MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022
9:00 A.M.
___________________________________________________________ ****AB 361****
**RE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19**
**HYBRID MEETING (IN PERSON AND REMOTE ATTENDANCE)**
CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF AB 361 WHICH SUSPENDED CERTAIN
REQUIREMENTS OF THE BROWN ACT, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PARTICIPATED IN THE NOVEMBER 3, 2022, MEETING IN PERSON AND BY REMOTE ATTENDANCE.
CALL TO ORDER
(9:04 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:03:30)
Chair King called the meeting to order.
Board Members present: Chair King, Vice Chair Fudge, and Directors Bagby, Landman, Peters, Elward, Rogers, Slayter, Gjerde and Hopkins.
Board Members absent: Director Felder was absent with prior notice.
Staff present: Geof Syphers, Chief Executive Officer; Michael Koszalka, Chief Operating Officer; Neal Reardon, Director of Regulatory Affairs; Rebecca Simonson, Director of Programs; Ryan Tracey, Director of Planning and Analytics; Brant Arthur, Program Manager; and Joshua Nelson, Special Counsel.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSENT CALENDAR
(9:06 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:05:18)
1. Approve October 6, 2022, Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
2. Authorize Extension of Sonoma Clean Power Authority Resolution 2021-05 Permitting Remote Teleconference Meetings of the Board of Directors and Community Advisory Committee Pursuant to AB 361
3. Receive Geothermal Opportunity Zone Update
4. Approve and Delegate Authority to the CEO or his Designee to Execute the Second Amendment to an Agreement with The Engine is Red, with a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $140,000
5. Approve and Delegate Authority to the CEO or Designee to Execute Agreement for Professional Services with Maher Accountancy through June 30, 2024, with a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $450,000
6. Approve Continued Use of Updated B-6 Rate Effective October 1, 2022 Public Comment: None
9:12 a.m. the Board went into recess due to technical difficulties with sound equipment.
9:17 a.m. the Board reconvened.
Chair King asked for a clarification between the technologies offered by two companies discussed in Item 3 as well as explanation of advanced closed loop geothermal technology. Geof Syphers, CEO, explained the differences and responded that closed-loop technology allows for the collection of steam at surface, condenses it back into water, and sends the water back into the ground. He further added that SCP would bring back a visual description at an upcoming meeting.
Motion to Approve the November 3, 2022, Board of Directors Consent Calendar by Director Bagby
Second: Director Peters
AYES: Bagby, Landman, Peters, King, Elward, Rogers, Slayter, Fudge, Gjerde, Hopkins
ABSENT: Felder
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR CALENDAR
7. Receive Internal Operations and Monthly Financial Report and Provide Direction as Appropriate
(9:20 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:19:42)
Michael Koszalka, COO, described attendance at the Advanced Energy Center and stated that the Center had recently held a press conference on climate change with Congressman Thompson’s office. He discussed the commercial shown as part of SCP’s brand awareness campaign and stated that SCP’s participation numbers are steady. He also pointed out that power costs are higher than anticipated in the financials. CEO Syphers mentioned that the September heat storm was responsible for the higher costs.
Public Comment: None
8. Receive Legislative and Regulatory Updates and Provide Direction as Appropriate
(9:29 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:28:53)
Neal Reardon, Director of Regulatory Affairs, discussed PG&E applying with the California Public Utilities Commission seeking approval to transfer generation assets to a new subsidiary, Pacific Generation, LLC. and mentioned the first round of feedback was due November 1, 2022. Director Reardon discussed PG&E’s plans to install “fast-trip” devices on sections of distribution lines which would shut the system off automatically if necessary.
Director Slayter asked if the CPUC would have jurisdiction over a thrid PG&E bankruptcy and CEO Syphers responded that bankruptcy is primarily handled in federal court, but that the CPUC still has a role in authorizing the rates and cost recovery needed.
Chair King asked if the charges relating to the extension of Diablo Canyon would be passed on to PG&E customers as a transmission cost and Director Reardon responded it would be a non-by-passable charge.
Public Comment: None
9. Receive Overview of Workplace Electric Vehicle Charging Research Project Proposal and Provide Direction as Appropriate
(9:50 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:50:15)
Brant Arthur, Program Manager, introduced this item by pointing to the SCP parking lot as an example of EV charging at the workplace and there has been a lot of interest in EV charging at workplaces. It is the goal of SCP to work with local businesses to allow affordable options for those who cannot charge at home. He stated that SCP would be looking for four businesses to work with.
Director Rogers mentioned having a conversation with a developer about an app that will show the consumer the minimum charge needed and then charge an EV based on the utility rates at the time. CEO Syphers explained that it is difficult because it would require a connection agreement with the user but did state that there are all kinds of new technologies coming.
Director Peters stated that he was concerned that there are not enough EVs in use and this will reflect on the data, he also asked if SCP has partnerships with car dealers. CEO Syphers explained that many of SCP’s programs, like this one, require market transformation so we look at short and long-term goals.
Director Hopkins asked if publicly owned property would be eligible, and Mr.
Arthur stated that this was a great idea. Director Bagby asked how many charging stations would be at each location and Mr. Arthur responded that there would be 10-20 at each site.
Public Comment: None
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
(10:21 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:20:47)
Vice Chair Fudge mentioned the Town of Windsor approved a development of small homes and are requiring that each unit comes with rooftop solar, all electric appliances, and EV chargers.
Chair King mentioned the Petaluma Veteran’s Day Parade would be held on November 11, 2022.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
(10:23 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:22:33)
Public Comment: None
ADJOURN
(10:24 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:24:03)
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.
Respectfully Submitted,
Darin A. Bartow, J.D.
Clerk of the Board