MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022
8:45 A.M.
___________________________________________________________ ****AB 361****
**RE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19**
CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF AB 361 WHICH SUSPENDED CERTAIN
REQUIREMENTS OF THE BROWN ACT, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PARTICIPATED IN THE JANUARY 6, 2022, MEETING BY TELECONFERENCE.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Bagby called the meeting to order at approximately 8:52 a.m.
Board Members present: Chair Bagby, Vice Chair King, and Directors Landman, Peters, Elward, Rogers, Slayter, Felder, Fudge, Gjerde, and Hopkins.
Staff present: Geof Syphers, Chief Executive Officer; Michael Koszalka, Chief Operating Officer; Stephanie Reynolds, Director of Internal Operations; Neal Reardon, Director of Regulatory Affairs; Rebecca Simonson, Director of Programs; Kate Kelly, Director of Public Relations and Marketing; Scott Salyer, Programs Manager; Claudia Sisomphou, Communications Specialist; and Joshua Nelson, Special Counsel.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approve December 2, 2021, Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
2. Authorize Extension of SCP Resolution 2021-05 Permitting Remote Teleconference Meetings of the Board of Directors and Community Advisory Committee Pursuant to AB 361
3. Pass a Resolution Opposing the Use of Rail to Transport U.S. Coal for Export
4. Receive Update of 2020 Power Content Label
5. Receive Legislative and Regulatory Updates
6. Approve and Ratify the Sonoma Clean Power Market Access Program Plan Vice Chair King asked about PG&E’s Power Content Label Item 4, if there is an inventory of PG&E power contracts that shows termination dates as it relates to the PCIA. Neal Reardon, Director of Regulatory Affairs, responded that there is not a formal inventory, but the information is available via data requests. Geof Syphers, Chief Executive Officer, requested that a Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA) discussion be brought to a future Board meeting.
Public Comment: None
Motion to Approve the January 6, 2022, Board of Directors Consent Calendar by Director Fudge
Second: Director Rogers
Motion passed by roll call vote: 11 – 0 – 0
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR CALENDAR
7. Receive Internal Operations and Monthly Financial Report and Provide Direction as Appropriate
Stephanie Reynolds, Director of Internal Operations, introduced two new employees: Monica Arroyo, Customer Service Representative, and Felicia Smith, Programs Manager, who were recently hired at SCP. She gave a brief update on the Advanced Energy Center and the On-Bill Finance program before discussing Mendocino County participation rates in SCP.
CEO Syphers discussed financials and stated that at the next Board meeting, SCP will ask for parameters to adjust customer rates.
CEO Syphers announced that S&P Global has issued SCP an “A” credit rating, reflecting that SCP has demonstrated ongoing fiscal strength despite multiple emergencies, including wildfires and COVID-19.
CEO Syphers announced that the Board-appointed ad hoc committee assembled to fill vacancies on the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) met again and decided to reopen a 2nd round of recruitments to fill the remaining vacant seat. This recruitment will be open for 3 months. Director Slayter asked what a credit rating does and what it means for SCP. CEO Syphers answered that it allows SCP to speed up negotiating for power supply agreements, allows for less cash collateral when issuing debt, and would allow SCP the ability to issue bonds.
Public Comment: None
8. Accept the Independent Draft Report for the Financial Statements from Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2020, and June 30, 2021
Brett Bradford and Kellin Gilbert, Pisenti & Brinker Certified Public Accountants, presented a draft report for the Financial Statements from Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2020, and June 30, 2021. They announced that their audit is complete, and they found SCP’s financial statements to be materially accurate and there are no significant deficiencies in internal control. Jenna Blanchard, also from Pisenti & Brinker, then described what went into their risk assessment including: reviewing policies and procedures, the current economic climate, revenue recognition, the existence of cash and securities and the accrued cost of electricity. Mr. Gilbert then described required board communications.
Director Reynolds noted that the audited statements will be available on the SCP website.
Public Comment: None
Motion to Accept the Independent Draft Report for the Financial Statements from Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2020, and June 30, 2021, by Vice Chair King
Second: Director Rogers
Motion passed by a roll call vote: 11 – 0 -- 0
9. Delegate Authority to the CEO or Designee to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with StopWaste in the Amount Not-To-Exceed of $300,000 ($30,000 in Administration Fees and $270,000 in Customer Incentives) to Provide SCP Incentives Through the BayREN Multifamily Building Enhancement (BAMBE) Program
Scott Salyer, Programs Manager, briefed the Board on the proposed pilot program which would provide SCP incentives to building owners participating in the existing BayREN Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancements (BAMBE) program. The existing BAMBE program offered by BayREN provides free consultation to building owners and incentives of $750 per unit for upgrades that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Salyer stated that SCP would be providing additional incentives including smart thermostats and EV chargers as well. Salyer mentioned that, because BayREN does not operate in Mendocino County, this pilot program will not be available in Mendocino County, however SCP is actively researching equitable options for those customers.
Director Fudge requested to see a message from SCP that is up-front and lets customers know of incentives for ageing appliances. Rebecca Simonson, Director of Programs, confirmed that SCP is focusing on drafting a message.
Vice Chair King inquired about what outreach has been made to smaller landlords. Director Simonson added that BayREN required a minimum of 5 units for the program.
Director Hopkins requested that SCP conduct outreach with North Bay Association of Realtors (NORBAR) and other tenant organizations. She also asked how SCP can extend these programs northward. noted that SCP’s newest Program Manager, Felicia Smith, was brought on to focus on Mendocino County and strategize on a regional energy network (REN).
Chair Bagby mentioned that the California legislature was working on legislation dealing with weatherization and she asked how this could dovetail with the BayREN Program. CEO Syphers explained that state funding is typically channeled through regional energy networks like BayREN, and SCP will lobby for Mendocino’s inclusion.
Director Gjerde announced that Mendocino County, in partnership with Humboldt County, is applying for membership in a rural REN and he will circle back with Director Simonson about it.
Public Comment: None
Motion to Delegate Authority to the CEO or Designee to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with StopWaste in the Amount Not-To-Exceed of $300,000 ($30,000 in Administration Fees and $270,000 in Customer Incentives) to Provide SCP Incentives Through the BayREN Multifamily Building Enhancement (BAMBE) Program by Director Rogers Second: Director Elward
Motion passed by a roll call vote: 11 – 0 – 0
At approximately 9:52 a.m., Chair Bagby called for a 7-minute recess.
10. Continuation of Update on Empower (SCP’s Community Engagement, Education, and Outreach)
Claudia Sisomphou, Communications Specialist, continued her update on “Empower,” from the December 2, 2022, SCP Board of Director’s Meeting with a focus on equity. Sisomphou explained that Empower is an agency-wide endeavor to improve the relevance, reach, and impact of SCP’s partnerships, community offerings, education, engagement and outreach efforts. She explained that a focus on equity requires meeting the underserved’s needs, wider participation across demographic groups, working with Programs Equity Framework, and attention toward SCP’s core brand pillars.
Vice chair King noted that communication is key and the more people that know about SCP, the more effective it will be.
Director Hopkins suggested that SCP take advantage of untapped resources including youth and environmental organizations using Health Action as a model. She also requested that the SCP BOD be given training on equity.
Director Fudge requested that when SCP staff sees opportunities in technologies, SCP should call it to the attention of its customers.
Director Landman reiterated that SCP has made strong efforts not to leave communities behind.
Director Elward suggested that since the Board Members know their districts, they should aid staff in communicating with underrepresented areas.
Director Slayter suggested the use of campaign tactics to communicate, including lawn signs.
Director Peters suggested that SCP adopt a slogan and a mascot.
Public Comment: Madge Strong is planning a session to discuss SCP and power at the Willits Economic Localization.
11. Receive 2021 Annual Report
Kate Kelly, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, presented the 2021 Annual Report. The report begins with a nod to the Advanced Energy Center followed by messages from CEO Syphers and Chair Bagby. Director Kelly stated that the report will be available on the SCP website following the Board of Directors meeting. She detailed several SCP programs including Bike Electric, GridSavvy, and Electric Vehicle Charging. Director Kelly highlighted EverGreen at the end of the report and indicated that SCP is working on a case study for the EverGreen program.
Public Comment: None
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vice Chair King announced that he was re-appointed to the SCP Board of Directors and his alternate is Petaluma Council Member Kevin McDonnell. He thanked Rohnert Park for subscribing to EverGreen and congratulated SCP for being positively mentioned for reducing greenhouses gases at the Petaluma City Council meeting.
Director Rogers announced that on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 4 p.m., the Santa Rosa Climate Action Sub-Committee will give a presentation identifying the effect joining EverGreen has had for the City of Santa Rosa.
Chair Bagby requested a future agenda item describing the effects being a part of EverGreen has on local communities.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment: Linda and Leighton Richardson submitted the written comment below:
“Dear Board Members
As a Sonoma Clean Power customer and a household with a home solar system including power backup as well as an electric vehicle, we are concerned about the agenda of the upcoming meeting of the CPUC on 27 January 2022.
If I understand the proposal correctly, the PUC wants to implement a $57/Month ($684/Yr) penalty charge for solar ownership, cut solar credits for clean energy sent to the grid by 80% and roll back existing protections to solar users.
Please use your influence with Governor Newsom and the CPUC to stop these proposals and to work on measures that promote, support and continue to encourage the deployment of clean solar energy.
The CPUC’s (PG&E’s) measures are short sighted, punitive and regressive.
We need clean progressive energy measures and legislation to save our environment.
Sincerely,
Lynda & Leighton Richardson”
BC Capps announced Region Climate Protection Authority’s countywide contract with the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) and invited Council Members to give presentations on services available through BayREN.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:57 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Darin Bartow, J.D.
Clerk of the Board