cost recovery mechanism through SCE’s ERRA Forecast filings in 2025 or 2026. On August 14, OCPA submitted the final Advice Letter to the CPUC, formally requesting the capacity transfer from SCE and program administration authority. The filing incorporated feedback from both SCE and CPUC Energy Division staff. CPUC approval is anticipated in Q1 2026. The estimated total program budget for PY26 and PY27 was revised downward to $421,291. OCPA and SCE also agreed on a cost recovery mechanism through SCE’s future ERRA Forecast updates.
#3 Design & Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs3.1 Finalize the Community Needs Assessment for the Community Power Plan and present the findings and next steps. In progress 10/13/2025 Director of Communications & External Affairs 8/26/2025 We are in the final week of gathering community input. The Existing Program Assessment has been drafted and will be completed in September, along with the Funding Opportunity and Internal Needs assessments. The Programs team will share draft program ideas with the CAC in November, followed by broader public feedback in December and a final presentation to the Board in February/March.
#3 Design & Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs
3.2 Develop three (3) new customer programs consistent with the needs identified in the Community Needs Assessment of the OCPA Community Power Plan.
Not started 04/01/2026 Director of Communications &
External Affairs
#3 Design & Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs
3.3 Continue to expand grant and program offerings with a year-over-year growth goal of 25%, respective to total funds allocated, number of applications received, and number of new recipients.
In progress 06/01/2026 Director of Communications &
External Affairs
6/3/2025 The summer 2025 Bright Futures Grant will award 60% more than the previous year #3 Design & Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs
3.4 Develop a landing page specifically for low-income residents to connect with programs, including EBD-DI and DAC-GT programs, once launched; and market resource to community partners and networks.
Not started 12/08/2025 Director of Communications &
External Affairs 6/3/2025 To begin summer 2025
#4 Energize Our Community with
Renewable Energy Sources
4.1 Implement the first OCPA local generation programs, establishing contracts for developing small-scale distributed storage facilities with a 1-5 megawatt capacity each.
Not started 03/01/2026 Director of Power Resources
#4 Energize Our Community with
Renewable Energy Sources
4.2 Establish precise metrics and effective tools to proficiently identify, avoid, and mitigate market and credit risks for OCPA.
Not started 03/01/2026 Director of Power Resources
#4 Energize Our Community with
Renewable Energy Sources
4.3 Create local partnerships with clean technology companies to advance emerging long-term energy storage and technologies. Not started 06/01/2026 Director of Power Resources #4 Energize Our Community with
Renewable Energy Sources
4.4 Forge partnerships with other CCAs to acquire shared resources, mitigate development risks, and capitalize on economies of scale.
Not started 12/08/2025 Director of Power Resources
#4 Energize Our Community with
Renewable Energy Sources
4.5 Create a more sustainable electric grid with measurable milestones above California’s renewable energy goals. Not started 06/01/2026 Director of Power Resources #4 Energize Our Community with
Renewable Energy Sources
4.6 Create partnerships with member agencies to identify local development opportunities.
Not started 12/08/2025 Director of Power Resources
#4 Energize Our Community with
Renewable Energy Sources
4.7 Release at least two (2) long-term solicitations for renewable energy resources.
Not started 06/01/2026 Director of Power Resources
#5 Raise Awareness of Community
Energy & Advocate for Our
Customers
5.1 Develop a toolkit of materials for Board member use in engaging with prospective cities about OCPA. In progress 12/08/2025 Director of Communications & External Affairs 6/3/2025 #5 Raise Awareness of Community
Energy & Advocate for Our
Customers
5.2 Host at least two (2) independent pop-up events in member cities per quarter.
In progress 06/01/2026 Director of Communications &
External Affairs 6/3/2025 The Communications & External Affairs team has hosted three (3) pop-ups, including: Diamond Jamboree, Irvine: 4/12/25; Fullerton City Hall: 4/15/25; Buena Park City Hall: 5/27/25 #5 Raise Awareness of Community
Energy & Advocate for Our
Customers
5.3 Sponsor and help facilitate a small business mixer to build community and opportunities for education about OCPA and renewable energy solutions.
Not started 02/01/2026 Director of Communications &
External Affairs
#5 Raise Awareness of Community
Energy & Advocate for Our
Customers
5.4 Develop education curricula for elected officials and their staff; provide this training opportunity annually. Not started 03/01/2026 Director of Communications & External Affairs #5 Raise Awareness of Community
Energy & Advocate for Our
Customers
5.5 Develop working relationships with culturally representative organizations to ensure representative and equitable outreach in the top threshold languages.
In progress 12/08/2025 Director of Communications &
External Affairs 7/3/2025
OCPA has begun Community Power Plan outreach work with the Asian Business Association Collective, which will hopefully turn into a long-term relationship.
In partnership with Reveille, OCPA is identifying organizations throughout member cities.
OCPA’s Administrative Service Manager is working with PACE LA to host a procurement series geared towards introducing OCPA and community energy to diverse businesses to help increase local business engagement and economic growth. The first webinar was hosted on July 1, with the next three following on a weekly basis.
#5 Raise Awareness of Community
Energy & Advocate for Our
Customers
5.6 Enhance OCPA’s legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts by developing an advocacy roadmap to engage with key stakeholders and legislators to ensure outcomes consistent with OCPA’s strategic goals.
In progress 07/14/2025 Regulatory & Legislative
Manager
7/3/2025
To create the advocacy roadmap, staff identified over 100 key stakeholder organizations and individuals (75+ organizations, 30+ individuals), researched the legislative and regulatory spaces they are active in and key topics they support and oppose, determined where OCPA and key stakeholders align, prioritized stakeholders, and determined current relationship strength. Staff then created engagement plans based on the type of organization, current relationship, and key issues, and overlayed the roadmap with legislative calendars and regulatory timelines. By enhancing its advocacy capacity, OCPA aims to shape a policy and regulatory landscape that enables greater renewable energy adoption, grid resilience, community empowerment, and competitive rates. Lastly, as part of the objective, staff have created an implementation plan and feedback loop to ensure the roadmap stays up to date. Staff will track shifts in stakeholder policies, update relationship status as advocacy is conducted, and make changes to the roadmap as internal policy priorities shift.
#5 Raise Awareness of Community
Energy & Advocate for Our
Customers
5.7 Develop and implement a regulatory monitoring framework to ensure all departments are consistently informed about regulatory changes and their implications.
Not started 12/08/2025 Regulatory & Legislative
Manager
#5 Raise Awareness of Community
Energy & Advocate for Our
Customers
5.8 Create a Policy Risk Assessment Guide to help OCPA determine the risk involved with different policy decisions at the state and federal level in both the regulatory and legislative arena.
Not started 12/08/2025 Regulatory & Legislative
Manager
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY
Staff Report – Item 9.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Orange County Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Nicholaus Norvell, Interim General Counsel
Approved by: Joe Mosca, Chief Executive Officer
Subject: PUBLIC RECORDS ACT REPORT
Date: September 8, 2025
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIC GOALS
☐ Enrich & Grow the OCPA Community:
☐ Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability & Affordability:
☐ Design & Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs:
☐ Energize Our Community with Renewable Energy:
☐ Raise Awareness of Community Energy & Advocate for Our Customers:
☒ Not Applicable:
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S)
Receive and file.
BACKGROUND
As part of its February 2023 report, the State Auditor recommended that OCPA report to the Board of Directors no less than quarterly on: (1) the number of public records requests received, closed, and pending; (2) the average time OCPA took to respond to those requests; and (3) the reasons for withholding or redacting requested records, if applicable. A previous report was provided at the June 9, 2025 meeting, covering the period March 5, 2025, through June 3, 2025.
Below is a report covering the period from June 4, 2025, through August 19, 2025.
Requests Received 2
Requests Closed 0
Requests Pending (Including
Ongoing Requests from Previous
Reporting Period)
3 Determination or Extension
Letters Provided within 10 Days Yes
Average Calendar Days to Fully
Complete Closed Requests N/A
Public Records Act Exemptions
Applied
(Citations to Government Code unless
otherwise noted)
• Public disclosure of the redacted personal
information, such as personal phone
numbers, email addresses and addresses,
would constitute an unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy. Therefore, the public
interest served in withholding the redacted
information clearly outweighs any public
interest served in disclosure pursuant to
Gov. Code § 7922.000;
• Personnel, medical, or similar files, are
exempt as disclosure would constitute an
unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
pursuant to Gov. Code § 7927.7000;
• Public disclosure of vendor identification
numbers, and bank account numbers, are
exempt as disclosure could comprise the
financial security to the business or
organization to which the financial
information belongs. Also, disclosure could
promote financial fraud. Therefore, the
public interest served in withholding the
redacted information clearly outweighs any
public interest served in disclosure pursuant
to Government Code § 7922.000;
• Public disclosure of virtual conference
credentials could comprise the security of
said credentials. Therefore, the public
interest served in withholding the redacted
information clearly outweighs any public
interest served in disclosure pursuant to
Government Code § 7922.000.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None.
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY
Staff Report – Item 9.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Orange County Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Jacquie Henderson, Director of Communications & External Affairs Approved By: Joe Mosca, Chief Executive Officer
Subject: PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE FOR JUNE – AUGUST 2025
Date: September 8, 2025
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIC GOALS
☐ Enrich & Grow the OCPA Community:
☐ Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability & Affordability:
☐ Design & Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs:
☐ Energize Our Community with Renewable Energy:
☒ Raise Awareness of Community Energy & Advocate for Our Customers:
☐ Not Applicable:
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file the Public Outreach update for June – August 2025.
BACKGROUND
Following is a summary of the Public Outreach efforts for the months of June – August 2025.
Highlights include:
Community Outreach
• Installed a display featuring submissions from the "Picturing a Better Tomorrow" art contest and a community board in OCPA’s office lobby
• OCPA was invited to be part of the OC United Way’s 2025 Summer Career & Life Academy graduation, which was supported by the Calpine Community Benefits Grant • Met with leadership of the Clean Energy Institute at UC Irvine • Placed an ad in the Arab American Business Chamber program Customer Outreach
• Gained two new Green P100NEERS: AQ Skin Solutions and OCPC, a commercial printer in Irvine
Awards and Recognition
• OCPA was nominated for the Environmental Sustainability & Efficiency Award at the ACC-OC Leadership Summit’s Golden Hub of Innovation Awards Media Relations
• Distributed three news releases announcing the new Residential Battery Storage Rebate Program, federal tax incentives ending, and the latest new hire • The “Picturing a Better Tomorrow” K-6 contest was featured in six local newspapers Public Outreach
• Developed a landing page, flyer, and social media graphics to launch the Residential Battery Storage Rebate Program
• Continued to promote the Energy Efficiency Kits, emphasizing that they are now free with rebate to OCPA customers
• Redesigned the Careers page and Opt-Out page for the OCPA website • Developed informative one-sheets on heat stress and lithium-ion battery safety for electric vehicles and bikes
• Updated Facts & Figures document for Q3
• Shared informative social media posts on wildfire safety, e-bike battery charging safety, flex alerts, the federal clen energy tax credits, and more
• Created OCPA branded stickers, a refrigerator magnet, and a new pop-up banner to use in Fountain Valley
• Participated in 11 community outreach and networking events Digital Communications
• Released one community newsletter (August) and published two blog posts Please review the attached public outreach update for additional details on these highlights and the various communications, marketing, and community outreach events. If you would like more information on these events or would like to invite OCPA to future events, please contact the team anytime. Your community input is very valuable, thank you for your support.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Attachment A – Public Outreach June - August 2025
1 Public Outreach Update
June – August 2025
PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
Community Outreach
• Installed a display featuring submissions from the "Picturing a Better Tomorrow" art contest and a community board in OCPA’s office lobby
• OCPA was invited to be part of the OC United Way’s 2025 Summer Career & Life Academy graduation, which was supported by the Calpine Community Benefits Grant
• Met with leadership of the Clean Energy Institute at UC Irvine • Placed an ad in the Arab American Business Chamber program Customer Outreach
• Gained two new Green P100NEERS: AQ Skin Solutions and OCPC, a commercial printer in Irvine Awards and Recognition
• OCPA was nominated for the Environmental Sustainability & Efficiency Award at the ACC-OC Leadership Summit’s Golden Hub of Innovation Awards
Media Relations
• Distributed three news releases announcing the new Residential Battery Storage Rebate Program, federal tax incentives ending, and new hire
• The “Picturing a Better Tomorrow” K-6 art contest featured in six local newspapers 2 HIGHLIGHTS
PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
Public Outreach
• Developed a landing page, flyer and social media graphics to launch the Residential Battery Storage Rebate Program • Continued to promote the Energy Efficiency Kits, with the emphasis on them now being free with rebate to OCPA customers • Redesigned the Careers page and Opt-Out page on the website • Developed informative one-sheets on heat stress and lithium-ion battery safety for electric vehicles and bikes • Updated Facts & Figures document for Q3
• Shared several informative social media posts on wildfire safety, e-bike battery charging safety, flex alerts, the federal clen energy tax credits, and more
• Created OCPA branded stickers, a refrigerator magnet and a new pop-up banner to use in Fountain Valley • Participated in 11 community outreach and networking events Digital Communications
• Released one community newsletter (August) and published two blog posts 3 HIGHLIGHTS
4 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
• Installed a display featuring submissions from the "Picturing a Better Tomorrow" art contest and a community board in OCPA’s office lobby
5 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
• OCPA was invited to be part of the OC United Way’s 2025 Summer Career & Life Academy graduation, which was supported by the Calpine Community Benefits Grant 6 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
• Met with leaders of the Clean Energy Institute at UC Irvine 7 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
• Placed an ad in the Arab American Business Chamber program The Arab American Business Chamber
Orange County Power Authority
Proudly
Supports
OCPA - P-AD - Arab American Business Chamber_FINAL-.indd 1 8/22/25 11:28 AM 8 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
CUSTOMER OUTREACH
• Gained two new Green P100NEERS: AQ Skin Solutions and OCPC, OCPA's commercial printer in Irvine 9 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
OCPA was nominated for the Environmental Sustainability & Efficiency Award at the ACC-OC Leadership Summit’s Golden Hub of Innovation Awards
10 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
MEDIA RELATIONS
• Distributed three news releases announcing the new Residential Battery Storage Rebate Program, federal tax incentives ending, and new hire
• The “Picturing a Better Tomorrow” K-6 art contest featured in six local newspapers, including: The Orange County Register, Press-Bee, North County News-Tribune, Irvine World News, Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley Wave
11 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
PUBLIC OUTREACH
• Developed a landing page, flyer and social media graphics to launch the Residential Battery Storage Rebate program
Get more from your
power with money saving rebates and o!ers. As a not-for-profit community energy provider, Orange County Power Authority’s (OCPA) profits go right back into the community. Our priority is creating opportunities to save time and money, increase energy e!ciency, and support renewable energy. ocpower.org/energy-programs
ocpower.org/energy-programs/marketplace
Scan to learn more!
Solar Battery
rebate program
Take advantage of a $1,000
rebate for rooftop solar installations
that include a battery storage
system, or standalone battery
storage.
Rebates coming in July 2025
OCPA Charge@home
rebate program
Get up to a $1,000 rebate for a residential
Level 2 hard-wired EV charger purchased
through the OCPA Marketplace - where
chargers range from $500-$700, this makes
it no-cost to you! Available while supplies last.
To find a certified electrician to install your new
EV charger, check out the California Electric
Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP).
OCPA
Marketplace
Great deals that make a di"erence! The
OCPA Marketplace is an online tool that
o"ers customers discounts on smart home
devices and energy-e!cient products such
as LED bulbs, smart thermostats, power
strips, home energy monitors and more.
Energy E"ciency Kits are available for
free or reduced cost while supplies last!
Solar/Net Energy
Metering (NEM)
For customers with rooftop solar or who
are considering having solar installed
at their home or business, OCPA’s Net
Surplus Compensation (NSC) rate can
increase your excess energy payback. If
your system has generated more energy
than you’ve used, you’re eligible to receive
a credit that is 10% higher than Southern
California Edison’s prevailing NSC rate.
OhmConnect
In partnership with OhmConnect, OCPA
customers can sign up to receive cash and
gift cards for reducing their energy use during
peak periods.
Incentive Finder
A one-stop shop to find state, federal and
local rebates! The OCPA Incentive Finder
helps customers find the rebates they are
specifically eligible for with just a few pieces
of information.
Other Money and Energy-Saving Programs
12 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
PUBLIC OUTREACH
• Continued to promote the Energy Efficiency Kits, with the emphasis on them now being free to OCPA customers • Promotion took place in the August newsletter, across social media and within an updated version of the one-sheet flyer 13 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
PUBLIC OUTREACH
• Redesigned the Careers page and the Opt-Out page on the OCPA website Every role at OCPAcontributes to a
larger purpose: accelerating the shift
to locally controlled, clean energy for
Orange County communities.
Current OpenPositions
that matters
People-first
culture
We’re a collaborative, impact-driven team
that values transparency, equity, and
service. We deeply care about the planet,
people, and each other.
Diverse talent,
shared vision
We hire for a wide range ofroles. From
finance, procurement and data to
powerresources, customer programs,
and legislative affairs. Whatever your
background, we’re looking for you.
Stay Connected to OCPA Careers.
Sign up forjob alerts, news, and future opportunities.
Enter EmailAddress SignUp
*We promise to never share or sell yourinformation
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien
vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id
cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis.
Health Care
We offer comprehensive medical,
dental, and vision plans forindividuals,
families and domestic partners. Your
well-being is essential.
PaidTime-off
Enjoy generous PTO,13 paid
holidays, and floating holidays to
support a work-life balance.
Hybrid Schedule
We offer a hybrid work environment,
delivering flexibility while helping you
stay connected to yourteammates
and our mission.
401 (k)
Plan forthe future with
employer-matched contributions
of up to 4% of your salary.
Wellness& Technology Perks
Get monthly reimbursements for
health and wellness expenses, plus
a technology stipend to help you
feel your best and do your best.
Family& LifeSupport
From dependent care Flexible
SpendingAccounts to disability
and life insurance coverage,
we’ve got you and yourloved
ones covered.
F INANCE
SeniorAccountant
LEARN MORE
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien
vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id
cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis.
F INANCE
SeniorAccountant
LEARN MORE
Your clean energy
future starts here
At Orange County PowerAuthority (OCPA), we’re more than a local, not-for-profit energy provider—we’re a growing team of changemakers building cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or passionate about sustainability and protecting our environment, we’re excited to hearfrom you.
Every role at OCPAcontributes to a
larger purpose: accelerating the shift
to locally controlled, clean energy for
Orange County communities.
Be part of Orange County’s
renewable energy transition
CAREERS AT OCPA
A mission
that matters
People-first
culture
We’re a collaborative, impact-driven team
that values transparency, equity, and
service. We deeply care about the planet,
people, and each other.
Diverse talent,
shared vision
We hire for a wide range ofroles. From
finance, procurement and data to
powerresources, customer programs,
and legislative affairs. Whatever your
background, we’re looking for you.
Health Care
We offer comprehensive medical,
dental, and vision plans forindividuals,
families and domestic partners. Your
well-being is essential.
PaidTime-off
Enjoy generous PTO,13 paid
holidays, and floating holidays to
support a work-life balance.
Hybrid Schedule
We offer a hybrid work environment,
delivering flexibility while helping you
stay connected to yourteammates
and our mission.
401 (k)
Plan forthe future with
employer-matched contributions
of up to 4% of your salary.
Wellness& Technology Perks
Get monthly reimbursements for
health and wellness expenses, plus
a technology stipend to help you
feel your best and do your best
Family& LifeSupport
From dependent care Flexible
SpendingAccounts to disability
and life insurance coverage,
we’ve got you and yourloved
ones covered.
We care about our customers and are always interested in learning why customers want to opt-out of our service, and better understand questions they might have.
Orange County PowerAuthority (OCPA) makes opting out free and easy.However, if you have been an OCPAcustomerfor more than 60 days, Southern California Edison (SCE) places certain restrictions on returning to their service.
Customers who opt out of OCPAaftertheir first 60 days of service must specify one of the two opt-out options described below. Customers who opt out of OCPAaftertheir first 60 days of service will not be eligible to return to OCPAfortwelve months per SCE requirement. The two options for opting out are:
Option 1
By selecting this option, you willreturn to SCE service on your next meterread date that occurs six (6) business days after yourrequest.During the first six months of service from SCE, you will be subject to SCE’s transitional bundled rates which are the marketrate for electricity. This rate can be lower or higherthan the traditionalrates and is subject to change throughout the six-month period.At the end of the six-month period, you will be returned to SCE’s standard bundled rates.
For more information regarding SCE’s transitional bundled rates, call 800-974-2356 or visit sce.com.
Customers have three (3) business days to rescind their opt-out.Afterthree (3) business days from opting out of OCPA, customers are locked into SCE’s transitional bundled service rate for six months.
Option 2
By selecting this option, you are giving SCE six months advance notice that you will be returning to their service. Per SCE’s Rule 23, you willremain a customer of OCPAfor six months after you submit yourrequest.
After six months, you will be transferred to SCE’s standard bundled rates. You will not be subject to the transitional bundled rates. If during these six months while you are stillreceiving service from OCPAyou would like to change your choice and return to SCE service immediately, you would be subject to transitional bundled rates forthe remainder of your six-month period. With either option, OCPA will process yourreturn to SCE service.Use the form on this page or give us a call at 866-262-7693 and we’ll assist you with making this change.
Accounts will be transferred on the day the electric meteris read and cannot be transferred during the middle of a billing cycle.
Opt-outrequests received more than five (5) days priorto a customer’s meterread date will be processed forthat meterread date; all other opt-outrequests will be processed on the next meterread date. Customers who opt-out or otherwise stop receiving service from OCPA will be charged for all electricity used before ending OCPAelectric service.
OCPAprovides competitively
priced energy from a variety of
renewable sources. If you remain
an OCPAcustomer, you are
reducing pollution, helping the
environment, and contributing
more renewable energy to the
electric grid.
OCPAis a locally controlled,
not-for-profit public agency. We
reinvest in the communities we
serve through localrenewable
projects and programs that
benefit our customers.
OCPAoffers programs,
incentives,rebates and
education to help you save
money and energy.
OCPA delivers clean,renewable energy at competitive rates. To help you make an informed decision, please considerthe following information before you go:
Next
Still want to opt out? Complete the form below to opt out of OCPAservice and return to SCE for your electricity needs.
Yes
1 No
2 3 4
Customers who opt out of OCPAaftertheir first 60 days of service must specify one of the two opt-out options described below. Customers who opt out of OCPAaftertheir first 60 days of service will not be eligible to return to OCPAfortwelve months per SCE requirement. The two options for opting out are:
Option 1
By selecting this option, you willreturn to SCE service on your next meterread date that occurs six (6) business days after yourrequest.During the first six months of service from SCE, you will be subject to SCE’s transitional bundled rates which are the marketrate for electricity. This rate can be lower or higherthan the traditionalrates and is subject to change throughout the six-month period.At the end of the six-month period, you will be returned to SCE’s standard bundled rates.
For more information regarding SCE’s transitional bundled rates, call 800-974-2356 or visit sce.com.
Customers have three (3) business days to rescind their opt-out.Afterthree (3) business days from opting out of OCPA, customers are locked into SCE’s transitional bundled service rate for six months.
Option 2
By selecting this option, you are giving SCE six months advance notice that you will be returning to their service. Per SCE’s Rule 23, you willremain a customer of OCPAfor six months after you submit yourrequest.
After six months, you will be transferred to SCE’s standard bundled rates. You will not be subject to the transitional bundled rates. If during these six months while you are stillreceiving service from OCPAyou would like to change your choice and return to SCE service immediately, you would be subject to transitional bundled rates forthe remainder of your six-month period. With either option, OCPA will process yourreturn to SCE service.Use the form on this page or give us a call at 866-262-7693 and we’ll assist you with making this change.
Accounts will be transferred on the day the electric meteris read and cannot be transferred during the middle of a billing cycle.
Opt-outrequests received more than five (5) days priorto a customer’s meterread date will be processed forthat meterread date; all other opt-outrequests will be processed on the next meterread date. Customers who opt-out or otherwise stop receiving service from OCPA will be charged for all electricity used before ending OCPAelectric service.
We’re sorry to see you go and hope you’ll considerreturning in 12 months, once you are permitted to re-enroll.
Enter EmailAddress SignUp
*We promise to never share or sell yourinformation
OCPAprovides competitively
priced energy from a variety of
renewable sources. If you remain
an OCPAcustomer, you are
reducing pollution, helping the
environment, and contributing
more renewable energy to the
electric grid.
OCPAis a locally controlled,
not-for-profit public agency. We
reinvest in the communities we
serve through localrenewable
projects and programs that
benefit our customers.
OCPAoffers programs,
incentives,rebates and
education to help you save
money and energy.
OCPA delivers clean,renewable energy at competitive rates. To help you make an informed decision, please considerthe following information before you go:
Next
Still want to opt out? Complete the form below to opt out of OCPAservice and return to SCE for your electricity needs.
Yes
1 No
2 3 4
We’re sorry to see you go and hope you’ll considerreturning in 12 months, once you are permitted to re-enroll.
14 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
PUBLIC OUTREACH
• Updated a two-sided Facts & Figures document for the third quarter 1 Facts & Figures
All electricity customers have
energy added to the electric grid
on their behalf based on their
specific usage.
OCPA customers get the unique chance to determine how much of that energy comes from renewable sources! Over time, as more clean energy is put onto the grid, the blend of energy reaching all homes and businesses will be greener.
OCPA is not an extra charge. OCPA generation is not a new charge. The generation line attributed to OCPA replaces the generation charge customers previously paid to Southern California Edison (SCE).
OCPA is all about choice! As a result of California state law, if a city adopts community choice energy, it becomes the default energy provider and customers are automatically opted in.
Customers can change their renewable energy plan, or opt out and return to SCE, at any time!
OCPA purchases renewable
energy on behalf of its customers.
OCPA is required to report to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and California Energy Commission (CEC) on an annual basis to verify the amount of renewable energy procured for customers. This is the same standard used by all California utilities, including SCE.
OCPA bases its rates o! of SCE,
and o!ers a 3% discount o! their
equivalent generation rates in the
Basic Choice plan.
The Smart Choice plan o!ers significantly more renewable energy and costs 1 cent more per kWh than the discounted Basic Choice rate. The 100% Renewable plan provides all renewable energy for 1.5 cents more per kWh than the discounted Basic Choice rate.
Orange County’s
Clean Energy Provider
Facts and Figures
15 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
PUBLIC OUTREACH
• Developed informative one-sheets on heat stress and lithium-ion battery safety for electric vehicles and bikes Spend time in air-conditioned spaces
to keep your body temperature regulated
Wear light colored clothing when
outdoors to keep cool
Stick to shaded areas when outdoors
and avoid extended time during the peak
heat hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Keep your indoor living space cool by
closing your blinds and utilizing your fan
to maintain consistent air circulation
Stay Cool
Drink plenty of electrolyte-filled fluids
and sip on water throughout the day
Limit the intake of dehydrating liquids
such as co!ee and tea
Stay Hydrated
Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30
or higher before going outdoors
Wear a hat to protect your head and
neck from the sun
Bring a friend or neighbor when spending
time outdoors
Stay Protected
Be aware of signs of heat exhaustion,
including heavy sweating, weakness,
dizziness, nausea and headache
If you experience any of these symptoms,
seek medical attention immediately
Know the Signs
Heat Stress Prevention Tips
Summer is here and the days are getting warmer –
which means protecting your health and safety is a top priority! If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms
of heat stress, call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, use any cool-down methods available to you, such as moving to a cooler location and applying cold compresses.
Emit toxic gases
Burn hotter and faster than others
Can’t be smothered like other fires
Can cause explosions within seconds
Can reignite up to 21 days later
Electric Vehicle
Lithium-Ion
Battery
Safety 101
Electric vehicles are powered by
lithium-ion batteries, which require
additonal care and safety measures
when charging.
Lithium-ion batteries can
cause dangerous fires that:
Electric Vehicle Safe
Charging at Home 101
• Only purchase and use devices that are listed by a
qualified testing laboratory
• Read and follow manufacturer instructions
• Check cables and cords for damage (never use if
damage is present)
• Do not use extension cords with the charger
• Install equipment in a safe location
• Keep charging items out of reach of children and animals • Cover charging station outlet to protect it from water • Check your electrical system to ensure it can handle
charging
• Install a new circuit for your charging device
Signs of a Problem
• Unusual odor
• Change in color
• Too much heat is being omitted
• Change in shape
• Leaking or smoking
• Battery is not holding its charge
Source: Orange County Fire Authority; National Fire Protection Association If You See a Fire
Leave the area immediately
Don’t try to fight the fire
Call 911
E-bike Lithium-Ion Battery
Safety 101
E-bikes are an increasingly popular
sustainable way to get around. Because
e-bikes are powered by lithium-ion
batteries, there are key safety measures
to know about lithium-ion battery
charging and care.
Emit toxic gases
Burn hotter and faster than others
Can’t be smothered like other fires
Can cause explosions within seconds
Can reignite up to 21 days later
Lithium-ion batteries can
cause dangerous fires that:
Electric Bike Charging at Home 101
• Only purchase and use devices that are listed by a
qualified testing laboratory
• Read and follow manufacturer instructions
• Check cables and cords for damage (never use if damage is present)
• Store e-bikes, e-scooters and batteries away from exit doors and anything that can get hot or catch fire
• Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional • Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32°F (0°C) or above
105°F (40°C)
• Do not store batteries in direct sunlight or inside hot vehicles, and keep them away from children and liquids
• Lithium-ion batteries are hazardous waste and should be taken to one of the County of Orange’s Hazardous Waste
Collection Centers for free disposal. For more information, visit oclandfills.com/hazardous-waste
Signs of a Problem
• Unusual odor
• Change in color
• Too much heat is being omitted
• Change in shape
• Leaking or smoking
• Battery is not holding its charge
If You See a Fire
Leave the area immediately
Don’t try to fight the fire
Call 911 Source: Orange County Fire Authority; National Fire Protection Association 16 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
PUBLIC OUTREACH
• Shared several informative social media posts on wildfire safety, e-bike battery charging safety, flex alerts, the federal clen energy tax credits, and more
17 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
PUBLIC OUTREACH
• Created OCPA branded stickers, a refrigerator magnet, and a new pop-up banner to use in Fountain Valley
19 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
PUBLIC OUTREACH
OCPA participated in 11 community outreach and networking events, including:
• Little Saigon 50, hosted by the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce
• “Be You: Fullerton Pride Fest and “Pride in Irvine”
• Buena Park Juneteenth Celebration
• Fountain Valley Senior Expo
• Fountain Valley SummerFest
• Buena Park Pumpfest
• Girls Inc. Ignite HER Summit
• Buena Park’s National Night Out
• Fountain Valley Legislative Breakfast
• Kiwanis Club of Fountain Valley’s “Pins for Kids”
• Super Senior Saturday in Buena Park
20 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
• Released one community newsletter (August)
21 PUBLIC OUTREACH UPDATE JUNE – AUGUST 2025
DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
Published two blog posts, including:
• Green P100NEER: Coyote Hills
Ophthalmology
• Fighting for Affordability: OCPA’s Push
for Legislative Solutions to Electricity
Affordability
THANK YOU!
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY
Staff Report – Item 9.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Orange County Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Joe Mosca, Chief Executive Officer
Nicholaus Norvell, Interim General Counsel
Subject: UPDATES TO POLICY NO. 9, NEW CUSTOMER COMMUNITIES Date: September 8, 2025
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIC GOALS
☒ Enrich & Grow the OCPA Community:
☐ Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability & Affordability:
☐ Design & Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs:
☐ Energize Our Community with Renewable Energy:
☐ Raise Awareness of Community Energy & Advocate for Our Customers:
☐ Not Applicable:
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S)
Approve revisions to Policy No. 9, New Customer Communities Policy.
BACKGROUND
Section 4.1 of OCPA’s Joint Powers Agreement providesthat a city, county, or other public agency authorized by the California Public Utilities Code may become a member of OCPA upon satisfaction of the following requirements: (1) adoption of a resolution of the proposed additional party approving the JPA Agreement and requesting to join OCPA; (2) adoption by the OCPA Board of a resolution authorizing participation of the proposed additional party (by a two-thirds vote, with prior notice to the existing member agencies); (3) satisfaction of any additional conditions as established by the OCPA Board or applicable law; and (4) execution of the JPA Agreement by the proposed additional party.
On May 11, 2021, the OCPA Board adopted Policy No. 9, New Member Policy. The policy was subsequently amended and renamed as the New Customer Communities Policy on September 6, 2022. The policy provides additional guidelines and procedures for considering a new member agency’s potential membership in OCPA, including the completion of a quantitative analysis (commonly called a pro forma analysis) of the potential agency’s membership in OCPA.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
The proposed updates to the New Customer Communities Policy remain consistent with the requirements of Section 4.1 of the Joint Powers Agreement, and also retain the important quantitative steps from the existing policy, such as completion of a pro forma analysis that will be presented to the Board of Directors prior to a decision whether or not to approve a new agency’s membership in OCPA. However, the updated policy would provide needed flexibility and reduce administrative burden on OCPA and the potential new member by eliminating duplicative or unnecessary steps, such as a new member application after a potential member agency has already formally expressed interest in joining OCPA.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A – Policy No. 9, New Customer Communities (current policy) Attachment B – Proposed Policy No. 9, New Customer Communities (revised policy) Orange County Power Authority Policy No. 009
New Customer Communities
PURPOSE
It is the purpose of this New Customer Communities Policy to describe the process for interested cities and counties to become a member agency in the Authority and be provided retail electric service and other energy programs. The addition of new communities increases buying power and reaffirms the viability of community choice energy by providing local control, competitive rates, rate stabilization, renewable energy, and other incentives for cities and counties. It is within the interests of the Authority to explore the provision of retail electric service in new communities to further the Authority goals. The addition of new communities into the Authority will also increase the voice and status of the Authority in legislative and regulatory matters at the California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission, California Air Resource Board, the California State Legislature and elsewhere.
OCPA MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
Step 1: Governing body submits letter to OCPA from new community jurisdiction, requesting consideration as a member.
Step 2: Staff evaluates request to determine: (a) if internal resources are available to consider new membership, and (b) if a formal ‘inclusion period' is in effect or should be offered to create staff efficiencies.
Step 3: OCPA staff requests a formal Membership Application and data release from new community governing body.
Step 4: Membership Application submitted to OCPA. Request submitted to OCPA Board to consider adherence to criteria D, E, F and G below, and to authorize membership of new community, subject to a net positive result in quantitative membership analysis by staff.
Step 5: Following OCPA Board approval, staff executes agreement with governing body of new jurisdiction. Staff undertakes and completes analysis, with primary focus on quantitative criteria A, B and C below. If needed, re-analysis may be conducted over time to account for varying market conditions.
Step 6: Results of membership analysis presented to OCPA Board. 1). If quantitative affiliate membership criteria are met, OCPA Board adopts resolution to include municipality in OCPA Joint Powers Authority membership. 2). If quantitative criteria are not met but other compelling criteria are present, Board may consider approval of membership.
Step 7: New jurisdiction satisfies all requirements of JPA agreement, the Public Utilities Code and any imposed by the OCPA Board of Directors and executes JPA Agreement.
Step 8: OCPA submits updated Implementation Plan to CPUC.
MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA
A. Including new community is projected to result in a neutral or positive fiscal impact for OCPA and the existing customer base.
B. Including new community will enhance strength of local programs, including an increase in distributed generation, and will accelerate greenhouse gas reductions on a larger scale.
C. Including new community will increase the amount of renewable energy being used in California’s energy market.
D. There will be an increase in opportunities to launch and operate OCPA energy efficiency programs to reduce energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels.
E. New opportunities are available to deploy local solar and other distributed renewable generation through the OCPA Net Energy Metering Tariff or Feed in Tariff if adopted.
F. Greater demand for jobs and economic activity is likely to result from service in new community.
G. Inclusion of new community is likely to create stronger voice for OCPA at the State and regulatory level.
55735.00001\43772317.1
Orange County Power Authority
Policy No. 9 - New Customer Communities Policy
Revised: ____, 2025
Purpose
It is the purpose of this New Customer Communities Policy to describe the process for interested cities and counties to become a member agency of OCPA and be provided retail electric service and other energy programs. The addition of new communities increases buying power and reaffirms the viability of community choice energy by providing local control, competitive rates, rate stabilization, renewable energy, and other incentives for cities and counties. It is within the interests of OCPA to explore the provision of retail electric service in new communities to further OCPA goals. The addition of new communities into OCPA will also increase the voice and status of OCPA in legislative and regulatory matters at the California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission, California Air Resource Board, the California State Legislature and elsewhere.
New Member General Criteria
A. The new member supports the mission, vision, goals, and objectives of OCPA, including energy efficiency, conservation, and greenhouse gas reduction as established in the OCPA Joint Powers Agreement, as amended, and OCPA policies.
B. The new member commits to supporting OCPA through regulatory, legislative, and other policy support, where possible.
C. Inclusion of the new member has policy and financial benefits to OCPA and does not have financial impacts to OCPA’s stability or to current members or customers.
OCPA Membership Process
The following process is a general guide for analysis and potential admission of a new member pursuant to the Joint Powers Agreement and as administered by the OCPA Chief Executive Officer or designee. The sequence is based on lead time for necessary steps and regulatory deadlines.
A. The prospective new member’s governing body or management submits written interest in being considered as an OCPA member.
B. OCPA staff evaluates the prospective member’s interest and determines financial, operational, and other impacts to OCPA, if any.
C. As part of OCPA’s staff evaluation, a pro forma analysis should be conducted by OCPA to determine impacts, whereby OCPA or the prospective member must request the most current year(s) electricity data for their jurisdiction from the incumbent utility and provide or allow OCPA to review the data. The prospective member shall execute all necessary utility forms required for the release and review of such data. 55735.00001\43772317.1
D. If the results of OCPA’s staff evaluation are positive, the Chief Executive Officer or designee provides notice to existing OCPA members of the potential addition of a new member to ensure sufficient notice is provided pursuant to the Joint Powers Agreement.
E. As required by the Joint Powers Agreement, the prospective member adopts a resolution of intent to join OCPA, adopts an ordinance authorizing OCPA’s community choice aggregation program to be implemented within the member’s jurisdiction, and executes the Joint Powers Agreement.
F. OCPA staff presents the prospective membership, pro forma analysis, and any other analysis to the OCPA Board of Directors. The Board may then consider approval of a resolution adding the new member. Presentation of the pro forma analysis and other information on perspective membership may take place at the same meeting as formal approval of the resolution, or at a prior meeting of the Board.
G. OCPA submits an amended Implementation Plan to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for certification no later than December 31 of the calendar year.
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY
Staff Report – Item 10.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Orange County Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Louis Ting, Director, Power Resources
Kirby Dusel, Vice President, Pacific Energy Advisors
Approved by: Joe Mosca, Chief Executive Officer
Subject: OCPA’S ANNUAL POWER SOURCE DISCLOSURE ATTESTATION FOR REPORTING YEAR 2024
Date: September 8, 2025
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIC GOALS
☐ Enrich & Grow the OCPA Community:
☐ Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability & Affordability:
☐ Design & Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs:
☒ Energize Our Community with Renewable Energy: Attestation for Powersource Disclosure Program
☐ Raise Awareness of Community Energy & Advocate for Our Customers:
☐ Not Applicable:
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S)
Based on the comprehensive portfolio review completed by OCPA’s consultants and staff, it is recommended that the Board endorse the accuracy of information presented in OCPA’s 2024 Power Source Disclosure report for Basic Choice, Smart Choice and 100% Renewable Choice service.
BACKGROUND
California Public Utilities Code requires all retail sellers of electric energy, including OCPA, to disclose “accurate, reliable, and simple to understand information on the sources of energy, and the associated emissions of greenhouse gasses, that are used to provide electric services.”1 Applicable regulations direct retail sellers to provide such communications to customers following each year of operation. The format for this communication, named the Power Content Label (PCL) by the California Energy Commission (CEC), is highly prescriptive, offering little flexibility to retail sellers when presenting such information to customers. Similar to the presentation of information on a nutritional label, the PCL informs retail electricity customers of the power sources 1 California Public Utilities Code Section 398.1(b)
that were procured to serve their electric energy needs. The precursor to the PCL is an annual report, named the Power Source Disclosure Report, which identifies all energy purchases completed by the reporting retail seller during the reporting year (2024, for purposes of the current cycle). This report was timely delivered to the CEC prior to the June 1, 2025, reporting deadline and is further discussed below.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
While preparing OCPA’s 2024 annual PSD report, staff and consultants performed a detailed review of all power purchases completed during the 2024 calendar year. This review included an inventory of all renewable energy credit transfers within OCPA’s WREGIS account, along with an examination of related contract documents and pertinent transaction records associated with other specified energy purchases and sales. Based on the review completed by OCPA’s consultants and staff, the information presented in the 2024 PSD report was determined to be accurate.
To fulfill its obligations under the PSD Program, OCPA must also provide the CEC with an attestation of its Governing Board regarding the accuracy of information included in its PSD report for the 2024 operating year. With regard to this internally administered attestation process, applicable regulations state2
:
A retail supplier that is a public agency providing electric services is not required to comply with the provisions of subdivision (a)(1) if the board of directors of the public agency submits to the Energy Commission an attestation of the veracity of each annual resource report for the previous year.
Evidence of OCPA’s attestation must be provided to the CEC no later than October 1, 2025.
For reporting year 2024, the California Energy Commission (CEC) revised the Power Source Disclosure reporting process. Rather than requiring retail sellers to submit multiple reports, one for each retail service offering, the CEC consolidated the reporting process utilizing a single template addressing all retail service offerings of the reporting entity. Further, the CEC no longer requires the reporting retail seller to prepare its own PCL, as the CEC will prepare such reports on behalf of each retail seller, utilizing information reflected in each PSD report. After the CEC has prepared each PCL, it will forward such items to the respective retail seller; the anticipated delivery timeline for PCLs is mid-September 2025. Each retail seller must then post the PCL to its respective website no later than October 1, 2025, and must distribute the PCL mailer to customers by December 31, 2025.
As the CEC will not release the official PCL for OCPA until mid-September, we are providing a summary of the three retail service offerings that OCPA made available to its customers in 2024.
Based on information reflected in OCPA’s PSD report, over 81 percent of total supply, as measured across all OCPA service offerings, was sourced from RPS-eligible renewable resources, including wind, solar, geothermal, eligible hydroelectric, and other California-certified resources. 2 Note that Section 1394.(a)(1), as referenced in the excerpt from applicable PSD regulations, refers to the completion of annual independent audits.
For the 100% Renewable Choice program, which represented more than 57 percent of OCPA’s total retail sales, customers were served exclusively with CEC-certified renewable energy consisting of 65 percent solar, 29 percent wind, and 5 percent eligible hydroelectric. The greenhouse gas emissions intensity of the 100% Renewable Choice service offering was zero.
Smart Choice customers received 72 percent renewable energy, including biomass & biogas (26 percent), geothermal (18 percent), solar (8 percent) and wind (20 percent) generating technologies.
Smart Choice Portfolio Totals PCL Data
Retail Sales 460013
Total Specified 331210
Biomass & Biogas 121659 26%
Geothermal 84558 18%
Eligible Hydroelectric 0 0%
Solar 35270 8%
Wind 89723 20%
Large Hydroelectric 0 0%
Nuclear 0 0%
Emerging Technologies 0 0%
Other 0 0%
Natural Gas 0 0%
Coal & Petroleum 0 0%
Unspecified Power - ACS 0
Unspecified Power - Spot Market 128803
Unspecified Power - Total 128803 28%
Total PCL GHGs (MT CO2e) 84058.7
Emissions intensity (MT CO2e/MWh) 0.183
PCL GHG Intensity (lbs CO2e/MWh) 403
Unbundled REC % 0%
100% Renewable Choice Portfolio Totals PCL Data
Retail Sales 1380181
Total Specified 1380181
Biomass & Biogas 0 0%
Geothermal 0 0%
Eligible Hydroelectric 73971 5%
Solar 900910 65%
Wind 405300 29%
Large Hydroelectric 0 0%
Nuclear 0 0%
Emerging Technologies 0 0%
Other 0 0%
Natural Gas 0 0%
Coal & Petroleum 0 0%
Unspecified Power - ACS 0
Unspecified Power - Spot Market 0
Unspecified Power - Total 0 0%
Total PCL GHGs (MT CO2e) 0.0
Emissions intensity (MT CO2e/MWh) 0.000
PCL GHG Intensity (lbs CO2e/MWh) 0
Unbundled REC % 0%
For the Basic Choice program in 2024, customers received 44 percent renewable energy, consisting of 25 percent from eligible renewables and 19 percent from unbundled Portfolio Content Category 0 RECs received through an allocation process with SCE.
In consideration of OCPA’s internal review and applicable regulations, staff requests that the Board accept this determination of informational accuracy, and based on this staff-level determination and related recommendation, attest to the accuracy of information included in OCPA’s 2024 PSD report. Should the Board endorse staff’s recommendation, a copy of: 1) this staff report; and 2) meeting minutes for today’s Board Meeting will be forwarded to the CEC no later than October 1, 2025. In providing this information, OCPA will have completed its obligations under the PSD Program for the 2024 calendar year.
FISCAL IMPACT
Other than the typical cost of producing and distributing Power Content Labels to OCPA customers, which has been included in the approved FY25/26 operating budget, there are no expected fiscal impacts.
ATTACHMENTS
None
Basic Choice Portfolio Totals PCL Data
Retail Sales 572413
Total Specified 144926
Biomass & Biogas 21991 4%
Geothermal 30705 5%
Eligible Hydroelectric 0 0%
Solar 10803 2%
Wind 81427 14%
Large Hydroelectric 0 0%
Nuclear 0 0%
Emerging Technologies 0 0%
Other 0 0%
Natural Gas 0 0%
Coal & Petroleum 0 0%
Unspecified Power - ACS 0
Unspecified Power - Spot Market 427487
Unspecified Power - Total 427487 75%
Total PCL GHGs (MT CO2e) 244611.8
Emissions intensity (MT CO2e/MWh) 0.427
PCL GHG Intensity (lbs CO2e/MWh) 942
Unbundled REC % 19%
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY
Staff Report – Item 10.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Orange County Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Saul Viramontes, Administrative Services Manager
Louis Ting, Director of Power Resources
Approved By: Joe Mosca, Chief Executive Officer
Subject: INTRODUCTION OF 2025 JOINT RATE COMPARISON MAILER Date: September 8, 2025
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIC GOALS
☐ Enrich & Grow the OCPA Community:
☐ Prioritize Fiscal Sustainability & Affordability:
☐ Design & Deploy Community-Aligned Customer Programs:
☐ Energize Our Community with Renewable Energy:
☒ Raise Awareness of Community Energy & Advocate for Our Customers: Customer education on power resource mix and rate information
☒ Not Applicable: Promote transparency
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive and file.
BACKGROUND
What is the Joint Rate Comparison mailer (JRM)?
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requires load-serving entities such as Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) and Southern California Edison (SCE) to produce and mail a joint rate comparison mailer to help consumers make informed choices about their electric providers. The JRM provides a side-by-side comparison of electric rates from investor-owned utilities (IOUs), like SCE and Community Choice Aggregators (CCA).
Why do CCAs create and distribute the JRM?
These mailers provide a clear and straightforward comparison of electric rates between CCAs and IOUs. This helps consumers understand their options and make informed decisions about their electricity providers. The CPUC mandates that CCAs and IOUs collaborate to produce these mailers to ensure that all customers receive consistent and accurate information about their electricity rates.
By including details about typical electric rates, average monthly charges, and electricity sources, these mailers educate consumers about the benefits and costs associated with different providers.
Lastly, these comparisons encourage healthy competition between CCAs and IOUs, potentially leading to better consumer rates and services.
What is the timeline for the distribution of the JRM?
The JRM is sent once a year to all customers of both CCAs and IOUs, including residential, residential CARE, and commercial customers. The exact timing can vary, but typically, the CPUC requires these mailers to be distributed by the Summer of each year. This year, OCPA was granted an extension through September 1, due to SCE’s June 1, 2025 rate change.
Key Sections of the Mailer
• Generation Rate: The cost of generating or purchasing electricity to power your home or business varies depending on your energy provider and the resources included in their generation power source.
• Delivery Rate: This is the charge for delivering electricity to your home or business. This is usually consistent as it addresses the Transmission and Delivery rate, which applies to all customers.
• Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA): This charge ensures that both IOU and CCA customers pay for the electric generation resources procured on their behalf. • Franchise Fees: These are surcharges applied to electricity transported over utility systems constructed in public streets and highways. The utility collects these fees and remits them to the appropriate municipality.
• Total Electricity Cost: This is the sum of the generation rate, delivery rate, PCIA, and franchise fees. It represents the total cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. • Average Monthly Bill: This section estimates the average monthly bill for a typical customer based on their average monthly usage.
• Electric Generation Power Mix: This shows the percentage of electricity generated from different sources (e.g., renewable sources like solar and wind, and non-renewable sources like natural gas).
Tips for Reading the JRM
1. Compare Rate: Look at the generation rate, delivery rate, and total electricity cost for each provider. This will help customers understand which provider offers the most cost-effective option.
2. Understand Charges: Review the PCIA and franchise fees, as these can significantly impact the total electricity cost.
3. Evaluate the Power Mix: Consider the generation power mix. Some providers may offer higher percentages of renewable energy.
4. Check the Average Monthly Bill: This provides a practical idea of what to expect to pay each month based on typical usage.
ANALYSIS
The table below shows typical electric rates for an OCPA customer in a residential rate plan, along with the average monthly bill for a customer in this rate plan.
Domestic SCE
OCPA
Basic Choice
(47% Renewable)
OCPA
Smart Choice
(55% Renewable and
40% Carbon Free)
OCPA
100% Renewable
Choice
(100% Renewable)
Generation Rate $0.11136 $0.12323 $0.13323 $0.13823
SCE Delivery Rate $0.24862 $0.24069 $0.24069 $0.24069
Surcharges $0.00000 -$0.00775 -$0.00775 -$0.00775
Total Costs $0.35998 $0.35617 $0.36617 $0.37117
Average Monthly Bill ($) $194.75 $192.69 $198.10 $200.80 Monthly Usage: 541 kWh
OCPA’s Basic Choice plan costs 3% less than SCE’s equivalent generation rate, offering customers an affordable way to make a difference and embrace a cleaner energy future. OCPA is committed to ensuring its Basic Choice plan continues to cost less than SCE’s equivalent generation rate. In fact, OCPA’s discount increased in 2024 from 2% to 3%. For customers who can do a bit more, OCPA offers the Smart Choice plan, which is 55% renewable energy and 40% Carbon-free, and the 100% Renewable Choice plan.
While increasing access to renewable energy is one of OCPA’s top priorities, a balance between energy affordability and our renewable energy goals is considered to help ensure price stability for our customers. Since beginning service, OCPA has reduced over 2.12 billion lbs. of CO2 emissions through renewable energy procurement, which is like removing over 223,000 gas-powered vehicles from the road.
The JRM also serves as a preview for the Power Content Label (PCL), which is part of the Power Source Disclosure Program. The program requires retail electricity suppliers to disclose this information to their customers annually. Staff will prepare a follow-up item for the Board of Directors for the October regular meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – OCPA 2025 Joint Rate Comparison Mailer – Residential Attachment B – OCPA 2025 Joint Rate Comparison Mailer – Residential CARE Attachment C – OCPA 2025 Joint Rate Comparison Mailer – Commercial All of OCPA’s rate products are open to all customers. Generation Rate reflects the cost of producing or purchasing electricity to power your residence. This rate depends on usage and will vary depending on your service provider and rate plan. SCE Delivery Rate is a charge assessed by SCE to deliver electricity to your residence. Surcharges represent the Cost Responsibility Surcharge (CRS) and Franchise Fee (FF) that are applicable to Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) customers. www.ocpower.org/privacy-policy | www.sce.com/legal/privacy-notices The CRS is a group of four surcharges associated with power purchases made on behalf of customers prior to a customer’s switch to a CCA as well as non-by passable charges related to wildfire fund and bond costs. The FF recovers taxes owed to a city in exchange for allowing SCE to utilize electrical distribution lines throughout the property of the city. SCE acts as the collection agency for the FF surcharge which is levied by cities and counties for all customers.
For additional rate information please contact Orange County Power Authority at ocpower.org or (866) 262-7693 and SCE at sce.com/cca, under Program Enrollment, or (800) 974-2356.
The Executive Director of the California Public Utilities Commission has authorized an extension on the deadline to mail these notices. The purpose of this mailer is to help you make a comparison between Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) and Southern California Edison (SCE) rates and see the renewable energy mix of each to decide which service and rate works for you. The chart below illustrates the estimated electricity costs for a typical residential customer with an average monthly energy usage of 541 kilowatt hours (kWh). This comparison is based on OCPA rates approved by its Board of Directors and effective as of July 14, 2025. SCE rate options are based on rates effective June 1, 2025.
Both OCPA and SCE’s rates are subject to change.
Monthly Usage: 541 kWh
SCE rates are current as of June 1, 2025. OCPA rates are current as of July 14, 2025.
This rate comparison represents similar comparisons for DSDP, DSDPO, DE, DESDP, DESDPO, DM, DMS1, DMS2, DMS3 Domestic SCE
OCPA
Basic Choice
(47% Renewable)
OCPA
Smart Choice
(55% Renewable
and 40% Carbon-Free)
OCPA
100%
Renewable
Choice
(100% Renewable)
Generation Rate $0.11136 $0.12323 $0.13323 $0.13823
SCE Delivery Rate $0.24862 $0.24069 $0.24069 $0.24069
Surcharges $0.00000 -$0.00775 -$0.00775 -$0.00775
Total Costs $0.35998 $0.35617 $0.36617 $0.37117
Average
Monthly Bill ($) $194.75 $192.69 $198.10 $200.80
Electric Power
Generation Mix* SCE Power Mix OCPA Basic Choice
OCPA
Smart Choice
OCPA 100%
Renewable
Choice
Renewable
Procurements 35.1% 25.3%** 72.0% 100.0%
Biomass & Biowaste 0.1% 3.8% 26.4% 0.0%
Geothermal 4.1% 5.4% 18.4% 0.0%
Eligible Hydroelectric 0.6% 0.0% 0.0% 5.4%
Solar 19.0% 1.9% 7.7% 65.3%
Wind 11.3% 14.2% 19.5% 29.3%
Coal 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Large Hydroelectric 4.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Natural gas 7.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Nuclear 8.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Other 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Unspecified Power 43.4% 74.7% 28.0% 0.0%
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
* Based on Year Ending December 31, 2024 Data
** OCPA’s full energy portfolio contains 4.43% unbundled Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Basic Choice plan includes 19% unbundled RECs for a total renewable energy content of 44.3%, aligning with California’s 2024 compliance requirements. Visit ocpower.org/jrm for more information.
Unspecified power is electricity that has been purchased through open market transactions and is not traceable to a specific generation source. Unspecified sources of power are typically a mix of all resource types, and may include renewables.
The Power of
Community Energy
Rate Comparison Notification
As part of our mutual commitment to support your energy choice, Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) and Southern California Edison (SCE) have partnered to provide you with a comparison of typical residential electric rates, average monthly charges, and generation portfolio contents.
For information on OCPA’s generation rates, please visit OCPower.org or call 1‑866‑2‑OCPOWER.
Please visit sce.com/cca, under Program Enrollment, for the complete SCE/OCPA rate comparison or call 1‑800‑974‑2356.
All of OCPA’s rate products are open to all customers. Generation Rate reflects the cost of producing or purchasing electricity to power your residence. This rate depends on usage and will vary depending on your service provider and rate plan. SCE Delivery Rate is a charge assessed by SCE to deliver electricity to your residence. Surcharges represent the Cost Responsibility Surcharge (CRS) and Franchise Fee (FF) that are applicable to Community Choice Aggregation (CCA). www.ocpower.org/privacy-policy | www.sce.com/legal/privacy-notices The CRS is a group of four surcharges associated with power purchases made on behalf of customers prior to a customer’s switch to a CCA as well as non-by passable charges related to wildfire fund and bond costs. The FF recovers taxes owed to a city in exchange for allowing SCE to utilize electrical distribution lines throughout the property of the city. SCE acts as the collection agency for the FF surcharge which is levied by cities and counties for all customers.
For additional rate information please contact Orange County Power Authority at ocpower.org or (866) 262-7693 and SCE at sce.com/cca, under Program Enrollment, or (800) 974-2356.
The Executive Director of the California Public Utilities Commission has authorized an extension on the deadline to mail these notices. The purpose of this mailer is to help you make a comparison between Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) and Southern California Edison (SCE) rates and see the renewable energy mix of each to decide which service and rate works for you. The chart below illustrates the estimated electricity costs for a typical “CARE” residential customer with an average monthly energy usage of 541 kilowatt hours (kWh). If you are a customer on the FERA rate, please refer to the Joint Rate Comparison on the OCPA and SCE websites. This comparison is based on OCPA rates approved by its Board of Directors and effective as of July 14, 2025. SCE rate options are based on rates effective June 1, 2025. Both OCPA and SCE’s rates are subject to change.
Monthly Usage: 541 kWh
SCE rates are current as of June 1, 2025. OCPA rates are current as of July 14, 2025.
This rate comparison represents similar comparisons for DM-CARE, D-CARE-SDP, D-CARE-SDP-O * Based on Year Ending December 31, 2024 Data
** OCPA’s full energy portfolio contains 4.43% unbundled Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Basic Choice plan includes 19% unbundled RECs for a total renewable energy content of 44.3%, aligning with California’s 2024 compliance requirements. Visit ocpower.org/jrm for more information.
Unspecified power is electricity that has been purchased through open market transactions and is not traceable to a specific generation source. Unspecified sources of power are typically a mix of all resource types, and may include renewables.
Domestic - CARE SCE
OCPA
Basic Choice
(47% Renewable)
OCPA
Smart Choice
(55% Renewable
and 40% Carbon-Free)
OCPA
100%
Renewable
Choice
(100% Renewable)
Generation Rate $0.11136 $0.12323 $0.13323 $0.13823
SCE Delivery Rate $0.11782 $0.11782 $0.11782 $0.11782
Surcharges $0.00000 -$0.01568 -$0.01568 -$0.01568
Total Costs $0.22918 $0.22537 $0.23537 $0.24037
Average
Monthly Bill ($) $123.99 $121.93 $127.34 $130.04
Electric Power
Generation Mix* SCE Power Mix OCPA Basic Choice
OCPA
Smart Choice
OCPA 100%
Renewable
Choice
Renewable
Procurements 35.1% 25.3%** 72.0% 100.0%
Biomass & Biowaste 0.1% 3.8% 26.4% 0.0%
Geothermal 4.1% 5.4% 18.4% 0.0%
Eligible Hydroelectric 0.6% 0.0% 0.0% 5.4%
Solar 19.0% 1.9% 7.7% 65.3%
Wind 11.3% 14.2% 19.5% 29.3%
Coal 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Large Hydroelectric 4.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Natural gas 7.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Nuclear 8.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Other 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Unspecified Power 43.4% 74.7% 28.0% 0.0%
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
The Power of
Community Energy
Rate Comparison Notification
As part of our mutual commitment to support your energy choice, Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) and Southern California Edison (SCE) have partnered to provide you with a comparison of typical residential electric rates, average monthly charges, and generation portfolio contents.
For information on OCPA’s generation rates, please visit OCPower.org or call 1‑866‑2‑OCPOWER.
Please visit sce.com/cca, under Program Enrollment, for the complete SCE/OCPA rate comparison or call 1‑800‑974‑2356.
All of OCPA’s rate products are open to all customers. Generation Rate reflects the cost of producing or purchasing electricity to power your business. This rate depends on usage and will vary depending on your service provider and rate plan. SCE Delivery Rate is a charge assessed by SCE to deliver electricity to your business. Surcharges represent the Cost Responsibility Surcharge (CRS) and Franchise Fee (FF) that are applicable to Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) customers. www.ocpower.org/privacy-policy | www.sce.com/legal/privacy-notices The CRS is a group of four surcharges associated with power purchases made on behalf of customers prior to a customer’s switch to a CCA as well as non-by passable charges related to wildfire fund and bond costs. The FF recovers taxes owed to a city in exchange for allowing SCE to utilize electrical distribution lines throughout the property of the city. SCE acts as the collection agency for the FF surcharge which is levied by cities and counties for all customers.
For additional rate information please contact Orange County Power Authority at ocpower.org or (866) 262-7693 and SCE at sce.com/cca, under Program Enrollment, or (800) 974-2356.
The Executive Director of the California Public Utilities Commission has authorized an extension on the deadline to mail these notices. The purpose of this mailer is to help you make a comparison between Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) and Southern California Edison (SCE) rates and see the renewable energy mix of each to decide which service and rate works for you. The chart below illustrates the estimated electricity costs for a typical business customer with an average monthly energy usage of 926 kilowatt hours (kWh). This comparison is based on OCPA rates approved by its Board of Directors and effective as of July 14, 2025. SCE rate options are based on rates effective June 1, 2025. Both OCPA and SCE’s rates are subject to change.
Monthly Usage: 926 kWh | Monthly Demand: 2kW
SCE rates are current as of June 1, 2025. OCPA rates are current as of July 14, 2025.
This rate comparison represents similar comparisons for TOU-GS1-E-AE, TOU-GS1-E-AE-C, TOU-GS1-E-C TOU-GS-1-E SCE
OCPA
Basic Choice
(47% Renewable)
OCPA
Smart Choice
(55% Renewable
and 40% Carbon -
Free)
OCPA
100%
Renewable
Choice
(100% Renewable)
Generation Rate $0.10368 $0.10882 $0.11882 $0.12382
SCE Delivery Rate $0.17652 $0.16911 $0.16911 $0.16911
Surcharges $0.00000 -$0.00110 -$0.00110 -$0.00110
Total Costs $0.28020 $0.27683 $0.28683 $0.29183
Average
Monthly Bill ($) $259.47 $256.34 $265.60 $270.23
Electric Power
Generation Mix* SCE Power Mix OCPA Basic Choice
OCPA
Smart Choice
OCPA 100%
Renewable
Choice
Renewable
Procurements 35.1% 25.3%** 72.0% 100.0%
Biomass & Biowaste 0.1% 3.8% 26.4% 0.0%
Geothermal 4.1% 5.4% 18.4% 0.0%
Eligible Hydroelectric 0.6% 0.0% 0.0% 5.4%
Solar 19.0% 1.9% 7.7% 65.3%
Wind 11.3% 14.2% 19.5% 29.3%
Coal 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Large Hydroelectric 4.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Natural gas 7.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Nuclear 8.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Other 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Unspecified Power 43.4% 74.7% 28.0% 0.0%
Total 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
* Based on Year Ending December 31, 2024 Data
** OCPA’s full energy portfolio contains 4.43% unbundled Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Basic Choice plan includes 19% unbundled RECs for a total renewable energy content of 44.3%, aligning with California’s 2024 compliance requirements. Visit ocpower.org/jrm for more information.
Unspecified power is electricity that has been purchased through open market transactions and is not traceable to a specific generation source. Unspecified sources of power are typically a mix of all resource types, and may include renewables.
The Power of
Community Energy
Rate Comparison Notification
As part of our mutual commitment to support your energy choice, Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) and Southern California Edison (SCE) have partnered to provide you with a comparison of typical commercial electric rates, average monthly charges, and generation portfolio contents.
For information on OCPA’s generation rates, please visit OCPower.org or call 1‑866‑2‑OCPOWER.
Please visit sce.com/cca, under Program Enrollment, for the complete SCE/OCPA rate comparison or call 1‑800‑974‑2356.
ORANGE COUNTY POWER AUTHORITY
Staff Report – Item 11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Orange County Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Joe Mosca, Chief Executive Officer
Subject: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
Date: September 8, 2025
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US Bank Revolving Credit Facility – Debt Service Coverage Ratio Waiver Update During the FY25/26 budget presentation on June 9, 2025, staff proactively informed the Board that a temporary Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) waiver from U.S. Bank (our loan facility provider) would be pursued. This step was taken as a prudent safeguard in light of projected short-term revenue pressures in FY2025/26, stemming from declining SCE generation rates, lower Market Price Benchmarks, and Irvine’s transition to Basic Choice. While these market dynamics may temporarily impact quarterly DSCR compliance, OCPA has continued to maintain strong financial discipline—including the use of a $30 million Rate Stabilization Fund—and has not drawn on its U.S. Bank credit facility since April 2023.
Following Board approval of the FY2025/26 Budget, staff immediately opened discussions with U.S. Bank regarding the waiver request. These proactive efforts led to a favorable outcome: on July 19, 2025, U.S. Bank granted the waiver, which temporarily suspends the DSCR covenant from June 30, 2025, through March 31, 2026, with reinstatement of the 1.40x requirement effective June 30, 2026. As part of the agreement, OCPA’s operating reserve requirement was also increased from $17 million to $25 million, with the ability to revert to $17 million once covenant compliance is restored. To formalize the arrangement, U.S. Bank’s counsel (Chapman and Cutler), in coordination with BBK and OCPA staff, prepared and executed all necessary legal documents.
The waiver and related agreements were fully finalized on August 22, 2025.
Green Prepayment Bonds
Staff have consulted with PFM, our municipal advisor, to develop a roadmap for issuing Green Prepayment Bonds. This financing tool has already been successfully utilized by more than nine Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) in recent years, delivering significant reductions in long-term power costs. By leveraging the tax-exempt financing advantage, OCPA can lower contracted power purchase agreement (PPA) payments by an estimated 10% to 12%, which is projected to translate into annual savings of $4 to $6 million for our first transaction.
To ensure a smooth process, staff plan to hold educational sessions with each board member in September 2025, followed by onboarding service providers in October and structuring the prepayment transaction in November. The goal is to finalize and execute all deal documents in the first quarter of 2026. This phased approach provides ample time for board engagement, market preparation, and careful structuring of the transaction.
Other CCAs have already demonstrated the financial benefits of this approach. CalCCA recently highlighted MCE’s issuance of Green Bonds, which are expected to reduce customer energy generation costs by 11%, generate $7 million in upfront savings in FY2025–26, and provide approximately $6.4 million in recurring annual savings. Similarly, on August 11, 2025, San Diego Community Power approved the use of tax-exempt Green Bonds through the California Community Choice Financing Authority (CCCFA). This $1 billion, 30-year “Clean Energy Project Revenue” bond is projected to save customers $54.1 million over the next nine years, or roughly $6.1 million annually.
Revenue Deferral Transfer
As planned in the FY2025/26 Budget, OCPA will utilize the $45 million in previously deferred revenue from FY2023/24 - $15 million in FY2024/25 and $30 million in FY2025/26 - to help offset the anticipated revenue shortfall. This shortfall is primarily driven by the continuation of the 2024 rate design in 2025 and the City of Irvine’s shift from 100% Renewable Choice to Basic Choice. This strategic use of deferred revenue aligns with the Board-approved Rate Stabilization Policy and serves as a key financial tool to support long-term rate stability and affordability. By proactively reallocating these funds, OCPA strengthens its ability to manage financial risks, stabilize rates, and protect customers from market volatility.
In the News - California Energy Milestone
Exciting news! California has hit an incredible energy milestone – the state has supplied 100% of its electricity demand with clean energy sources for an average of seven hours a day so far this year. This year, more than nine out of 10 days have had the state’s power run on completely clean energy sources for an extended period.
https://www.newsweek.com/california-hits-historic-energy-milestone-2099047 Communications & External Affairs Updates
Communications
• We’ve begun making minor updates to the OCPA website. The image on the homepage now showcases the community instead of highlighting solar energy. We are working on a carousel for the homepage that will rotate through current community programs and information updates.
• OCPA’s communications plan for FY25/26 includes going deeper into member communities with educational information versus broad, widescale awareness. This includes placing ads in community magazines and newspapers, including The Foundation Pen where OCPA’s ad was included in the recent edition. It can be found here on page 5. • OCPA published a new version of the Facts & Figures document, which has been updated quarterly in 2025. Here is a link to view the latest version on the OCPA website. • OCPA was featured in ACC-OC’s newsletter, which promoted our battery storage program. Here is a link to a digital version of the newsletter, with OCPA included toward the bottom.
• OCPA’s EV Charger program is now featured in two lists of top EV incentives thanks to the diligent efforts of the Programs team. First is in the most recent blog from Premium Autos Inc: Ultimate Guide to Orange County EV Incentives 2025, and second is in Qmerit’s Comprehensive Guide to California EV Rebates, Tax Credits & Charging Incentives – putting OCPA alongside MOUs, IOUs, and CCAs across the state. • One more mention of OCPA’s EV charger incentive is listed in the Electric For All database and will be found once a person searches an OCPA member city zip code. • The OCPA annual tracking survey is now out of the market, with over 800 responses gathered from member city registered voters. We are evaluating the data and look forward to sharing the results with the Board in a future Board meeting.
Community Engagement
• OCPA attended the CoolOC student academy graduation, where we connected with students about OCPA and encouraged continued environmental stewardship. • Staff attended the Fountain Valley Mayor’s Breakfast, where MemorialCare was the featured presentation. We connected with their COO to begin building a relationship ahead of the OCPA transition and associated with city stakeholders. We are continuing outreach to Fountain Valley HOAs and have one so far that has agreed to an overview presentation at their next resident meeting.
• OCPA hosted a table at the Iranian American Chamber of Commerce business mixer, where we engaged and educated community members about OCPA and our current programs.
• We also met with multiple Sierra Club members from the local and LA chapters. Using the latest facts and figures, we were able to answer many questions about OCPA and clarify some information.
• Staff continue working with schools in OCPA member cities to create a list of available resources for people interested in exploring careers in cleantech and develop curriculum materials for students to learn about renewable energy. We are speaking with the OC Department of Education about materials that could be developed and with other schools interested in one-off training and information.
• OCPA tabled at Buena Park’s National Night Out, interacting with the community to educate about OCPA and celebrate togetherness.
• Staff continue researching college and university programs that promote green economy training and education across Orange County to create a referenceable database. We want to champion these real world opportunities for the next generation to join cleantech at events, and integrate CCAs into their training as its possible. • OCPA is conducting small business outreach in Fountain Valley to introduce ourselves ahead of the transition in October 2026. Reactions are generally neutral, with some interested in learning more about how OCPA can support their sustainability goals. We hope to set up a conversation with OC Sanitation in the coming month to begin that important conversation with one of the City’s largest energy consumers. OCPA is also reaching out to HOAs to continue building awareness among residents.
External Affairs
• We are communicating with the OC Sanitation District in Fountain Valley about the coming transition to OCPA service. We will keep Board members posted as we confirm an in-person conversation.
• Staff attended a social mixer hosted by the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce that brought together chamber members from six north county cities.
• Staff also attended the International Summer Mixer hosted by the Iranian American Chamber of Commerce Orange County, where we engaged with diverse business and civic leaders from across the county.
• OCPA attended the Orange County Business Council’s Legislative Day, which brought together policymakers, business leaders, and advocacy organizations to discuss regional legislative priorities. Several speakers spoke about the need for energy from renewable sources, and that renewable energy is undeniably the future of energy. Staff connected with many city and state stakeholders throughout the event to showcase OCPA’s support and advocacy for Orange County voices.
• OCPA joined the Santa Ana Chamber Government Affairs Committee meeting, where the Deputy City Manager discussed the city's climate action plan (CAP). Their CAP includes reducing community greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2035 and increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption, which aligns with OCPA and will be included in our future conversations with city representatives. • We also presented an OCPA overview to Las Mujeres, a grassroots organization composed of Latino working-class residents in Santa Ana. The meeting introduced OCPA’s mission and potential role in the community.
• The OCPA team presented a feasibility study to the Costa Mesa City Council. In 2024, the City began exploring membership with OCPA, which included granting OCPA permission to access its electric load data to determine the feasibility of serving Costa Mesa's increased electric load. The study's results were positive. As a result of the presentation, the Costa Mesa City Council voted 5-1 in favor of moving forward with the process of joining OCPA by scheduling a meeting to consider an ordinance and resolution for membership.
Customer Programs
• Community Power Plan: We are in the final week of gathering community input. The Existing Program Assessment has been drafted and will be completed in September, along with the Funding Opportunity and Internal Needs assessments. The Programs team will share draft program ideas with the CAC in November, followed by broader public feedback in December and a final presentation to the Board in February/March. • Equitable Building Decarb Direct Install: The kick-off call with LA County will occur by early September.
• Energy Efficiency Kits: To date, we have received 395 applications, with over 200 qualifying customers receiving a free kit with a rebate. This past week, the Programs team attended the Buena Park Fit Committee virtually, shared about the program in English and Spanish, and also sent emails to 54 organizations.
• Bright Futures Grant: We look forward to the September board meeting, when we will announce the recipients of this year’s grants.
• EV Charger program: To date, over 100 chargers have been delivered through this program.
• Residential Battery Rebate Program: Four applications have been submitted to date, and all have been approved. The Programs team has shared this opportunity with 45 battery installers and CBOs, and we are working on a mailer that will be sent to NEM customers without batteries and residential high-energy users.
Human Resources Updates
Recruitment
• Three top candidates have been selected to undergo in-person final interviews for Human Resources Generalist. A hiring selection will likely be made as a result in early September. • A group has been selected to interview for the Regulatory Analyst position; interviews are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, August 26 and 27.
• Submissions for the position of Data Analyst are under review. Interview selections will be made in the coming days. Interviews are TBA.
• Interviews for the Intern positions have been scheduled for September 4 and 5. This is to replace our recent summer interns.
• Recruitment for the position of Power Portfolio Manager will open soon for submissions.
Events & Stakeholder Outreach
The OCPA team has attended the following events and community meetings since our last Board meeting.
City Event & Meetings Date Time
Fullerton Fullerton CC Public Comment Tuesday, July 15, 2025 N/A Regional Filipino American Chamber of
Commerce Business Mixer Thursday, July 17, 2025 N/A
Irvine ACC-OC 2025 Summer Legislative
Reception Thursday, July 17, 2025 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Irvine IgniteHer Summit (OCPA in-kind
sponsorship) Friday, July 18, 2025 All day
Regional Shawver Picnic Saturday, July 19, 2025 All day Irvine OC Leadership Academy Final
Project Presentation Tuesday, July 22, 2025 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Buena Park Buena Park Concerts In The Park Wednesday, July 23, 2025 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Fullerton Sprouts Distribution Center Tour Thursday, July 24, 2025 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM N/A Asian Business Association Summer
Mixer Wednesday, July 30, 2025 N/A
Regional OC Labor Fed Gala Saturday, August 2, 2025 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Regional National Night Out Wednesday, August 6, 2025 N/A Fountain Valley FV Legislative meeting Thursday, August 7, 2025 N/A Newport Beach OC State of the County Friday, August 8, 2025 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Fountain Valley Fountain Valley Pins for Kids Saturday, August 9, 2025 N/A Irvine Dragon Kim Foundation Graduation Sunday, August 10, 2025 N/A Buena Park Sonrise Church Food Distribution Monday, August 11, 2025 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Costa Mesa
German American Business
Association of California Business
Mixer
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 N/A
Irvine Irvine Sustainability Commission
Meeting Wednesday, August 13, 2025 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Regional OCBC Legislative Day Thursday, August 14, 2025 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM Regional Iranian American Chamber of
Commerce Business Mixer Thursday, August 14, 2025 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Fullerton The Neighborhood Feeding Program
- EE Kit Enrollment Friday, August 15, 2025 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM Buena Park BP Senior Resource Fair Saturday, August 16, 2025 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Irvine UC Irvine Clean Energy Institute
Tour Tuesday, August 19, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fullerton Fullerton Business Focus Group Tuesday, August 19, 2025 12:00:00 PM - 1:00 PM Regional OC Forum Nonprofit Leaders Thursday, August 21, 2025 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Fullerton The Neighborhood Feeding Program Friday, August 22, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Fountain Valley Listening Session Fountain Valley Monday, August 25, 2025 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Costa Mesa OCHCC Business Mixer @ Sofia
University Thursday, August 28, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Regional Arab American Chamber Gala Saturday, August 30, 2025 N/A Buena Park Buena Park Job Fair Saturday, September 6, 2025 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM We are looking forward to many opportunities to engage with the community and key stakeholders, including:
City Event & Meetings Date Tim
Fullerton Fullerton High School District
Career Fair Thursday, September 11, 2025 5:30 PM
San Diego Climate Action Campaign 10 Year
Celebration Saturday, September 13, 2025 N/A
Irvine Dragon Kim Foundation Dragon
Challenge Saturday, September 13, 2025 N/A
Costa Mesa SoCalREN Regional Workforce
Alliance Meeting
Wednesday, September 17,
2025 N/A
Regional Iranian American Chamber of
Commerce Mehregan Celebration Saturday, September 20, 2025 N/A Regional Procon Procurement Conference Thursday, September 25, 2025 N/A Regional Black Chamber of Commerce
Annual Banquet Thursday, September 25, 2025 N/A
Regional Go Green & Health Expo Thursday, September 25, 2025 N/A Irvine Irvine / South Coast Chinese
Cultural Ctr Mid-Autumn Festival Friday, September 26, 2025 N/A Buena Park Buena Park Culture Fest Saturday, September 27, 2025 N/A Buena Park Buena Park State of the City Wednesday, October 1, 2025 N/A Irvine OCPA Open House Thursday, October 2, 2025 N/A
Rancho Santa
Margarita Rancho Fest Saturday, October 4, 2025 N/A
Regional Small and Diverse Business Expo Tuesday, October 7, 2025 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Long Beach League of Cities Annual Conference
+ Expo Thursday, October 9, 2025 N/A
Irvine Irvine Global Village Saturday, October 11, 2025 All day Attachments:
Attachment A – Non-Power Supply Contracts In Excess of $50,000 to Under $100,000 Attachment B – Contract Tracker
Orange County Power Authority
Non Power Supply Contracts In Excess of $50,000 to Under $100,000 Item No Vendor Term Contract Amount Brief Service Description Remark 1 Sorren CPAs P.C. 08/01/25-07/31/28 $91,200 3 years External Audit Services No. Vendor Start Date End Date NTE Amount Expenses recorded against contract
Amount for Work
Performed and
Invoiced but Not Yet
Paid
Remaining NTE
Amount
Notes Contract
Approved by the
Board?
Contract
Reported to the
Board?
RFP
to be Issued?
1 Best Best & Krieger 12/16/2020 See Notes See Notes 2,669,906.52 See Notes General Counsel, Financial & Power Procurement, Regulatory, Labor Related, and Special Legal Services. No NTE amount and contract end date. Costs are variable (time and materials).
Yes Yes RFP was issued on 2/24/2023 with one
proposal rec'd on 3/17/2023. Pending for
Board direction.
2 Calpine Energy Solutions 9/14/2021 9/13/2026 See Notes 5,824,633.11 See Notes Data Management & Call Center Services. NTE and Amount Paid depend on the number of active accounts during the month. Yes 3 Golden Communications 3/1/2024 2/28/2026 39,776.00 10,534.00 29,242.00 Digital Services - Strategic Marketing, Branding, Communications, and Public Education and Outreach Campaign/Program, Website Development Svc. Yes 4 Lakeview Business Center LLC (The Irvine Company) 2/19/2024 See Notes See Notes 185,773.92 See Notes New office lease 15310 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618. The agreement was signed February 19, 2024 but the commencement date is approximately 22 weeks from that date. It is for 84 months (to end at the end of the month). The lease agreement does not have an NTE. The first 5 months are abated. Security deposit, 1st month rent and operating expense was paid in Apr-24.
Yes
5 Littler Mendelson P.C. 2/22/2024 12/31/2025 94,900.00 6,250.00 88,650.00 Labor and Employment Legal Services Yes 6 Maher Accountancy 1/1/2025 12/31/2025 280,500.00 133,198.23 147,301.77 Accounting Service and Annual Financial Audit Support. Contract has been extended for 2025 with a 4.66% increase in the NTE amount ($280,500). Yes Yes 7 Newgen Strategies & Solutions 7/19/2023 6/30/2026 495,750.00 201,560.29 294,189.71 Rates Strategies, Budget and Projection Modeling, and FP&A Services. Yes 8 Orange County Printing Company/ R.R. Donneylley 7/1/2024 12/31/2025 159,750.00 134,291.29 25,458.71 Print House Services Yes 9 Pacific Energy Advisors, Inc. 1/1/2025 12/31/2025 588,000.00 301,590.16 286,409.84 Portfolio Management Services; amended with 10% increased NTE for additional back-office support and feasibility study for potential new members. A new contract for 2025 with a NTE of $588k has been approved by the board on 11/25/2024.
Yes Yes
10 Sorren CPAs P.C. See Notes See Notes 91,200.00 - 91,200.00 3-Year External Financial Audit Services. Yes 11 Reveille, Inc. 7/1/2023 6/30/2026 3,999,686.00 2,430,141.06 1,569,544.94 Strategic Marketing and Branding Material, PR and Social Media Support Yes 12 SDI Presence LLC 4/1/2024 3/31/2026 387,636.00 89,938.88 297,697.12 Managed IT Support Yes 13 Southern California Edison 3/28/2021 See Notes See Notes 1,711,147.69 See Notes CCA Service Agreement. Contract term from 3/28/2021 to CCA termination date. Billing provided by SCE is set forth in SCE’s community choice aggregation tariff, as stated in SCE’s Electric Rule 23 and SCE’s rate schedules.
Yes
14 The Energy Authority 4/1/2022 9/3/2026 770,960.00 618,499.20 152,460.80 Scheduling Coordinator, Day Ahead Load Forecasting, and CRR Management Services. Full Service from Commencement Date to 9/3/2026. Amendment to add the load forecast service for $12,160.
Yes Yes
15 The Energy Federation/ AM Conservation 7/1/2023 8/30/2025 400,000.00 295,743.08 104,256.92 Online marketplace to sell devices Yes 16 Amperon 5/1/2024 5/11/2026 122,000.00 75,500.00 46,500.00 Amendment to the long- and short-term load forecast services agreement for risk management: extends the term through 5/11/2026 and adds an NTE of $62,000.
The amendment also provides an option to extend the agreement for one additional year, bringing the total NTE to $187,100.
Yes
17 Gofarth & Marti, DBA GM Business interiors, a Corporation 5/1/2024 4/30/2026 275,000.00 270,299.54 4,700.46 Furniture for OCPA's new office. The Board approved the contract on 04/30/2024. Amendement to add NTE of $25K in Aug 2024. Yes Yes 18 The Energy Coalition 9/17/2024 9/17/2026 500,000.00 117,483.24 382,516.76 Develop the Community Power Plan, technical assistance, grant and program support for OCPA's customer programs Yes Orange County Power Authority Contracts
As of June 30, 2025