Board of Directors Regular Meeting Agenda
Wharfinger Building, Bay Room (downstairs)
1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA 95501
Thursday, April 23 2026
3:30 PM
Meeting Information
Meeting Reports and Comments
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.5, all writings or documents relating to any item on this agenda which have been provided to a majority of the Board, including those received less than 72 hours prior to the Board’s meeting, will be made available to the public at redwoodenergy.org.
Speakers wishing to distribute materials to the Board at the meeting must provide 13 copies to the Board Clerk.
How to Participate
This is a hybrid in-person and virtual meeting. When technical difficulties arise that prevent members of the public from offering comments, or if broadcasting is disrupted due to matters out of RCEA’s control, this meeting will be discontinued unless otherwise allowed by law.
To participate in the meeting online, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81972368051.
To participate by phone, call (669) 900-6833 or (253) 215-8782. Enter webinar ID: 819 7236 8051.
To speak during the public comment periods, raise your hand in the online Zoom webinar, or press star (*) 9 on your phone to raise your hand. Staff will ask you to unmute your phone or computer when it is your turn. You will have 3 minutes to speak.
Email written comments to [email protected]. Identify the agenda item number in the subject line. Comments will be included in the meeting record but not read aloud during the meeting.
Accessibility
Need help with accessibility? Any member of the public needing special accommodation to participate in this meeting or access the meeting materials should email [email protected] or call (707) 269-1700 at least 3 business days before the meeting. Assistive listening devices are available. 1 April 23, 2026
RCEA Board of Directors Meeting Agenda
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Open Session (Call to Order)
1. Roll Call | Remote Director Participation
1.1. Brown Act Teleconference Participation Rules
2. Reports from Member Entities
3. Oral & Written Communications
This time is provided for people to address the Board or submit written communications on matters not on the agenda. At the conclusion of all oral communications, the Board may respond to statements. Any request that requires Board action will be set by the Board for a future agenda or referred to staff.
4. Staff Reports
4.1. Executive Director’s Report
5. Consent Calendar
All matters in the Consent Calendar section are considered routine by the Board and are enacted in one motion. There is no separate discussion of any of these items; if discussion is required, that item is removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately. At the end of the reading of the Consent Calendar, Board members or members of the public can request that an item be removed for separate discussion.
5.1. Approve Minutes of March 26, 2026, Board Meeting.
5.2. Accept Disbursement Report for February 2026, and Financial Reports for This Fiscal Year Through February 2026.
5.3. Receive Regulatory and Legislative Report.
5.4. Approve the Single Source Procurement of Up to 1,000 Residential Energy Efficiency Kits from AM Conservation for a Total Cost Not to Exceed $110,000 and Authorize the Executive Director to Execute All Applicable Documents.
6. Items Removed from Consent Calendar
Items removed from the Consent Calendar section will be heard under this section.
7. Old Business
7.1. Analysis of RCEA’s CCE Customer Load Changes (Information only)
7.2. Sandrini Battery Storage Community Benefits Fund
Provide feedback and give direction to staff to:
1. Engage with EDP Renewables to achieve agreement in principle on how funds will be expended and
2. Develop a formal proposal for Board approval at a future meeting for a community benefits endowment.
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RCEA Board of Directors Meeting Agenda
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8. New Business
8.1. Status of Vacant Positions as Required by AB 2561
Receive a staff report, open the public hearing, take public comment, and close the public hearing.
9. Future Agenda Items
Any request that requires Board action will be set by the Board for a future agenda or referred to staff.
10. Closed Session
10.1. Real Property Negotiations Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 in re: APN 001- 135-007; RCEA negotiator: Executive Director; Owner’s negotiating party: Wells Commercial; Under negotiation: price and terms.
11. Reconvene to Open Session
12. Closed Session Report
13. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting
Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 3:30 PM
Wharfinger Building Bay Room (downstairs), 1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA 95501 Online and phone participation is available via Zoom.
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Staff Report
Agenda Item # 1.1
Information
Agenda Date April 23, 2026
To Board of Directors
Prepared by Eileen Verbeck, Deputy Executive Director
Subject Revised Member Teleconference Participation Rules Background
When emergency Brown Act meeting law changes went into effect in 2020 due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the RCEA Board of Directors, Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and the subcommittees of those bodies met online via teleconference using the Zoom platform with no physical, public meeting location. Since the pandemic, the Brown Act has been amended to codify modern teleconference meeting practices both during and outside of declared states of emergency. SB 707 (Durazo, 2025) sets out the latest Brown Act revisions which were signed into law on October 3, 3025.
Summary
RCEA Board Directors may attend up to two meetings per year from a remote location without making the location accessible to the public for the following, revised, “just cause” reasons:
1. Childcare or caregiving to child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, domestic partner;
2. Contagious illness that prevents in person attendance;
3. Mental or physical need not subject to reasonable accommodation provisions;
4. Travel while on official business of RCEA or another state or local agency;
5. Immunocompromised child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner that requires remote participation;
6. Physical or family medical emergency; or
7. Military service obligations.
A vote is not necessary to request remote attendance for just cause, including for medical emergency remote attendance per SB 707 revisions. A brief description, protecting the Director’s (or family member’s) medical privacy, must be provided and the Director must publicly disclose whether anyone 18 years of age or older is present in the room at the remote location, and the general nature of the individual’s relationship with the Director.
At a future meeting, staff will recommend Board adoption of a revised Teleconferencing Policy capturing the latest Brown Act revisions and provide the Board an opportunity to pass a resolution enabling remote meeting participation for members who must travel at least 20 miles to the Wharfinger Building. 5
Staff Recommendation
None. Information only.
Required Distribution Information
The Revised Ralph M. Brown Act
Link to California Government Code Sections 54950 - 549631, revised October 3, 2025, by SB 707 (Durazo, 2025).
Redwood Coast Energy Authority List of Physical Meeting Locations Body Date Time Location
Board of Directors 4th Thursday of each
month 3:30 p.m. Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA 95501 Community Advisory
Committee
2nd Tuesday of odd-numbered months 6 p.m.
Jefferson Community Center
Auditorium, 1000 B Street, Eureka,
CA 95501
Finance Committee As needed, dates TBD TBD RCEA Offices, 633 Third Street, Eureka, CA 95501
1 The Revised Ralph M. Brown Act, California Code, GOV 54950.5 - 54963:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=GOV&division=2.&title=5.&part=1.&chapt er=9.&article=
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Staff Report
Agenda Item # 4.1
Information
Agenda Date April 23, 2026
To Board of Directors
Prepared by Elizabeth Burks, Executive Director
Subject Executive Directors’ Report
Summary
Executive Director Elizabeth Burks will provide updates on topics as needed.
RCEA Updates
Call Log Summary
In March 2026, there were 194 total incoming phone calls. The top categories for phone calls were:
• Billing Inquiry: 37
• Rebate Inquiries 37
• Opt Out Inquiry: 17
• Net Energy Metering: 17
As a percentage of total calls, opt out inquiries were up 3% from Feb. '26, but down 3% from March. '25.
Many customers inquiring about opting out believed RCEA is an extra charge on their bill, a few were told to opt out by their landlords. RCEA staff were able to explain the benefits of being an RCEA customer and most who called did not submit and opt out.
Upcoming Conferences and Site Tours
California Climate and Energy Collaborative (CCEC) Forum June 24-25, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. This conference is focused on work related to Regional Energy Networks, such as NREN. Registration is free for all elected officials.
Staff are continuing to coordinate a tour to West Biofuels in Burney, CA, and are finalizing the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant tour.
• West Biofuels in Burney, California. This facility is one of the most recent biofuel facilities built in California. A tour would be an opportunity to see a modern biofuels plant. Staff will keep the Board informed about tour plans as they are set.
• Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plan and King Salmon Site. The Diablo Canyon Plant tour is scheduled for May 21 (travel beginning late afternoon) and 22 (tour and travel home). The King Salmon site tour will be coordinated for a later date.
7 This staff report was revised on 4/22/2026.
Goodbye and Thank You to Kyle Groben
Regulatory and Legislative Policy Intern Kyle Groben leaves RCEA today to accept a role with the National Wildlife Federation as their North Coast Offshore Wind Outreach Coordinator. Kyle has prepared monthly regulatory reports for the Board, among other valuable support duties since June 2025. Please join us in wishing him the best of luck.
Staff Recommendation
None. Information only.
Attachments
1. Community Outreach Events Summary
2. LEAN Federal Activity Report
8 Presentations
RCEA staffed a variety of events, including Earth Day
story times at the Fortuna and Eureka Libraries where
staff read nature books, Dow’s Prairie Grange
breakfast, Bear River Band of the Rohnerville
Rancheria Earth Day celebration, Trades Day for high
schoolers, and Sequoia Park Zoo’s Party for the Planet.
Events
Attendees at the presentation and events learned
about RCEAs programs, resources, and tips for
reducing energy, and financial assistance programs.
The spin-the-wheel activity is always a big hit and
gave attendees the opportunity to learn about energy
and receive branded handouts.
Engagements
A presentation was conducted for the McKinleyville
Senior Center. They appreciated learning about
RCEAs many resources, programs, and tips for
conserving energy.
Redwood Coast
Energy Authority –
Community Outreach
& Events Summary
April 2026
AT A GLANCE
Each month, RCEA connects with
community members across Humboldt
County through events, presentations,
and outreach efforts that build
awareness of our programs and services.
This summary provides a snapshot of our
outreach reach, engagement highlights,
and upcoming opportunities to connect
with the community.
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800
9 For more information about RCEA’s community outreach or to invite us to an event, contact [email protected]
Bike Month Celebration & Expo,
May 16
Mattole Valley Resource Center
tabling in Petrolia and Honeydew,
May 27
Upcoming Events
May 2026
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Agenda Item # 4.1 - Attachment 2
March 2026 LEAN CCA Federal Affairs Monthly Report
Executive Summary
In March, policy discussions in Congress were dominated by continued shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, the sole remaining unfunded department. Outside of these negotiations, the Administration made several announcements relevant to the energy sector relevant to CCAs. The White House released their National AI Policy Framework, which called on Congress to codify President Trump’s “Ratepayer Protection Pledge,” and announced the move of the Energy Star program from the Environmental Protection Agency to the Department of Energy (DOE). Beyond this, DOE announced the SPARK grant opportunity to increase grid capacity through reconductoring and grid enhancing technologies which CCAs are eligible through partnerships. In Congress, permitting reform negotiations, which LEAN Energy US has been tracking, resumed, with Democratic Senators announcing their return to the table, although warning that further administration attacks on renewable energy would halt negotiations. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on the state of the bulk power system, which focused on a Democratic proposal for transmission permitting reform. Beyond this, a bipartisan group of Senators sent a letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services to release the remaining Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds.
Congressional Actions
1. President Trump Endorses Two-Track Funding Approach to End DHS Funding Stalemate
On April 1, President Trump announced his support for the Senate-passed bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and set a June 1 deadline for a reconciliation bill to fund immigration enforcement programs that are not covered in the Senate-passed bill. Passing a reconciliation package will be challenging, as Republicans have not yet agreed on what to include and how to pay for it. With slim House margins, proposals such as Iran war funding, tax changes, and spending cuts, which may impact CCAs, are all being considered to secure enough votes. The challenge is compounded by the constraints of the reconciliation process, which requires agreement on a joint budget resolution and coordinated action across committees, among other things. As a result, some lawmakers are pushing for a narrower second reconciliation bill to keep the effort on schedule and improve its chances of clearing both chambers.
2. Permitting Reform Talks Set to Resume
On March 5, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) announced their intention to resume permitting reform negotiations. Negotiations have been stalled since December due to Democratic opposition to the Trump administration’s attacks on wind and solar projects, such as issuing stop-work orders to fully permitted offshore wind projects already under construction. Sens. Whitehouse and Heinrich, Ranking Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) and Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR), respectively, pointed to the administration’s recent decision to 11
move forward with reviewing solar project permits as a positive development that will allow them to move forward with negotiations.
However, in a joint statement, the Senators warned that further “mischief” regarding clean energy projects will lead them to pause negotiations again. Their Republican counterparts, Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Mike Lee (R-UT), Chairs of EPW and ENR, respectively, stated their eagerness to return to permitting negotiations, although Sen. Lee warned that the Democrats had cost them valuable time to enact meaningful reform. As Congress faces midterm elections later this year, they have a limited window to negotiate and pass comprehensive permitting reform, a top priority for CCAs.
3. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Holds a Bulk Power System Hearing
On March 25, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on the state of the bulk power system. The hearing focused heavily on current permitting reform negotiations, particularly discussions over transmission line build out, as committee Democrats recently circulated a draft bill aimed at accelerating transmission construction. Committee Chair Mike Lee (R-UT) cautioned against overbuilding transmission lines, arguing that such overbuilding could lead to increased costs that put upward pressure on energy rates. Ranking Member Martin Heinrich (D-NM) questioned the witnesses on the state of transmission development, to which all witnesses agreed that the current system is not sufficient. Federal authority over transmission line siting was another sticking point during the hearing, although, Chairman Lee suggested that Congress may not need to act on federal authorities, as Section 216 of the Federal Power Act already grants federal agencies siting authority that could be used for transmission lines. Outside of transmission discussions, Sen. Angus King (I-ME) announced during the hearing that he would not be participating in permitting reform negotiations due to recent administration actions against renewable energy projects.
4. Senators Sign Letter Demanding Immediate Release of Remaining LIHEAP Funding
On March 12, forty bipartisan Senators signed a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urging the department to immediately release the remaining $400 million dollars allocated to states under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to assist low-income and senior households with their heating and cooling energy bills.
Congress appropriated $4.045 billion for LIHEAP in FY26, an increase of $20 million. In November, 90% of LIHEAP funds, roughly $3.7 billion, were released to the states after a delay caused by the government shutdown that lasted through October into November. The letter, led by Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI), Lisa Murkowski (RAK), and Susan Collins (R-ME), is requesting the release of the remaining 10% of LIHEAP funds, arguing that a delayed release would harm efforts to cover energy bills, weatherize homes, and plan for the summer programs.
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Administration Actions
1. White House Releases National AI Policy Framework
The four-page framework outlines seven areas for legislation, including creating protections for children, protecting communities from AI costs, ensuring federal leadership of AI legislation, addressing AI replicas and copyright infringement, preventing political bias in AI models, enabling U.S. AI innovation and leadership, and encouraging workforce development and education. Notably, the framework calls for Congress to codify President Trump’s “Ratepayer Protection Pledge,” that was signed by seven Big Tech companies on March 4, to ensure ratepayers are not responsible for increased energy costs from AI development and to speed up permitting for AI infrastructure, particularly data center power generation.
The framework also asks Congress to preempt state laws that regulate AI development and to not create any new federal rulemaking body to regulate AI and instead support development and deployment of sector specific AI applications, among other things. The federal preemption of state AI laws had been removed from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the National Defense Authorization Act last year due to lack of support.
2. Energy Star Moves from EPA to DOE
On March 3, the Trump administration announced plans to move oversight of the Energy Star program from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the Department of Energy (DOE). Energy Star is a program that sets energy efficiency standards for appliances, buildings, and homes, which businesses can voluntarily choose to meet to display the program label on their product. Under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between EPA and DOE, the departments will develop a transition plan within the next 90 days for moving Energy Star oversight to DOE. While the program has been under EPA for over 30 years, Energy Star was targeted for closure by the Trump administration last year, although no plans were finalized before Congress appropriated $33 million for the program in January. The opponents of the move have cited concerns over future funding and the loss of EPA’s institutional knowledge of the program. However, supporters of the move argue that DOE better aligns with the program due to its management of the federal Appliance Standards Program. The MOA guiding the shift would stay in place for 10 years and states that EPA and other federal agencies will work on the program with DOE in consultation.
Funding Opportunities
1. DOE Announces SPARK Funding Opportunity
On Mar. 12, the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity (OE) announced an approximately $1.9 billion funding opportunity as part of the Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) grant. This funding opportunity continues to build on the work of the previous two rounds of Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program. Projects selected under this program will demonstrate how reconductoring, combined with Advanced Transmission Technologies, can expand the existing energy grid’s capacity, as well as reduce costs for ratepayers and increase grid reliability.
The funding opportunity is divided into three topic areas, each with their own eligibility requirements.
Topic Area 1, Grid Resilience, is open to electric grid operators, electricity storage operators, electricity 13
generators, transmission owners or operators, distribution providers, and fuel suppliers. This area will award 5-10 prizes of $10-$100 million each, with a 50 percent cost share, except for small utilities which have a 25 percent cost share. Topic Area 2, Smart Grid, is open to institutes of higher education, for-profit entities, non-profit entities, and state, local, and tribal government entities. OE is looking for market ready technologies, including new devices, materials, engineering designs, or software tools that strengthen grid reliability and resilience through reconductoring and deployment of other Advanced Transmission Technologies. This area will have 25-40 recipients receiving $10-$50 million, with a 50 percent cost share. Topic Area 3, Grid Innovation Program, is available to states, tribes, local governments, and public utility commissions. This area will have 3-8 recipients receiving $100-$250 million each, with a 50 percent cost share. Concept papers were due Apr. 2 with full applications due May
20. Selections are expected to be made in August. More information can be found here. 14 Board of Directors Draft Meeting Minutes
Wharfinger Building, Bay Room (downstairs)
1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA 95501
Thursday, March 26 2026
3:30 PM
Attendance
Present
Carlos Diaz Skip Jorgensen
Heidi Moore-Guynup (Alt. Director Elise Scafani (remote, just cause, illness) Sarah Schaefer, Vice Chair Jack Tuttle
Mike Wilson
Absent
Scott Bauer Michael Gerace, Chair
Frank Wilson
Staff and Others Present
Name Title
Lori Biondini Business Planning & Finance Director
Elizabeth Burks Executive Director
Faith Carlson Regulatory & Legislative Policy Manager
Ronnie Chausse Interim Finance Manager
Nancy Diamond Legal Counsel
Richard Engel Power Resources Director
Kristy Siino Human Resources Manager
Lori Taketa Board Clerk
Eileen Verbeck Deputy Executive Director
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Open Session (Call to Order)
Vice Chair Schaefer called a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority to order at the above location and date at 4:03 p.m. Notice of this meeting was posted on March 20, 2026.
4. Staff Reports
4.1. Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Burks provided highlights from her written report, including:
• Anticipated outreach to gauge Board interest in tours of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, the King Salmon nuclear waste storage site, and the West Biofuels facility in Burney, CA. • Legislative updates related to energy bill transparency and PCIA reform. • Clarification of recent media coverage to be addressed in organizational change staff reports.
5. Consent Calendar
5.1. Approve Minutes of February 26, 2026, Board Meeting.
5.2. Accept Disbursement Report for January 2026, and Financial Reports for This Fiscal Year Through January 2026.
5.3. Receive Federal Activity Report.
5.4. Appoint Hope Sakho as an At-Large Community Advisory Committee Member with a Term Expiring March 31, 2028.
5.5. Authorize Amendment 3 to 2021 Task Order for Operational Services with The Energy Authority, Inc. and Authorize the Executive Director to Execute the Amendment and All Associated Documents.
No member of the public nor the Board requested discussion of these items.
M/S: Diaz, Tuttle: Approve all Consent Calendar items.
The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote. Ayes: Diaz, Jorgensen, Moore-Guynup, Scafani, Schaefer, Tuttle, M. Wilson. Noes: None. Absent: Bauer, Gerace, F. Wilson. Abstain:
None.
7. Old Business
7.1. Report on Decreasing Customer Load (Information only) Due to anticipated loss of quorum, this item was moved to the April Board meeting agenda.
7.2. Diablo Canyon Operations Extension Policy Decision Making Regulatory and Legislative Policy Manager Carlson reported on the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant’s (DCPP) operating license status at the state and federal levels and reviewed the RCEA Board’s policy to consider acceptance of DCPP energy credit allocations each year they are offered, advocacy for better nuclear waste solutions and opposition to plant operation extension. This session, the state legislature will consider bills on DCPP plant operation extension and on PG&E’s use of the volumetric performance fees it receives for operating the plant. The Board directed staff to bring forward RCEA acceptance of 16 3/26/26
RCEA Board of Directors DRAFT Minutes
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DCPP energy credit allocations every five years, or more frequently if DCPP operation issues arise. The Board further directed staff not to oppose the California Community Choice Association’ (CalCCA’s) support of DCPP operation extension due to the low likelihood that RCEA’s sole opposition would sway the other Community Choice Aggregators. Staff will arrange opportunities for the Board to tour both the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, which fulfills 9-10% of the state’s electricity needs, and the King Salmon nuclear storage facility. There was no public comment on this agenda item.
7.3. Additional Authorizations for Prepayment of Power Purchase Agreements Bond Financing Power Resources Director Engel gave a progress report on enabling RCEA to prepay its power purchase agreements, potentially saving between $1.5 and $2 million in annual procurement costs. RCEA, in partnership with Desert Community Energy, contracted with municipal advisor and fiduciary agent Tyler Noble, contracted with project participant legal counsel Chapman and Cutler, and issued a request for proposals for a prepaid supplier. Goldman Sachs’ proposal was deemed best for this role by DCE and RCEA staff. Staff Director Engel described prepayment process participation costs. There was no public comment.
Director Moore-Guynup left the meeting room at 4:39. The Board meeting paused due to lack of quorum until Director Moore-Guynup rejoined the meeting at 4:42.
M/S: Jorgensen, M. Wilson: Select Goldman Sachs to fulfill the roles of Counterparty Supplier and Intermediary Bank;
Adopt Resolution No. 2026-4, authorizing RCEA to join the California Community Choice Financing Authority (CCCFA), as the bond issuer, at a cost of $50,000 for the membership entry fee and up to $20,000 to cover a transaction fee for issuance of the bonds; and Select and negotiate an agreement with a Tax and Bond Counsel at a total shared cost not to exceed $350,000.
The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote. Ayes: Diaz, Jorgensen, Moore-Guynup, Scafani, Schaefer, Tuttle, M. Wilson. Noes: None. Absent: Bauer, Gerace, F. Wilson. Abstain:
None.
8. New Business
8.1. Staffing Reorganization and Creation of New Positions Executive Director Burks presented a proposed organizational restructure to align departments with current operations and to staff regional climate planning work. Additional staff positions were proposed, including in-house general counsel and a Northern Rural Energy Network administrator.
The directors pointed out RCEA’s local services, how they leverage external funding and allow for regional, independent decisions-making, as opposed to PG&E’s for-profit model of providing energy.
An unidentified member of the public recommended delaying the creation of new positions to allow further review by partner agencies. The speaker raised concerns regarding salary parity with local agencies. No other member of the public commented and the Chair closed the comment period. 17 3/26/26
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M/S: M. Wilson, Moore-Guynup: Approve the staffing re-organization concept and authorize the Executive Director to determine allocation of staff to departments, which include supervisory responsibilities.
Approve the following full-time positions and direct staff to return with job descriptions for Board approval:
a) Creation of a Director of Engagement and Regional Climate Planning Position b) Creation of a Regional Climate Action Plan Administrator Position c) Allocation of a second NREN Administrator as the Administrative lead d) Creation of Staff General Counsel Position
The motion passed with the following roll call vote. Ayes: Diaz, Jorgensen, Moore-Guynup, Schaefer, Tuttle, M. Wilson. Noes: Scafani. Absent: Bauer, Gerace, F. Wilson. Abstain: None.
8.2. Presentation of Classification and Compensation Study Human Resources Manager Siino presented results of the Gallagher classification and compensation studies, including updated job descriptions, expanded classifications and a revised, step-based salary schedule. Manager Siino explained methods Gallagher used to assess RCEA’s job classes, identify comparison agencies and adjust salaries in higher wage markets so more accurate comparisons could be made. RCEA’s salaries were found to be, on average, 13% below those market-adjusted salaries of comparator agencies. Executive Director Burks corrected inaccuracies published by a local online news source and explained differences in RCEA’s benefits compared with other local government agencies.
The Board discussed wage competitiveness in a new era of remote work; competition for talent with other CCAs, consulting groups and utilities; and retention. There was no public comment during discussion of this item.
M/S: Diaz, Tuttle: Accept the Gallagher Classification and Compensation Reports.
Approve the Classification structure and Updated Job Descriptions.
Approve the RCEA updated Salary Schedule effective April 5, 2026.
The motion passed with the following roll call vote. Ayes: Diaz, Jorgensen, Schaefer, Tuttle, M.
Wilson. Noes: None. Absent: Bauer, Gerace, F. Wilson. Abstain: Moore-Guynup, Scafani.
8.3. Consideration of a Reduced 34-Hour Work Week
Executive Director Burks and Human Resources Manager Siino presented a proposal to redefine full-time employment at RCEA as a 34-hour work week, with corresponding adjustments to leave accruals and compensation structure. The reduced work week was proposed to address retention and stabilize labor costs and staff are enlisting improved meeting practices, collaborative file systems and work management tools to increase efficiency. The Board discussed productivity, fiscal risk management, and positive indications from other agencies that have adopted reduced-hour work weeks. The directors requested evaluation and an update after a year. There was no public comment. 18 3/26/26
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M/S: Moore-Guynup, M. Wilson: Approve changing full-time employees' regular working hours as 34 hours per week, adjustment of Vacation and Sick leave accruals to reflect reduced hours, and sunset Floating Holidays after the 2026 calendar year.
Pause COLA increases for all Staff for the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 fiscal years.
Authorize a one-time salary adjustment for the Calendar year 2026, solely to address the occurrence of a 27th pay period.
The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote. Ayes: Diaz, Jorgensen, Moore-Guynup, Scafani, Schaefer, Tuttle, M. Wilson. Noes: None. Absent: Bauer, Gerace, F. Wilson. Abstain:
None.
8.4. Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Mid-Year Budget Adjustments
Director of Business Planning and Finance Biondini reported on proposed mid-year budget revisions reflecting reduced revenues, lower power costs, personnel savings, and recommended increases to electric vehicle and e-bike incentives. There was no public comment on this item.
M/S: Jorgensen, Diaz: Approve proposed changes to the RCEA Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget.
The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote. Ayes: Diaz, Jorgensen, Moore-Guynup, Scafani, Schaefer, Tuttle, M. Wilson. Noes: None. Absent: Bauer, Gerace, F. Wilson. Abstain:
None.
9. Future Agenda Items
The Board requested a future update on the Tribal Energy Resilience and Sovereignty (TERAS) project should Department of Energy confirm engagement.
10. Closed Session
10.1. Real Property Negotiations Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 in re: APN 001-135- 007; RCEA negotiator: Executive Director; Owner’s negotiating party: Wells Commercial; Under negotiation: price and terms.
10.2. Conference with Legal Counsel: Deciding whether to initiate litigation, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4).
Due to anticipated loss of quorum, these closed session items were postponed to the April Board meeting.
Vice Chair Schaefer adjourned the meeting at 5:47 p.m.
Lori Taketa
Clerk of the Board
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Staff Report
Agenda Item # 5.2
Information
Agenda Date April 23, 2026
To Board of Directors
Prepared by Lori Biondini, Business Planning and Finance Director Subject Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Monthly Disbursements Reports Summary
The attached Disbursements Report lists RCEA’s checks, debits and electronic payments made during the period identified on the report. The Business Planning and Finance Director certifies that the disbursements were drawn in payment of demands conforming to RCEA’s adopted Financial Policy and budget.
The Financial Reports (Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual and Balance Sheet) are presented to keep the Board apprised of current agency receipts and spending relative to budget line items.
Alignment with RCEA’s Strategic Plan
Agency financial tracking and reporting are necessary administrative functions supporting RCEA strategic plan goal implementation.
Financial Impact
The disbursements presented were drawn in payment of demands included within the adopted budget.
Staff Recommendation
Approve Disbursement Reports for February 2026, and Financial Reports for This Fiscal Year Through February 2026.
Attachments
1. Disbursements Report for February 1 through February 28, 2026
2. Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual Report, July 2025 through February 2026
3. Balance Sheet as of February 28, 2026
21 Accrual Basis Redwood Coast Energy Authority
Disbursements Report
As of February 28, 2026
Type Date Num Name Memo Amount
Bill Pmt -Check 02/02/2026 ACH The Energy Authority Weekly CAISO Settlement CISO012826 -46,837.21 Bill Pmt -Check 02/09/2026 ACH The Energy Authority Weekly CAISO Settlement CISO020426 -137,642.74 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 ACH Sonoma Clean Power Authority Jan 2026 Flex RA -261,000.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 ACH Leapfrog Power, Inc Jan 2026 RA -36,740.00 Liability Check 02/13/2026 ACH Ascensus 2/13/26 Payroll Deferred Compensation -14,920.90 Liability Check 02/13/2026 ACH EDD 2/13/26 Payroll Taxes -9,541.36 Liability Check 02/13/2026 ACH Internal Revenue Service 2/13/26 Payroll Taxes -40,461.48 Liability Check 02/13/2026 ACH Ascensus 2/13/26 Payroll Deferred Compensation -16,159.16 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 WIRE PG&E Voluntary Allocation Oct 2025 VA -95,790.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 WIRE Sierra Business Council NREN Qrtly advance payment: Q1 2026 -762,238.38 Check 02/13/2026 22093 NEM Customer 2026 NEM Transistional Cash Out -128.57 Check 02/13/2026 22094 NEM Customer 2026 NEM Transistional Cash Out -1,008.92 Check 02/13/2026 22095-22114 NREN Customers Rebate NREN Equipment Res -8,300.00 Check 02/13/2026 22115 NREN Customer Rebate NREN Heat Pump HVAC Res- Expense -1,183.00 Check 02/13/2026 22116 NREN Customer Rebate NREN Heat Pump HVAC Res -675.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22117 Advanced Security Systems Monthly Monitoring, 633 & 917 3rd -291.35 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22118 AM Conservation Group, Inc. NREN Res Kits- RCEA Qty. 39 -4,079.18 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22119 Amazon.com Jan 2026 Office, IT & Janitorial supplies -344.36 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22120 Ascensus 09/01/2024-11/30/2025 Recordkeeping Fee -1,118.75 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22121 AT&T RCAM Backup Router 12/19-01/18/26 -163.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22122 AT&T RCAM Data 01/29/26-02/28/26 -657.62 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22123 Atkins Drafting Office Design & Construction Assistance -697.50 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22124 Blue Lake Chamber of Commerce 2026 Annual Membership -70.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22125 Braun Blaising & Wynne, P.C. Legal: Regulatory & Procurement Dec 2025 -2,815.92 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22126 Campton Electric Supply RCAM Circuit Breaker Panelboard Module -879.80 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22127 City of Arcata Dec 2025 Excessive Electricity Use Tax -2,461.92 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22128 City of Arcata Dec 2025 Utility User Tax -17,572.09 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22129 City of Eureka-Water 917 & 633 3rd 12/29/25-01/28/26 -403.56 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22130 Concoby, M. Per Diem Meals: TEA Symposium & Hackathon -238.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22131 Donald Dame CCE Consulting services Jan 2026 -276.50 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22132 Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce 2026 Annual Membership -75.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22133 iPROMOTEu.com, Inc RCEA Promo: Qty 304 Grocery tote bag -835.74 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22134 Jacobson Lawyers Group, PLLC Legal: Litigation analysis thru 1/31/26 -7,568.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22135 Kullmann, S. Per Diem Meals: Advanced Energy Communities Symposium-215.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22136 Law Offices of Nancy Diamond Jan 2026 -10,583.50 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22137 Newport Group Participant Fees for Retirement Plan Q1 2026 -998.40 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22138 North Coast Cleaning Services, Inc. 633 & 917 3rd Jan 2026 -1,090.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22139 Orick Chamber of Commerce 2026 Annual Membership -100.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22140 Pacific Paper Company Office Supplies Feb 2026 -96.64 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22141 PG&E- EV Maple Ln Garberville: 12/26/25-01/26/26 -74.27 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22142 Rennie, J Mileage reimbursement - Jan 2026 -23.78 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22143 Revolution Bicycles, Inc. Feb 2026: 1 E-Bike Voucher -400.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22144 Rio Dell-Scotia Chamber of Commerce 2026 Annual Membership -250.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22145 Stephens Electrical, Inc RRGP Design-Build Jan 2026 -41,325.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22146 Taketa, L. Purchase Reimbursement: meeting supplies -36.84 Bill Pmt -Check 02/13/2026 22147 Times Printing Company Jan 2026 Mailers & Postage -1,840.44 Check 02/13/2026 22148 NREN Customer Rebate NREN Equipment Res -350.00 Check 02/13/2026 22149 NREN Customer Rebate NREN Equipment Res -100.00 Check 02/13/2026 22150 NREN Customer Rebate NREN Equipment Res -150.00 Check 02/13/2026 22151 NREN Customer Rebate NREN Heat Pump HVAC Res -1,611.00
22 Accrual Basis Redwood Coast Energy Authority
Disbursements Report
As of February 28, 2026
Type Date Num Name Memo Amount
Check 02/13/2026 22152 NREN Customer Rebate NREN Equipment Res -700.00 Check 02/13/2026 22153 NREN Customer Rebate NREN Equipment Res -350.00 Paycheck 02/13/2026 ACH Employees Payroll -95,542.36
Check 02/17/2026 ACH VISA- Commercial Card Payment for Statement Date 1/31/26 -6,045.67 Check 02/20/2026 Debit Columbia Bank Service Charge -192.48 Check 02/20/2026 Debit Columbia Bank Service Charge -361.08 Bill Pmt -Check 02/23/2026 ACH The Energy Authority Weekly CAISO Settlement CISO021826 -62,595.98 Bill Pmt -Check 02/23/2026 ACH The Energy Authority Jan 2026 & Weekly CAISO CISO021126 -1,804,705.65 Liability Check 02/27/2026 ACH Ascensus 2/27/26 Payroll Deferred Compensation -14,093.86 Liability Check 02/27/2026 ACH CICCS Coalition for Controlling Insurance Feb 2026 Premiums -68.68 Liability Check 02/27/2026 ACH Colonial Life March 2026 Premiums -3,598.89 Liability Check 02/27/2026 ACH EDD 2/27/26 Payroll Taxes -8,475.09 Liability Check 02/27/2026 ACH Internal Revenue Service 2/27/26 Payroll Taxes -36,632.00 Liability Check 02/27/2026 ACH Keenan March 2026 Premiums -53,724.51 Liability Check 02/27/2026 ACH Principal Life Insurance Company March 2026 Premiums -122.16 Liability Check 02/27/2026 ACH Ascensus 2/27/26 Payroll Deferred Compensation -15,991.44 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 ACH CA Community Power 2026 Wood Mackenzie Subscription -14,987.50 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 ACH CalPine Corporation Jan 2026 Data Management -68,475.97 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 ACH EDPR CA Solar Park LLC II Jan 2026 Contract Energy -372,750.53 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 ACH Humboldt Sawmill Co. Jan 2026 Contract Energy -400,952.43 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 ACH John Winzler Office Lease - 633 3rd St. -8,144.97 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 ACH Snow Mountain Hydro, LLC Jan 2026 Contract Energy -118,495.36 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 ACH Wex Health, Inc Monthly COBRA Payment -23.88 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 WIRE Foster Clean Power A, LLC Jan 2026 Contract Energy -5,902.54 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 WIRE Foster Clean Power B, LLC Jan 2026 Contract Energy -29,240.78 Liability Check 02/27/2026 22154 Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.- Vision March 2026 Premiums -503.80 Liability Check 02/27/2026 22155 Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. - Dental March 2026 Premiums -3,041.36 Check 02/27/2026 22156-70 NREN Customers Rebate NREN Equipment Res -10,829.40 Check 02/27/2026 22171-83 NEM Customers 2026 Net Energy Term Cashout -2,765.38 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22184 Adventures Edge Feb 2026: 1 E-Bike Voucher -400.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22185 AT&T RCAM Router: 02/07-03/06/26 -331.95 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22186 Burks, E. Per Diem Feb & Mar 2026: CalCCA & CC Power -378.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22187 Carter Properties Office Lease - 917 3rd St. -2,450.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22188 City of Eureka - Wharfinger Board Meetings July 2025- Jan 2026 -892.50 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22189 Humboldt Bay Coffee Co. Office Coffee- 633 3rd St. -64.10 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22190 Kilowatt Engineering, Inc. NREN: NMEC Program Support Jan 2026 -6,515.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22191 Mission Linen & Uniform Service Janitorial Supplies & Mat Service -357.88 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22192 NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC Cost of Service & Rate Design 02/15/25 -15,838.75 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22193 NYLEX.net, Inc. Onsite network support - Mar 2026 -4,909.00 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22194 Optimum Business-633 633 3rd St: Phone & Internet 02/1/26-02/28/26 -1,103.42 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22195 PG&E- EV Jan 2026 REVNet -2,956.02 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22196 PG&E-Office Utility 917 3rd Street: 01/06-02/4/2026 -747.26 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22197 PG&E - ACV- 6674-0 RCAM: 11/30/25- 12/30/25 -72.73 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22198 PG&E CCA Jan 2026 Customer Billing Service -21,909.51 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22199 Terry, P. Purchase Reimbursement: CEDMC EM&V Forum -199.50 Bill Pmt -Check 02/27/2026 22200 Ubeo Business Services Printer Charges 1/06-02/05/26 -296.47 Paycheck 02/27/2026 ACH Employees Payroll -88,519.00
TOTAL -4,819,674.72
23 Redwood Coast Energy Authority
Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual
July 2025 through February 2026
Jul '25 - Feb 26 Budget % of Budget
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Total 4 GRANTS AND DONATIONS 2,500.00 1,887.00 132.49%
5 REVENUE EARNED
Total 5000 · Revenue - government agencies 6,477,024.03 11,086,774.00 58.42% Total 5100 · Revenue - program related 748,008.07 577,000.00 129.64% Total 5300 · Revenue - Interest Earned 853,704.97 500,000.00 170.74% Total 5400 · Revenue-nongovernment agencies 319,385.79 425,000.00 75.15% Total 5500 · Revenue - Electricity Sales 44,388,015.73 55,895,669.00 79.41% Total 5 REVENUE EARNED 52,786,138.59 68,484,443.00 77.08% Total Income 52,788,638.59 68,486,330.00 77.08%
Gross Profit 52,788,638.59 68,486,330.00 77.08%
Expense
Total 6 WHOLESALE POWER SUPPLY 30,616,306.37 49,327,598.00 62.07% Total 7 PERSONNEL EXPENSES 3,501,095.12 5,364,096.00 65.27% Total 8.1 FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS 805,354.54 1,773,801.00 45.4% Total 8.2 COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH 139,685.45 291,246.00 47.96%
8.4 PROFESSIONAL & PROGRAM SRVS
8400 · Regulatory 94,686.75 150,000.00 63.13%
Total 8410 · Contracts - Program Related Ser 4,322,048.59 6,874,697.00 62.87% 8420 · Accounting 185,342.17 228,000.00 81.29%
8430 · Legal 130,130.30 249,000.00 52.26%
8450 · Wholesale Services - TEA 727,442.84 1,077,248.00 67.53% 8460 · Procurement Credit - TEA 95,251.99 143,178.00 66.53% 8470 · Data Management - Calpine 546,347.21 779,435.00 70.1% 8480 · Customer Billing - PG&E 174,966.54 256,634.00 68.18% Total 8.4 PROFESSIONAL & PROGRAM SRVS 6,276,216.39 9,758,192.00 64.32% Total 8.6 INCENTIVES & REBATES 238,239.28 1,682,655.00 14.16% Total 9 NON OPERATING COSTS 61,564.14 129,200.00 47.65% Total Expense 41,638,461.29 68,326,788.00 60.94%
Net Ordinary Income 11,150,177.30 159,542.00 6,988.87%
Net Income 11,150,177.30 159,542.00 6,988.87%
24 Redwood Coast Energy Authority
Balance Sheet
As of February 28, 2026
Feb 28, 26
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
1010 · Petty Cash 300.00
1060 · Umpqua Checking Acct 0560 2,609,241.79
1071 · Umpqua Deposit Cntrol Acct 8215 5,924,751.74
1075 · Umpqua Reserve Account 2300 26,377,409.59
1077 · JP Morgan Chase Act 74999 386,207.84
1078 · CA CLASS Reserve Fund 0001 13,318,062.29
Total Checking/Savings 48,615,973.25
Total Accounts Receivable 369,888.44
Other Current Assets
1101 · Allowance for Doubtful Accounts -9,203,747.39
1103 · Electricity Receivable 17,173,009.91
1120 · Inventory Asset 21,822.24
1205 · Prepaid Insurance -1,914.13
1210 · Retentions Receivable 100,658.82
1499 · Undeposited Funds 329,295.68
Total Other Current Assets 8,419,125.13
Total Current Assets 57,404,986.82
Total Fixed Assets 10,632,617.82
Other Assets
1700 · Security Deposits 795,386.96
Total Other Assets 795,386.96
TOTAL ASSETS 68,832,991.60
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Total Accounts Payable 4,058,747.60
Total Credit Cards 9,951.90
Other Current Liabilities
2002 · Deposits Refundable 1,573,220.01
2011 · NEM Escrow Liability 399,619.90
2013 · Unearned Revenue 5,931,441.80
Total 2100 · Payroll Liabilities 229,052.06
Total 2200 · Accrued Expenses 27,422.28
Total Other Current Liabilities 8,160,756.05
Total Current Liabilities 12,229,455.55
Total Long Term Liabilities 5,723,553.38
Total Liabilities 17,953,008.93
Equity
3900 · Fund Balance 39,729,805.37
Net Income 11,150,177.30
Total Equity 50,879,982.67
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 68,832,991.60
25 This page
intentionally
left blank.
26
Staff Report
Agenda Item # 5.3
Information
Agenda Date April 23, 2026
To Board of Directors
Prepared by Faith Carlson, Regulatory and Legislative Policy Manager Subject RCEA Regulatory and Legislative Report
Summary
The RCEA Board of Directors adopted the RCEA 2026 Policy Platform in January 2026 to serve as a guide for RCEA’s staff regulatory and legislative engagement based on the principles set forth in RCEA’s RePower Humboldt strategic plan. In accordance with the procedures as described in the Platform, staff keeps the Board apprised of legislative stances taken by RCEA through periodic reports summarizing RCEA’s legislative engagement. This update covers staff actions since October 2025.
Staff Regulatory and Legislative Engagement
By law, RCEA abides by the mandates and regulations of several governing institutions within the state of California, including the California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission, California Independent System Operator (CAISO), California Air Resources Board, and others.
RCEA engages with governing bodies through a few advocacy groups, both for regulatory and legislative issues. The key advocacy groups RCEA participates in are California Community Choice Association (CalCCA) and Joint CCAs. These groups track, draft and submit comments on, and engage in stakeholder groups on issues brought to their attention by their membership.
A summary of tracked legislation and CalCCA positions on various bills from this session is attached, as well as a list of key regulatory topics in which CalCCA or Joint CCAs engage. RCEA met with the legislative delegation virtually this year rather than through a formal Lobby Day, along with in-person visits from the Federal offices of both Senator Padilla and Senator Schiff.
In addition to advocacy through CalCCA, RCEA staff have conducted the following advocacy in alignment with the Policy Platform:
• RCEA staff have been engaging the CPUC and CEC around load forecasting and its relationship to procurement share. Despite RCEA’s year-over-year load decrease, the CEC has forecasted RCEA at a similar rate of increase to regions in the North Bay. The CPUC has ordered RCEA to conduct procurement based on this forecasted load increase, which is unlikely to be realized load based on RCEA’s own forecasts.
27
• RCEA staff engaged CPUC and CAISO on issues including progress towards transmission development for Humboldt offshore wind, Resource Adequacy for new and existing microgrids, Resource Adequacy for new and existing Energy Only projects, and the Transmission Planning Process. In Humboldt County, there is very little available transmission capacity, which leads to a low quantity of Transmission Plan Deliverability (TPD). TPD is needed for resources to be eligible for Resource Adequacy. The lack of available TPD locally negatively affects our ability to build local resources. Staff requested that CAISO consider including incremental TPD over what is needed for offshore wind transmission for the benefit of local development. • RCEA, along with a coalition of CCAs led by Peninsula Clean Energy, engaged with CARB regarding reforms to Cap-and-Invest, focused on the Voluntary Renewable Energy program. This program could unintentionally allow high emissions sectors to be offset by communities that choose to procure more renewable energy than the minimum requirement. • Federal advocacy:
o RCEA, along with a coalition of other California CCAs, submitted a letter to Senators Padilla and Schiff opposing the Home Appliance Protection and Affordability Act (H.R. 4626) and Homeowner Energy Freedom Act (H.R. 4758). H.R. 4626 would give the Department of Energy (DOE) new authority to weaken or revoke existing appliance efficiency standards and create significant roadblocks to future updates, including through imposing arbitrary payback and energy savings thresholds that would block cost-effective standards. H.R. 4758 would repeal rebates and training programs that help consumers adopt cost saving technologies and help contractors deliver those savings. o TERAS (Tribal Energy Resilience and Sovereignty) project funding: Tribal partners have led outreach efforts with RCEA supporting and sharing information as requested.
Equity Impacts
This report reflects regulation and legislation that is intended to improve CCAs’ abilities to tailor services to meet the needs of their local communities which are often unique in their constituent marginalized populations.
Alignment with RCEA’s Strategic Plan
RCEA’s Policy Platform is guided by RCEA’s Strategic Plan. Whenever making advocacy decisions for a given proceeding or issue, RCEA staff references the Policy Platform, and if the topic is not well defined within the platform, consults the Board.
Financial Impact
Budgeted staff and legal costs.
Staff Recommendation
Receive Regulatory and Legislative Report.
28
Attachments
1. CalCCA Tracked Legislation
2. CalCCA and Joint CCA Regulatory Engagement
29 This page
intentionally
left blank.
30 CalCCA Legislative Positions
Bill Number Position Summary
AB 1761
(Rogers)
Sponsor Supports energy affordability by improving
transparency and certainty into how the Power Charge
Indifference Adjustment (PCIA), a charge on nearly all
energy bills, is calculated
AB 1975
(Schultz)
Support if Amended Would require the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to establish a grid utilization
metric that calculates load as a percentage of rated
capacity. The CPUC would then assign each IOU a
minimum value for grid utilization and require it to
increase annually, with financial performance-based
incentives or disincentives for achieving (or missing)
the minimum grid utilization metric. IOUs would
propose grid utilization programs to meet their target
utilization metrics.
CalCCA supports the goal of the bill to increase load
shifting as a way to reduce infrastructure costs that
are ultimately paid for by ratepayers. However, many
CCAs operating within IOU service territories also offer load shifting and demand flexibility programs and
incentives, and these CCA efforts are supporting more
efficient grid utilization in addition to offsetting CCA procurement needs. In recognition of CCA
contributions, and as a matter of competitive
neutrality, the bill should also include an option for
CCAs to propose grid utilization programs to receive
an appropriate value for programs contributions.
AB 2111
(Papan)
Support Modernizes California’s transmission planning
framework by requiring planners to evaluate multiple
plausible future eventualities — including
electrification growth, data center demand, and
climate-driven grid stress — instead of relying on a
single load forecast to drive long-lived transmission
investment decisions that may not reflect the range of
conditions the grid will face. The bill also directs
planning agencies to assess the full system cost
impacts of different transmission and resource
strategies over longer time horizons so that grid
investments are robust across a range of possible
futures. This bill is sponsored by Sonoma Clean
Power, another CCA. RCEA supported the bill
individually prior to CalCCA’s support.
31 AB 2383
(Petrie-Norris)
Oppose Unless
Amended
Would require the CPUC to establish a new class of
large load retail customers defined as a facility with
peak load of 20 MW or more before January 1, 2028.
The bill identifies specific requirements for a new rate schedule for those customers. Importantly, starting
January 1, 2027, the bill would require contracts
between large load customers and electrical
corporations, direct access providers or CCAs to meet
certain identified requirements, effectively giving the CPUC jurisdiction over CCA contracts, which are
currently governed by CCA Boards. CalCCA’s
suggested amendments allow locally elected Boards
to retain their current authority.
AB 2313
(Berman)
Support Would require the CPUC to require each gas
corporation to offer a Gas Distribution Service Line
Replacement Alternatives Program, on or before
January 1, 2028, and cease gas service to avoid the gas distribution service line replacement, as specified.
Customers would be provided with a home
electrification incentive up to the average avoided cost for service line replacement.
AB 2369
(Rogers)
Support Would allow for Resource Adequacy (RA) deliverability of resources to be time variable. As it stands now,
deliverability (or RA eligibility) is assessed during peak hours. If a resource is not deliverable in those hours, it is deemed deliverable in no hours. The bill would allow a resource to be assessed in all hours and granted
deliverability (and therefore RA eligibility) only for those hours where deliverability exists, if deliverability is not available on peak. For instance, a resource could be
deliverable from 11pm-8am only, and Energy Only the
remainder of the day. This would only apply where 24/7
deliverability is not available for that resource/where transmission constraints exist. Sonoma Clean Power
is the bill sponsor.
AB 2396
(Irwin)
Support Would authorize a community choice aggregator to sponsor, develop, finance, construct, operate, lease,
purchase, and own an eligible transmission project,
regardless of whether the electrical transmission lines are used for the purpose of conveying electricity to the customers of the community choice aggregator.
SB 1138
(Padilla)
Sponsor Supports energy affordability by lowering the cost to consumers of California’s Resource Adequacy (RA)
program by allowing load-serving entities (LSEs) to
transact RA load obligations on an hourly basis to align with the new slice-of-day RA program. California’s RA
program, which ensures there is enough electricity
32 supply to meet customer demand, recently
transitioned to a new “Slice-of-Day (SOD)” compliance
framework. The new SOD framework requires LSEs,
such as CCAs, investor-owned utilities (IOUs), and
energy service providers (ESPs), to procure enough RA
to meet load obligations each hour, rather than
monthly. While this aligns resources more precisely
with load, under current rules LSEs can only buy or sell RA products for the whole month, even though
obligations are unique to each hour. This mismatch
forces LSEs to purchase more RA than they need to
meet their obligations, creating artificial market
scarcity and unnecessarily driving up RA demand (and
prices). It’s akin to having to buy a crate of oranges
when you only need a few slices. These unnecessary
costs fall directly on California ratepayers, totaling
tens of millions of dollars annually.
33 CalCCA and Joint CCA Regulatory Engagement
*Items in bold have not previously been reported to the Board.
CalCCA Managed Cases
Key Agency Topic Summary
CPUC Climate Credit Stemming from the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Cap and Trade program, the California Climate Credit is
distributed twice a year to all ratepayers electric and natural gas bills. The California Industry Assistance
Credit is an annual credit for eligible industrial
facilities that are customers of the investor-owned
electric utilities. The CPUC recently paused the April
distribution of the electric Climate Credit, while
retaining the gas credit, while the CPUC considers
improvements supporting customer affordability. A
future phase of the proceeding will consider
implementation of the California Industry Assistance
to minimize leakage of emissions.
CPUC Demand Response
(DR)
This rulemaking aims to enhance DR in California.
Issues include: (1) updates to demand flexible rate
systems and processes; (2) dual participation in DR
programs and dynamic rates; (3) valuation
methodologies and evaluation metrics for demand
response; (4) CAISO market integration topics; and
(5) the impact of Resource Adequacy (RA) Slice-of-Day (SOD) implementation on DR valuation.
CPUC Diablo Canyon
Extension Operations
With the DCPP operations extension, PG&E continues
to file annual applications with its DCPP forecasts of
operating expenses and revenues through 2030 when
the operating extension fully expires.
CPUC Disconnections Relates to rules and programs surrounding customer disconnection. Recent activity includes potential
changes to customer disconnection caps and
customer disconnection reduction pilot programs.
CPUC Distribution:
Distributed Energy
Resources
Relates to rules surrounding distributed energy
resources, such as cost effectiveness, data access,
and equipment performance standards.
CPUC Distribution:
Energization Timelines
Implementation of SB 410 and AB 50, which focus on
the establishment of reasonable average and
maximum energization target time periods, and
procedures for customers to report energization
delays to the CPUC. Targets have been established.
The next phase of the proceeding covers compliance
reporting and penalties for non-compliance.
CPUC Distribution: High
Distributed Energy
Resource Future
Streamlining of the distribution planning process to
better reflect known loads and resources, equitable
grid planning, and allow for data access. Also covers
34 smart inverter use cases and cost recovery for grid
modernization. Recent activity relates to the role
and responsibilities of a Distribution System
Operator, which can be compared to CAISO’s role
as a transmission Market Operator.
CPUC Distribution: Rule 21
OIR
The CPUC recently issued a new rulemaking
addressing Rule 21 reforms. Rule 21 is a tariff that
describes the interconnection, operating and metering
requirements for certain generating and storage
facilities seeking to connect to the electric distribution system.
CPUC Energy Resource
Recovery Account
(ERRA)
Filed annually by each of the Investor-Owned Utilities
(IOUs) as both a forecast of expected energy
procurement-related revenue requirements and as a
retroactive compliance review. Key issues include
customer vintaging in the PCIA.
CPUC General Rate Case
(GRC)
In four-year cycles, IOUs submit GRC applications for
authority to adjust rates and charges for electric and
gas service. The revenue requirements include electric
and gas distribution system costs, administrative
expenses, and customer service costs. Key issues
include PCIA resource vintaging and costs.
CEC Integrated Energy Policy
Report (IEPR)
A biennial holistic report assessing energy issues
facing the state. The preparation of this report includes the load forecasting process, which drives energy
planning and procurement requirements for Load
Serving Entities. Recent issues include the accuracy
of load forecasts for data centers.
CPUC Integrated Resource
Planning (IRP)
Focuses on the implementation and reform of
California’s Integrated Resource Planning program to
ensure sufficient resource procurement and
development and compliance with California’s
greenhouse gas reduction and reliability goals. This
process feeds into the state’s Transmission Planning
Process at CAISO. This is currently focused on reforms
to better align the IRP program with the Resource
Adequacy (RA) and Renewables Portfolio Standards
(RPS) programs through an initiative called the
Renewable and Clean Power Procurement Program
(RCPPP).
CAISO Interconnection
Process Enhancements
(IPE), Congestion
Revenue Rights (CRR),
and Transmission
Planning Process (TPP).
CAISO is responsible for bulk power systems,
transmission operation, and California’s electricity
market participation. Current reforms RCEA engages in
are related to the acceleration of the interconnection
study process for new resources, transmission
capacity/transmission plan deliverability to resources
for RA eligibility, congestion of transmission capacity, 35 and transmission planning. CalCCA engages in
additional issues at CAISO, however RCEA tracks
those less closely at this time.
CEC Load Management
Standards (LMS)
Similar to demand flexibility, LMS requires IOUs and
CCAs to maintain time-varying rates and are
accessible to the public.
CPUC Power Charge
Indifference
Adjustment (PCIA)
This rulemaking considers changes to the PCIA as well
as rules and processes applicable to the Energy
Resource Recovery Account annual forecast and
compliance proceedings. In Track One, there was a
recent change to the methodology related to the
calculation of the PCIA. Previously, the PCIA was
assessed primarily using a one-year average energy
price. Now, the PCIA is assessed primarily via a three-year average. CalCCA has filed a case in the CA Court of Appeal, Third Division, regarding the Track One
decision. Track Two will consider other issues,
including: (1) additional review or revisions to MPBs;
(2) ERRA guidance for RA program changes, including
the SOD framework; (3) Bundled Procurement Plan
guidance changes; (4) improved PCIA and ERRA
mechanisms to reduce rate volatility; and (5) guidance
for PCIA resource vintaging. Track Two addresses the
treatment of pre-2019 banked Renewable Energy
Credits. Track Three is currently in scoping, with
data transparency and other proposals for reform of
PCIA as likely issues. Tracks can occur in parallel or
on a schedule not necessarily tied to numeral order.
CPUC PG&E Helms Uprate
Application
PG&E proposal to increase the capacity of the existing
Helms pumped storage facility and allocation of costs
and benefits.
CPUC Provider of Last Resort
(POLR)
If a Load Serving Entity, such as a CCA, ceases
business operations, their customers will be returned
to the Provider of Last Resort. This proceeding relates to the Financial Security Rating and monitoring needed
to mitigate that risk. This proceeding has recently
moved into Phase 2, which will delve into topics
related to the feasibility of a non-IOU Provider of Last Resort.
CAISO and
FERC
Regional Coordination Regionalization generally means integrating elements of electricity markets across a particular region, such as the West, under the operation and management of
a single Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
regulated regional entity. Energy markets,
transmission planning, transmission system
operation, reliability, and other elements can be
regionalized individually or in combination. Pathways
36 aims to expand participation across the West in the
day-ahead and real-time energy markets currently
managed by the California Independent System
Operator. With the passage of AB 825, CAISO has
been exploring proposals to fund the start-up costs
of the regional organization.
CPUC and
CEC
Renewable Portfolio
Standard (RPS)
Program that required load serving entities to reach
continuously escalating renewable energy
procurement goals.
CPUC and
CAISO
Resource Adequacy
(RA)
Focuses on the implementation and reform of
California’s Resource Adequacy program, which was
designed in response to California’s energy crisis to
ensure safe and reliable operation of the grid. Recent
activity relates to various proposals surrounding
Local Capacity Requirements, Flexible Capacity
Requirements, Long Duration Energy Storage,
resource counting and accreditation
methodologies, transactability issues under Slice-of-Day, Residual Unit Commitment, and treatment of Energy Only resources.
CPUC Rule 30 PG&E submitted an application for a new
interconnection rule for new transmission level
customers. This rule would apply to potential data
centers or manufacturing. CalCCA is working to ensure
fair treatment of CCAs under the potential new rule
and access to load planning data.
Joint CCA Managed Cases
Key Agency Topic Summary
CPUC BioMAT This program was sunset.
CEC, CPUC Building
Decarbonization
A suite of programs that aim to reduce Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions from buildings.
CPUC De-Energization Rulemaking related to utility power shutoffs, including Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).
CEC, CPUC Demand Response
and Energy Efficiency
This issue relates to demand response programming or
energy efficiency programs.
CPUC Microgrids Rulemaking that addresses microgrid policy, including programs, rules, and rates.
CPUC Net Billing Tariff (NBT) Rulemaking related to the development and implementation of Net Billing Tariff (NBT) and related
rates. A higher court recently ordered the CPUC to
readdress the NBT decision.
CPUC PG&E Billing
Modernization
Proposal to increase rates to recover costs from the
Billing Modernization Initiative.
37 CPUC PG&E Safety Culture This issue focuses on wildfire management related issues, including PG&E compliance, and proactive
measures such as undergrounding.
CPUC and
CEC
Renewable Financing Issues tracked related to On-Bill Financing, Tariff-On-Bill, Go Green Financing, and other funding efforts.
CPUC Senate Bill 1221
Implementation
Senate Bill that mandates the designation and
establishment of neighborhood decarbonization zones.
CPUC Self-Generation
Incentive Program
(SGIP)
SGIP which provides incentives for emerging distributed energy resources.
CPUC SoCalGas Microgrid
Tariff Application
Application to give SoCalGas the authority to administer the Microgrid Optional Tariff program which is applied to non-residential customers.
CEC, CPUC,
and CARB
Transportation
Electrification
CEC Clean Transportation Program, CPUC proceeding
of Transportation Electrification Policy and
Infrastructure (TEPI), and updates to CARB Low Carbon
Fuel Standard (LCFS) implementation, targets, and
compliance. Recently, there have been changes to
reporting requirements for Vehicle to Grid
Integration, reducing compliance burden to CCAs.
38
Staff Report
Agenda Item # 5.4
Information
Agenda Date April 23,2026
To Board of Directors
Prepared by Stephen Kullmann, Director of Customer Programs Lexie Perez, Senior Contracts and Grants Manager
Subject NREN Residential Energy Efficiency Kits Purchase Summary
NREN’s Residential Energy Efficiency Kits have been one of NREN’s most popular services since launch, reaching over 1,000 customers across NREN Territory. RCEA has previously procured Residential Kits from AM Conservation on an as-needed basis to serve the needs of all four regions across the NREN territory. At the November 2025 meeting, the RCEA Board approved entering a contract with a vendor for up to $290,000 to provide and ship kits through calendar year 2027. To avoid the potential for gaps in service while this contract is being finalized, NREN requests authorization to procure up to another 1,000 kits from AM Conservation. Kits will be supplied on an as-needed basis and NREN will only pay for those kits that are delivered.
See attached Procurement Memo describing staff’s cost research and assessment for this procurement, and the determination that AM Conservation is the best vendor to meet our needs within our current constraints.
Staff seek approval for this single source procurement in accordance with the RCEA Procurement Policy from AM Conservation with a not-to-exceed amount of $110,000 for up to 1,000 kits to maintain continuity to the Northern Rural Energy Network Residential Kit offering across the entire NREN territory.
Background
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued Decision D.24-09-031, effective September 26, 2024, that approves the Northern California Rural Regional Energy Network (also known as Northern Rural Energy Network or NREN) to deliver energy efficiency programs to underserved rural customers.
The NREN Residential Equity Program is intended to equitably support Northern California communities through energy assessments, outreach, and energy awareness information and solutions, tailored to each region, climate, demographics and other characteristics, with a priority to serve hard-to-reach, underserved and disadvantaged households. A predominant offering of the Residential Equity Program is a no-cost energy efficiency kit that is meant to help renters and homeowners lower energy usage with easy-to-install upgrades like LED bulbs, weather-stripping, and smart power strips. 39
Equity Impacts
Since the Res Kit is NREN’s easiest-to-access offering and can be mailed directly to customers throughout the NREN region, it has great potential to serve equity customers who may find it difficult to participate in other programs. RCEA and our NREN Partners have promoted the service at community events, including those serving lower-income and senior residents.
Alignment with RCEA’s Strategic Plan
RENs in general, and the Northern Rural Energy Network in particular, are designed to reach customers that otherwise are not being reached by existing ratepayer-funded programs. The NREN programs will ensure that hard-to-reach, disinvested, disadvantaged, and underserved rural customers are provided with an equitable level of services and support of CPUC energy programs and are empowered to take action to better manage their energy use and cost through increased awareness, support resources, a trained workforce, and access to financing to improve their homes and businesses.
Financial Impact
This action will authorize RCEA staff to procure up to an additional 1,000 energy efficiency kits from AM Conservation, at up to $110 each including shipping, for a not-to-exceed cost of $110,000. This expense is included in the NREN budget.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the single source procurement of up to 1,000 Residential Energy Efficiency Kits from AM Conservation for a total cost not to exceed $110,000 and authorize the Executive Director to execute all applicable documents.
Attachments
1. NREN Residential Kits Procurement Memo
40 Procurement Memo
AM Conservation Residential EE Kits
TO: RCEA Board of Directors
PREPARED BY: Lexie Perez
DATE: April 17, 2026
Background
RCEA is the lead administrator for the Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN), a collaborative regional partnership designed to bring equitable energy solutions to underserved rural communities.
RCEA coordinates and purchases residential energy efficiency kits (res kits) on behalf of the entire NREN territory for the Residential Equity program. In October 2025, RCEA issued an RFP to procure a res kit vendor to assemble and provide drop-ship services for NREN.
Four proposals were received, and Greenlite was selected in late December 2025, due to receiving the highest scores for the “content/quality of the kit” and “cost and fees” scoring criteria. Staff is still in contract negotiations with Greenlite. Upon contract execution, staff expect to initiate an order for kits that will have at least a 45-60 day lead time from the date of placing the order. NREN is nearly out of the existing stock of kits from our previous vendor, AM Conservation, and we now need to procure kits to fulfill our needs between now and when the Greenlite kits will be available.
Description of Needs and Requirements
A vendor who can assemble and ship Residential energy efficiency kits as currently described to the public on websites and other marketing materials:
Our No-Cost Energy Efficiency Kit – valued at up to $100 – helps renters and homeowners lower energy usage with easy-to-install upgrades like LED bulbs, weather-stripping, and faucet aerators, as well as useful tools like a smart power strip. (Exact contents of kit may vary depending on availability.) These items are designed to reduce your utility bills and your environmental impact.
NREN Program requires a vendor that can perform these services on a timeline that maintains program continuity.
Justification for Non-Competitive Procurement
While there are a number of vendors that would be able to perform res kit drop ship services, RCEA staff propose single-sourcing this short-term work with an existing vendor, AM Conservation, for the following reasons:
41 Time Constraints: NREN is nearly out of res kits that are “ready to ship” directly to customers’ homes and anticipates depleting the remaining kits in early May. NREN program messaging to customers says that they can expect 6-8 weeks for delivery time and program staff have indicated a need for program continuity for this popular offering. Based on current estimates, we expect the first order of Greenlite kits with the 45-60 day lead time to be assembled and ready to ship in July. AM Conservation can assemble kits for shipment in 2 to 3 weeks after an order is placed. Placing an order in late April will ensure that kits are shipped directly to customers within the timeframe messaged to customers.
Reducing administrative burden – and therefore, overall costs: RCEA has been receiving this exact service from AM Conservation since early 2025. RCEA staff have verified that AM Conservation can meet our near-term res kit content and shipping needs, and furthermore RCEA staff have established relationships and many months of experience coordinating with AM Conservation staff to provide this customer offering. As is apparent with our transition to Greenlite, it is time-consuming and labor intensive to establish this service with a new vendor, so staff would prefer to reduce the burden of procuring yet another vendor, selecting kit contents, and establishing all the logistics needed to get a single res kit shipped to a customer.
Basis for Price/Cost Determination
AM Conservation provided a quote for shipped kits at a price that is comparable (within 5%) to the kit pricing in the selected Greenlite proposal.
NREN program staff expect that 1,000 kits will sufficiently cover their needs until the contract is in place with Greenlite.
Conclusion
The Board-adopted RCEA Purchasing and Procurement Policy allows for single source procurement and provides the following definition: “There may be more than one possible source, yet there is a strong compelling reason to only use one specific vendor. Examples of acceptable rationale for single sourcing could be agency standardization or vendor ability to meet time constraints. Repeat business with a vendor or contractor is not justification for a single source.”
Staff has determined that single sourcing AM Conservation to provide short-term res kit assembly and drop shipping services would meet our NREN program’s needs within our time constraints while reducing administrative burden. As such, staff seeks RCEA Board approval for this single source procurement of services from AM Conservation. 42
Staff Report
Agenda Item # 7.1
Information
Agenda Date April 23, 2026
To Board of Directors
Prepared by Forrest Novotny, Power Resources Specialist Matias Concoby, Power Resources Analyst
Subject Analysis of Changes to RCEA’s CCE Customer Load Background
As part of their semiannual energy risk management report presented to the Board at their May 2025 meeting, staff indicated that the electric load served by RCEA’s community choice energy (CCE) program has been declining year over year. Board members expressed interest in hearing a more detailed report on this at a future meeting.
Summary
The decline in load appears to be due to a combination of factors, and it is not clear whether the decline will continue. At this meeting, staff will discuss and quantify the change in load and factors that appear to be contributing to it.
Equity Impacts
None - this is an informational item presented per Board members’ request.
Alignment with RCEA’s Strategic Plan
None - this is an informational item presented per Board members’ request.
Financial Impact
None - this is an informational item presented per Board members’ request.
Staff Recommendation
None – informational only.
Attachments
None – a slide presentation will be reviewed with the Board at the meeting. 43 This page
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Staff Report
Agenda Item # 7.2
Information
Agenda Date April 23, 2026
To Board of Directors
Prepared by Richard Engel, Director of Power Resources
Subject Sandrini Battery Storage Community Benefits Fund Staff seek guidance from the Board on how best to use or invest community benefits funds being provided by an energy project developer per terms of their contract with RCEA.
Background
Public entities, including community choice aggregators (CCAs), sometimes require a contribution to a community benefit fund as a condition of awarding contracts. Benefits might be aimed at the community impacted by the development of a project, or at the community served by the public entity, or both.
Alternatively, public agencies may weigh offers to provide such funds when scoring competing project offers. To date, RCEA has researched how other CCAs have secured community benefits and has used a variety of its own approaches to ensure energy projects for which RCEA contracts offer community benefits beyond the clean energy generated.
• Community benefits are used as a scoring criterion in RCEA’s requests for offers. For example, RCEA’s most recent request for offers for renewable power supply allocated 10 out of a possible 100 points to “location and community benefits.” However, the benefits offered are often broad and speculative in nature and resulting contracts typically do not bind the project developer to deliver these benefits.
• In some instances, RCEA has introduced a request for community benefits funding at the negotiation stage of a project already short-listed for contracting. As one example, developer Ormat agreed in the binding terms of the contract for their Tierra Buena energy storage project to provide funding for creation of clean energy workforce curriculum. This curriculum was made available to educators in both Sutter County where the project was developed and locally in Humboldt. This curriculum focused on identifying the skills and knowledge needed to find employment in the clean energy field, and what pathways a worker might take to gaining these skills and knowledge.
Summary
Staff seek the Board’s guidance on a new instance of community benefits funds. In 2024, RCEA entered into an energy storage service agreement with renewable energy developer EDP Renewables (EDPR) 45
for their Sandrini Battery Energy Storage System located in Kern County, CA. This project came online in January 2026 and is co-located with the Sandrini solar project that has been delivering clean energy to RCEA since late 2024. During contract negotiations for the battery project, RCEA staff proposed a Community Investment Fund be provided by EDPR. This was captured in the terms of the agreement as follows:
Seller [EDPR] agrees to fund a “Community Investment Fund” (“CI Fund”) through a one-time payment by Seller of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000). Within sixty (60) days after the Commercial Operation Date [which occurred January 28], Seller will deposit the funds in a distinct and separate account established and maintained at a bank or financial institution selected by Buyer [RCEA] that is reasonably acceptable to Seller.
The CI Fund will be administered by Buyer for the direct benefit of residents of Humboldt County where Buyer serves its customers and/or Kern County where the Project is to be located, and subject to mutual agreement by the Parties, including agreement on how the funds will be allocated between the two counties. The CI Fund will be allocated towards activities related to workforce development, education, or other community investments. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the CI Fund shall not be allocated in a manner that is inconsistent with the applicable provisions of law pertaining to conflicts of interest, including the California Political Reform Act (Gov. Code §§ 87100 et seq.) and California Government Code Section 1090.
Community Advisory Committee Input
Staff engaged the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) on this topic at their January 2026 meeting, requesting input on the following questions related to this fund:
• How should the funds be directed? Should we seek to expend the funds within the next fiscal year? Alternatively, should they be deposited in an endowment with only the earnings expended over the long term, or should they be expended for near-term benefits? A hypothetical 4% earnings rate on $250,000 would yield $10,000 per year. • How should the benefits from the funds be distributed in RCEA’s Humboldt County service area and/or the energy storage project’s host community of Kern County? Should both communities receive a portion of the funds?
• What kinds of project(s) or program(s) should the funds support? As an example, the Social Impact Partnership operated by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and its CleanPowerSF CCA1 has four program areas:
o Job exposure, training, and internships
o Small business support
o Public education
o Environment and community health
1 https://www.sfpuc.gov/construction-contracts/contract-opportunities-payments/social-impact-partnership-program 46
Projects performed under San Francisco’s program may be performed either in the community impacted by the energy project being developed, or within the CCA’s San Francisco service area.
CAC members agreed that creating an endowment and using the earnings is preferred over a one-time expenditure of the principal, particularly if the endowment could be added to over time with funds from other sources. They expressed support for dividing the funds between Humboldt and Kern Counties, but overall there was more interest in how the funds could be used locally. The CAC members had many ideas on how to use the endowment earnings, with educational uses getting the most expressions of support. Specific ideas discussed included:
• Using funds to educate elected officials and other decision-makers about clean energy technologies and provide accurate information about benefits of these projects and how potential risks can be mitigated with the hopes of improving receptiveness to clean energy projects as they come forward
• Providing vocational training at high school level and college scholarships focusing on clean energy workforce development
• Using funds to benefit the local workforce, who miss out on clean energy jobs when projects such as Sandrini are developed elsewhere
• Using funds to advance equity by adding income-qualified incentives on top of the incentives already offered by RCEA such as energy efficient product rebates.
For Discussion
Staff seeks the Board’s guidance on how best to administer the Sandrini funds and will return to the Board at a future meeting with a formal proposal for Board review and approval. Specifically, staff seeks input on the following:
1. How the funds will be divided between Humboldt County and Kern County. Staff seeks input on the ratio of funds that will be retained for the benefit of Humboldt County residents and those that should be directed towards Kern County communities. Given the CAC’s preference for directing most funds to Humboldt County, and the relatively small annual yield of a fund this size, staff propose that a one-time lump sum be provided for the benefit of communities within Kern County, specifically tribal or other underserved communities that are often underrepresented in clean energy projects. One potential recipient could be the Owens Valley Career Development Center2 which is a Native American organization operating under a consortium of Sovereign Nations that promotes self-sufficiency through education, community enrichment, and cultural empowerment.
Benefits of making a one-time contribution are that it allows the receiving entity to determine how funds could best benefit members of their communities as well as reducing the administrative burden for RCEA staff.
2. Appropriate uses of the funds retained for use in Humboldt County, including a. Building an endowment versus spending the full amount b. Disbursement to parties (e.g. non-profit groups, RCEA member agencies, educational institutions, individuals) through a vetted and transparent process 2 https://www.ovcdc.com/
47
c. Direct use by RCEA for customer program incentives, assistance for vulnerable customers, etc.
Note the CAC had a preference to establish an endowment but acknowledged the funding was limited and without additional inputs. An endowment with just the Sandrini funds could have limited impact.
However the funds are used, staff will look for streamlined processing so that the administrative burden remains low and is an appropriate level of effort given the potential benefits of the program.
3. Potential partners or advisors with expertise in relevant areas such as education and workforce development.
Equity Impacts
Depending on how a community investment fund is directed, it could offer equity benefits such as workforce development or public health benefits for vulnerable communities or populations. Strategy
1.4.8 from RCEA’s strategic plan makes clear that focusing the fund on social equity would be consistent with RCEA’s strategic plan.
RCEA’s Racial Justice Plan3 states that “RCEA will continue to include project location and community benefit in its evaluation criteria for power solicitations, in an effort to contract for projects that benefit racially diverse communities and to avoid projects that are detrimental to those communities.” Alignment with RCEA’s Strategic Plan
A community benefits fund could potentially support many elements of RCEA’s Strategic Plan. Strategies that are potentially most aligned with such a fund are:
• 1.1.3 Support Energy-Sector Workforce Development. Work with other local entities to provide training and continuing education that develops and maintains a qualified local workforce available to implement energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy projects, and advanced-vehicle technology deployment. • 1.3.3 Develop Job Development Incentives. Collaborate with local economic development entities to identify funding opportunities for developing jobs in the field of energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable sources.
• 1.3.5 Develop Local Energy Investment Programs. Work with local economic development entities and financial institutions to develop programs and resources that facilitate local community investment in and/or ownership of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. • 1.4.8 Develop Programs That Foster Social Equity. Identify, fund, and establish new programs that address the energy needs of the least advantaged and underserved members of our community.
• 1.4.9 Embrace Public Health and Environmental Quality as Key Objectives of Energy Planning. Seek to maximize public health and environmental benefits and minimize negative impacts in selecting, planning, and implementing energy policies, programs, and projects. 3 https://redwoodenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/850/2024/12/Racial-Justice-Plan.pdf 48
• 4.1.3 Act as Community Liaison to Renewable Energy Developers. Using RCEA’s position as a wholesale power purchaser, work with developers on proactive strategies to reduce and mitigate the environmental and community impacts of potential energy projects. Ensure that local projects are developed in such a way that prioritizes community benefits.
Financial Impact
The $250,000 community investment fund from EDPR is meant to be a pass-through that will not benefit or impact RCEA financially, apart from the cost of staff time needed to administer the funds. Staff time needs could be significant depending on how the funds are allocated.
Staff Recommendation
Provide feedback and give direction to staff to 1) engage with EDPR to achieve agreement in principle on how funds will be expended and 2) develop a formal proposal for Board approval at a future meeting of a community benefits endowment.
Attachments
None
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Staff Report
Agenda Item # 8.1
Information
Agenda Date April 23, 2026
To Board of Directors
Prepared by Kristy Siino, Human Resources Manager
Subject Status of Vacant Positions as required by AB 2561 Background
California State Assembly Bill (AB) 2561 was approved on September 22, 2024, and added §3502.3 to the Government Code. This law requires public agencies to present the status of their vacancies in a public hearing before their governing body at least once per fiscal year. The presentation must be made prior to the adoption of a final budget for the fiscal year.
Summary
This report is presented to comply with §3502.3 of the Government Code. The Board has approved forty-two (42) Full-Time positions, and per RCEA policy, the Executive Director may approve part-time and temporary positions on an ‘as needed’ basis. RCEA has an approved 2025-2026 budget for thirty-nine (39) FTEs. Currently, RCEA has five (5) vacant Full-time positions; Director (previously Infrastructure Planning and Operations), Grant Analyst (Finance), Program Assistant (Finance), Program Specialist (Community Strategies) and Program Specialist (Operations). Additional positions, NREN Administrator, Staff Counsel, and RCAP Administrator were approved by the Board at their March 26, 2026, Regular meeting.
Recruitment efforts are focused on prioritizing opportunities for local candidates. Open positions are posted on the RCEA ‘employment’ website page, Humboldt Craigslist, Indeed.com, Handshake (via CalPoly Humboldt), Lost Coast Outpost, and shared on RCEA social media. Human Resources will also utilize specialized websites or job boards (such as CalCCA or governmentjobs.com) for high level or hard-to-fill positions.
Additionally, HR closed the recruitment for two Customer Programs Analyst positions in April with successful offers of employment. Metrics for this recruitment are provided below:
Energy Analyst (Full time, Customer Programs) – 41 applications received, and top 10 candidates invited to interview.
Of the 5 open full-time positions, recruitment for the Community Strategies Specialist is expected to begin in May. The additional openings are being held pending the completion of the reorganization. The 3 newly allocated positions, and the current open Director position, in the Engagement and Regional 51
Climate Planning department have been approved for recruitment for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Recruitment for the RCAP Administrator will ultimately be dependent on final decision by the participating agencies’ governing bodies to allocate this position to RCEA.
To comply with this Government Code, staff must also address the retention efforts currently employed by RCEA. In 2025, RCEA had an employee turnover rate of 10%; of these two resigned to pursue other employment, one retired, and one position was unallocated at the fiscal year. Retention efforts are aimed at maintaining competitive salaries and benefits, through salary adjustments; staff professional development; and social activities. Additionally, through Executive and Senior Management, an emphasis on work-life balance has become fully engrained in RCEA company culture. Work-life balance is commonly mentioned by staff as a valued benefit of employment at RCEA.
RCEA must also identify any changes to policies, procedures or recruitment activities that negatively impact the entity’s efforts to reduce its vacancies. RCEA recently completed a full class and compensation study, and organizational restructuring. These changes have brought clarity to duties and positions, while creating compensation growth. The Board of Directors also approved a reduced workweek beginning May 2026. This change is expected to further support RCEA’s commitment to work life balance, retain current staff members, and attract potential employees to RCEA.
Equity Impacts
RCEA’s Racial Justice Plan informs the Agency’s recruitment, retention, and workforce development practices, and provides context for identifying and addressing potential barriers to hiring as required under Government Code section 3502.3.
Financial Impact
Budgeted staff costs.
Staff Recommendation
Receive a staff report, open the public hearing, take public comment, and close the public hearing.
Attachments
None.
52