MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025
9:00 A.M.
___________________________________________________________
CALL TO ORDER
(9:01 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:01:00)
Vice Chair Elward called the meeting to order.
Board Members present: Vice Chair Elward, Directors Lemus, Albin-Smith, Zollman, Fleming, Farrar-Rivas, Potter, and Haschak. Chair Barnacle, Director Hopkins, and Director Laskey were absent.
Staff present: Geof Syphers, Chief Executive Officer; Michael Koszalka, Chief Operating Officer; Garth Salisbury, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; Stephanie Reynolds, Director of Internal Operations; Darin Bartow, Compliance Manager; Ryan Tracey, Director of Planning and Analytics; Neal Reardon, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Adam Jorge, Senior Decarbonization Policy Manager; Erica Torgerson, Managing Director of Customer Service; Felicia Smith, Director of Programs; Danielle McCants, Customer Operations Manager, Caroyln Glanton, Programs Operations Manager; Karen Flores, Clerk of the Board; and Josh Nelson, Special Counsel.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSENT CALENDAR
(9:03 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:02:47)
1. Approve August 7, 2025, Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
2. Receive Monthly Financial Report
3. Receive Geothermal Opportunity Zone Update
4. Approve the Proposed Budget Adjustment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to Allocate the Board-Approved $500,000 Grant for The Economic Launchpad Hub to the Marketing & Communications Budget Line
5. Approve and Delegate Authority to the Chief Executive Officer or Designee to Execute an Agreement for Professional Services with Maher Accountancy for an Amount Not-to-Exceed $982,044, through June 30, 2028
6. Adopt Resolution 2025-05 Attesting to the Accuracy of Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s 2024 Power Source Disclosure Annual Report
7. Adopt Resolution 2025-06 Delegating Investment Authority to the Treasurer
8. Adopt Resolution 2025-07 of the Board of Directors of the Sonoma Clean Power Authority Setting a Time and Place for Regular Meetings
9. Adopt Resolution 2025-07 of the Board of Directors of the Sonoma Clean Power Authority Setting a Time and Place for Regular Meetings 9:03 Director Hopkins entered the meeting.
Item 10 pulled from Consent Calendar and added to Regular Calendar for discussion.
Motion to approve October 2, 2025, Board of Directors Consent Calendar Items 1-9 by Director Haschak
Second: Potter
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Lemus, Albin-Smith, Elward, Fleming, Zollman, Farrar- Rivas, Potter, Haschak, Hopkins
ABSENT: Laskey and Barnacle
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR CALENDAR
10. Receive Internal Operations Report and Provide Direction as Appropriate (9:06 p.m. – Video Time Stamp 00:05:22)
Geof Syphers, Chief Executive Officer, provided an update on the potential expansion of service to Lake County. CEO Syphers shared that over the past several months staff have been presenting to all of the Lake County Advisory Councils. CEO Syphers explained that concern was expressed over a lack of details about SCP’s geothermal plans, such as where projects will be located and what technologies will be used. He also explained that such details are not yet known. CEO Syphers went on to explain that when the state of California passed the law enabling the formation of California Choice Aggregators (CCAs), it did not create an option for tribes to be part of the voting governance structure of a CCA, meaning that cities and counties have to create a CCA to allow tribes to have an option to participate. Director Haschak provided additional information about a Lake County meeting he attended with SCP and praised SCP’s responsiveness to the Native population. Director Flemming praised the potential Lake County expansion. Vice Chair Elward praised the work SCP has been doing, specifically with working with historically marginalized/under-resourced groups.
11.Receive Legislative and Regulatory Updates, Approve Legislative Positions, and Provide Direction as Appropriate
(9:14 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:13:27)
Neal Reardon, Director of Regulatory Affairs, provided an update on the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) recent PCIA decision, which now calculates customer credits using a blend of recent and historical market prices. Director Reardon shared that the County of Sonoma submitted a Public Records Act (PRA) request to the CPUC. Director Reardon described a recent Executive Order from Governor Newsom that directed all agencies involved in energy to look for ways to bring on resources more quickly, as well as infrastructure to accommodate those resources. Following this Executive Order, Director Reardon explained that the CPUC has also issued a ruling recommending 1500 megawatts of additional procurement to be done statewide in each of the next four years. Adam Jorge, Senior Decarbonization Policy Manager, shared that SB 1221 passed, requiring the CPUC to establish a voluntary zonal decarbonization program and designate priority neighborhood decarbonization zones. Mr. Jorge explained that this bill gives the gas investor-owned utilities (IOU) who would otherwise have to replace gas serving pipelines to forego that replacement in favor of electrification.
Director Lemus asked if any of the decarbonization projects are close to SCP’s service area. Mr. Jorge explained that the identified projects are not yet the pilots themselves, but rather where there is gas replacement by census track.
Director Farrar-Rivas asked how this decision transitions into the next step of electrifying homes. Mr. Jorge explained that the overall goal is to create a coalition led by the gas utility and stakeholders like CCAs, environmental groups, community organizations, and local governments to create funding opportunities and to minimize cost impacts to folks who are transitioning into electrification. Director Hopkins asked if SCP has been involved in any of the recommendations that will be going up before the Air District Board later in the year. CEO Syphers shared that SCP is active in that space and suggested SCP staff prepare a presentation on the topic for a future meeting. Director Farrar-Rivas shared about her experience at the Climate Mayors meeting in New York for New York Climate Week. Director Farrar-Rivas commented that she learned of other climate projects being funded through foundations and green banks. CEO Syphers shared that both geothermal bills that SCP is supporting have made it to the governor’s desk.
Public Comment: None
12.Receive a Presentation on Energy Sector Regulatory Agencies (9:30 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:29:45)
Adam Jorge, Senior Decarbonization Policy Manager, gave a presentation on policy development, key energy regulatory agencies, and SCP’s progress in this area. Director Hopkins praised the presentation and asked about the regulation of some of the regulatory agencies such as the CPUC and California Independent System Operator (CAISO). CEO Syphers explained that a lot of CAISO’s activities are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Director Hopkins asked for examples in which the legislature successfully directed these agencies to work together. Mr. Jorge provided several examples. Director Farrar-Rivas asked how SCP has influence with these agencies. CEO Syphers explained that SCP has credibility and that SCP helps regulatory agencies do their jobs by presenting good ideas. Mr. Jorge also highlighted the fact that SCP is a public agency, not a for-profit utility, which often eases the way into these conversations.
Public Comment: None
13.Receive Update on Sponsored Research at Princeton University for Transmission Planning Under Uncertainty
(9:57 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:56:31)
Ryan Tracey, Director of Planning and Analytics, provided an update on the research SCP has been doing with Princeton University on transmission planning. Prior to commencing, Director Tracey thanked all those involved in supporting this research such as Peninsula Clean Energy who co-sponsored the research and SCP staff. Director Tracey stressed the need to invest in transmission infrastructure in California in order to make sure that California has a backup plan if the capacity load estimates made by regulatory agencies are not accurate.
Director Albin-Smith praised the presentation and asked if there is any new potential energy source that is being considered in these conversations.
Director Tracey replied that expanding transmission capacity will allow for any new energy source to plug into the system. Director Potter expressed the need for transmission infrastructure to be in place for a full transition to green power and asked how SCP can support this work. Director Tracey expressed SCP’s desire to bring transmission solutions to the legislature. CEO Syphers said he would include the Board of Directors in future legislative work and would provide talking points. CEO Syphers explained that there is not a viable path for SCP to disengage from CAISO. He explained that once you leave CAISO you become your own balancing authority and much of that work is federally regulated, which adds additional complexity. Director Farrar-Rivas asked how the new probability analysis is viewed by different decision makers. Staff Director Tracey and CEO Syphers shared that SCP has received a good amount of interest. Director Zollman asked about the one pager CEO Syphers mentioned. CEO Syphers clarified that he would provide further information and talking points for the board.
Public Comment: None
14.Approve and Authorize the Chief Executive Officer or His Designee to Negotiate and Execute Professional Services Agreements with All In Heating and Cooling LLC (Not-To-Exceed $130,000) and Synergy Companies, Inc. (Not-To-Exceed $488,000) For Smart Thermostat Installations and Appliance Assessments, Both Through December 31, 2027
(10:31 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:50:44)
Director Fleming left the meeting at 10:31a.m.
Carolyn Glanton, Programs Operations Manager, presented an update on a new initiative aimed at expanding customer participation in the GridSavvy Rewards program through increased access to smart thermostats. Ms. Glanton explained that while customers can currently purchase discounted devices or enroll their own, many face challenges with installing them on their own. She explained that in an effort to resolve this, SCP would like to partner with two contractors: All-In Heating and Cooling LLC for Mendocino County and Synergy Companies, Inc. for Sonoma County. Ms. Glanton detailed the potential partners’ involvement: they will install smart thermostats at no cost for low-income CARE/FERA customers with central air conditioning, enroll the devices in the program, and collect appliance data to support future SCP initiatives. She explained that installers will also educate customers about the program and device functionality with the goal being to complete 1,000 installations by the end of 2027.
Director Albin-Smith asked if this incentive applies to both Mendocino and Sonoma County and requested a description of what a smart thermostat can do. Ms. Glanton shared that this will be available to all SCP customers who fit the eligibility requirements. Ms. Glanton also explained that a smart thermostat can be set to match customer routines and allow customer control when they are not in their homes. Director Haschak asked if this incentive would be available for apartment complexes, to which Ms. Glanton explained yes, if the apartment has its own individual smart meter. Director Potter asked how these two companies were selected. Ms. Glanton explained that the initial Request for Proposal (RFP) efforts were not successful, so SCP reached out to individual contractors who SCP knew who do this type of work and have deep knowledge of the communities.
Public Comment: None
Motion to Approve and Authorize the Chief Executive Officer or His Designee to Negotiate and Execute Professional Services Agreements with All In Heating and Cooling LLC (Not-To-Exceed $130,000) and Synergy Companies, Inc. (Not-To-Exceed $488,000) For Smart Thermostat Installations and Appliance Assessments, Both Through December 31, 2027 by Alternate Director Haschak Second: Director Hopkins
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Lemus, Albin-Smith, Elward, Zollman, Farrar-Rivas, Potter, Haschak ABSENT: Laskey, Barnacle, Fleming
15. Receive an Update on Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s Internship Program Structure and Recent Developments
(10:44 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:43:46)
Danielle McCants, Customer Operations Manager, gave a presentation on SCP’s internship program.
Director Lemus asked if the internships are paid. Ms. McCants replied that they are paid. Director Farrar-Rivas asked what the time and in-person requirements are for interns. Ms. McCants explained that 3 six-hour shifts are required, with one of the shifts being Saturday, and no remote internship opportunities are available at this time. Director Potter praised the program and asked how the internship is advertised. Ms. McCants replied that it is posted online, promoted at school job fairs, and the posting is also sent out to professors SCP has worked with in the past. Director Haschak asked how long the program runs.
Ms. McCants responded that the program is structured so that each intern is with SCP for a year. Director Lemus praised the inclusion of life skills in the program. Vice Chair Elward also praised the program.
Public Comment: None
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
(11:04 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 02:03:32)
Director Albin-Smith shared that the upcoming weekend is the four-day KelpFest in Fort Bragg and that they will be opening their new Ice House. She also shared about a movie showing featuring the film Sequoias of the Sea, as well as their Longest Table event on Sunday, 10/05 and that there will also be an Oktoberfest fundraiser on Saturday, 10/04, at the CV Star Center. Director Farrar-Rivas shared information about a recent conference she attended on climate. She also shared that the City of Sonoma, preserved 18 units of affordable housing in Sonoma, and mentioned job openings with the City of Sonoma. Director Lemus mentioned she attended the Fog Belt golf tournament fundraiser and praised SCP’s involvement. She also shared that on November 2nd, the Día de los Muertos celebration will take place at the Cotati Plaza. Director Haschak shared that Mendocino College is having a ribbon cutting for their Advanced Automotive Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Certificate Program on October 3rd. Director Hopkins wished everyone a happy Week Without Driving and expressed appreciation to SCP for holding the kickoff event. She also shared that Monte Rio Revival will be happening tomorrow, October 3rd, at 6PM. Director Potter shared that on October 4th Windsor will be holding a Green Business Workshop to teach business owners how to work more sustainably; there will also be a Green Halloween party on October 10th .
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
(11:13 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 02:12:23)
Public Comment: None
ADJOURN
(11:13 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 02:12:42)
This meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Flores
Clerk of the Board