MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
9:00 A.M.
___________________________________________________________
CALL TO ORDER
(9:02 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:02:31)
Chair Barnacle called the meeting to order.
Board Members present: Chair Barnacle and Vice Chair Elward, Lemus, Fleming, Zollman, Farrar-Rivas, Haschak, and Alt. Director Albin-Smith. Director Laskey, Potter, and Hopkins were absent with prior notice.
Staff present: Geof Syphers, Chief Executive Officer; Michael Koszalka, Chief Operating Officer; Garth Salisbury, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; Neal Reardon, Director of Regulatory Affairs; Felicia Smith, Director of Programs; Kate Kelly, Director of Public Relations & Marketing and Brant Arthur, Program Manager.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSENT CALENDAR
(9:03 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:03:12)
1. Approve April 3, 2025, Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
2. Receive Monthly Financial Report
3. Receive Geothermal Opportunity Zone Update
4. Approve the Proposed Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
5. Approve and Delegate Authority to the Chief Executive Officer or his Designee to Execute a Contract with Prospect Silicon Valley with a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $393,001 for a Four-Year Demonstration Project in accordance with Sonoma Clean Power’s Virtual Power Plant Grant through the California Energy Commission
Motion to approve May 8, 2025, Board of Directors Consent Calendar by Director Zollman
Second: Director Fleming
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Lemus, Albin-Smith, Barnacle, Elward, Fleming, Zollman, Farrar-Rivas, Haschak
ABSENT: Laskey, Potter, Hopkins
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR CALENDAR
6. Receive Internal Operations Report and Provide Feedback as Appropriate (9:04 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:04:21)
Michael Koszalka, COO, discussed the Workplace Charging Program and he discussed the status of SCP’s new building. Kate Kelly, Director of Public Relations & Marketing, discussed additional donations being given to local food banks because of the current lack of funding. Director Kelly then discussed SCP’s Brand Awareness Survey and explained that SCP is reintroducing itself to the community. She also discussed SCP buying the naming rights to KZST’s studio.
Director Haschak asked what the demographics for KZST listeners were and Director Kelly responded that they mirror SCP’s customers. Chair Barnacle asked about how other CCAs connect with their customers, and Director Kelly explained that SCP works with all the CCAs to expand customer awareness.
Public Comment: None
7. Receive Legislative and Regulatory Updates, Approve Legislative Positions, and Provide Direction as Appropriate
(9:14 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:14:13)
Neal Reardon, Director of Regulatory Affairs, gave an update on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) hearing which reopened the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA) fee PG&E charges. Director Reardon stated that the CPUC is now changing the true-up and will include historical prices to smooth out rate changes. He added that this will apply retroactively as well.
Director Farrar-Rivas asked if this was a double dip and Director Reardon said no if it is done correctly, but he added the question will be if PG&E comes back and asks the CPUC to change the rules yet again when conditions are favorable to PG&E. Director Haschak asked if there were other situations like this that would affect customers and Director Reardon explained that the PCIA is based on procurement contracts. Chair Barnacle asked if legislation could address the PCIA issue and Director Reardon stated that it has come up and may be the solution. Alt. Director Albin-Smith stated that the League of California Cities should take up bills to hold PG&E accountable and she would discuss it with them as a member of the league.
Geof Syphers, CEO, gave an update on the bills SCP has supported and mentioned that they are working their way through committees. Chair Barnacle asked if there was any registered opposition to SCP’s bills and CEO Syphers said that he believed that there was not.
Public Comment: None
There were no positions taken on legislation, so no vote was necessary.
8. Receive Update on Programs that Support Electric Vehicles and Charging (9:45 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:45:10)
Felicia Smith, Director of Programs, announced that the Programs department will present SCP customer offers and incentives at board meetings through July. She introduced Brant Arthur, Program Manager, who discussed SCP’s transportation programs. Mr. Arthur described these programs, their 2024 impacts, and how they were informed by a transportation needs assessment.
Director Lemus asked how SCP plans to reach women and Latinos, who are expected to make up a growing share of EV owners. Mr. Arthur stressed the importance of hosting and attending educational events. Chair Barnacle asked if SCP supports Level 1 charging. Mr. Arthur said the focus is on level 2, but level 1 has potential in multi-family housing. Chair Barnacle also asked about using EVs to power buildings during emergencies. Mr. Arthur responded that many municipalities are incorporating this into emergency planning and SCP engages with them on this. Alternate Director Albin-Smith asked about SCP’s role in hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. CEO Syphers said that SCP is not leading in this area, though many California organizations are exploring it. Chair Barnacle also asked about SCP’s role in EV charging infrastructure. CEO Syphers said SCP can help by identifying grid locations suitable for added infrastructure without overloading PG&E’s system. Chair Barnacle then asked about data collection for SCP’s E-bike commuter grant program. Scott Salyer, Program Manager, explained that the program tracks mileage but not routes. Chair Barnacle recommended tracking route patterns to help identify safety issues.
Public Comment: None
9. Direct Staff to Study the Feasibility of Expanding Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s Service to Lake County, California
(10:21 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:21:59)
CEO Syphers introduced the item, noting it is an addition to previous feasibility requests from the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport. He stated that Lake County has now requested a feasibility study for expanding SCP service. CEO Syphers discussed the challenges and opportunities of including Lake County in SCP’s service territory.
Director Farrar-Rivas asked how residential service in Lake County would differ from business service. CEO Syphers responded that the county has proportionately fewer businesses and more homes, leading to energy demand peaks in the morning, evening, and during the summer and winter. Director Lemus asked about solar energy potential in Lake County. CEO Syphers replied that the outlook is strong due to clear skies, existing solar developments, and local interest.
Public Comment: Tom Coddington discussed wanting SCP to provide energy to Lake County. The comment is attached.
Motion to direct staff to study the feasibility of expanding Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s service to Lake County, California by Director Lemus Second: Director Farrar-Rivas
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Lemus, Albin-Smith, Barnacle, Elward, Fleming, Zollman, Farrar-Rivas, Haschak
ABSENT: Laskey, Potter, Hopkins
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
(10:32 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:32:17)
Directors’ announcements: Director Lemus reported that Cotati held a successful Cinco de Mayo event. Director Farrar-Rivas shared that Sonoma had successful Earth Day and Cinco de Mayo events. Director Haschak noted his attendance at an event in Laytonville and appreciated SCP’s outreach there.
Albin-Smith announced that Fort Bragg hosted its first Blues Festival, will hold a film festival later this month, and is planning more events, including a bicycle race in October. Director Farrar-Rivas thanked SCP for sponsoring the Sonoma Ecology Center’s headwaters hike and noted that Sonoma’s Tuesday night markets have begun. Chair Barnacle expressed appreciation for SCP’s increased food bank funding and encouraged further support for local nonprofits. He also thanked SCP for sponsoring Petaluma’s Butter and Egg Days Parade and mentioned a historic library exhibit on Chinese immigrants in Petaluma.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
(10:38 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:38:09)
Public Comment: None
ADJOURN
(10:39 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:38:26)
Respectfully Submitted,
Darin A. Bartow, JD
Clerk of the Board
Dear Sonoma Clean Power,
I would be very interested in joining Sonoma Clean Power.
I live in Lake County, and I see from your website that you have budgeted to boost participation. I have solar panels and storage batteries. And I'm interested in 100% renewable power. Could a future meeting include the possibility of including Lake County in your strategic
action plan?
Thank you very much,
Tom Coddington