~ Sonoma ~ Clean Po~er
___________________________________________________________ AGENDA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026, 9:00 A.M.
EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953(F), MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE JANUARY 8, 2026, MEETING AT ANY OF THE LOCATIONS SHOWN BELOW.
SONOMA CLEAN POWER HEADQUARTERS
431 E STREET
SANTA ROSA, CA 95404
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING AT THE ABOVE PHYSICAL LOCATIONS OR VIEW REMOTELY THROUGH:
Webinar link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88546704126
Telephone number: 1 (669) 444-9171
Meeting ID: 885 4670 4126
How to Submit Public Comment:
Comments may be provided in person at the physical meeting locations. Comments may be submitted in writing to [email protected]. For detailed public comment instructions, please visit this page. Please note that live remote public comment will not be taken unless required by Government Code section 54953(f). If required, it will be announced by the Chair. Members of the public should attend in person or provide written comment to ensure they can provide public comment.
For written comments, state the agenda item number that you are commenting on and limit to 300 words. Written comments received prior to the meeting and/or the agenda item you wish to comment on will be read into the record up to 300 words. Written comments may be provided during the meeting.
DISABLED ACCOMMODATION: If you have a disability which requires an accommodation or an alternative format, please contact the Clerk of the Board at (707) 757-9417, or by email at [email protected] as soon as possible to ensure arrangements for accommodation.
For further clarification on any of the items listed please contact (855) 202-2139 and staff will be available to assist.
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Staff recommendations are guidelines to the Board. On any item, the Board may take action which varies from that recommended by staff.
CALL TO ORDER
(Any private remote meeting attendance will be noticed or approved at this time)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approve December 4, 2025, Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes (Staff pg. 4 Recommendation: Approve)
2. Receive Monthly Financial Report (Staff Recommendation: Receive and File) pg. 9
3. Receive Geothermal Opportunity Zone Update (Staff Recommendation: Receive and pg. 21 File)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR CALENDAR
4. Receive Internal Operations Report and Provide Direction as Appropriate (Staff pg. 23 Recommendation: Receive and File)
5. Receive Legislative and Regulatory Updates, Approve Legislative Positions, and pg. 27 Provide Direction as Appropriate (Staff Recommendation: Approve)
6. Approve and Delegate Authority to the Chief Executive Officer or his Designee to pg. 31 Negotiate Final Terms and Execute an Agreement for Professional Services with US Solar Construction Management, LLC through May 1, 2027, with a Not-To-Exceed Amount of $960,081 to Provide Design Services for the Ukiah Superfund Solar + Battery Project (Staff Recommendation: Approve)
7. Receive Update on Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s E-bike Commuter Grants pg. 35 Program (Staff Recommendation: Receive and File)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Directors may report on their activities since the last Board meeting, including any reports required by Gov’t Code Section 53232.3(d).)
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
(Comments are restricted to matters within the Board’s jurisdiction. Please be brief and limit spoken comments to three minutes, or 300 words if written.)
ADJOURN
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COMMONLY USED ACRONYMS AND TERMS
CAC Community Advisory Committee
CAISO California Independent Systems Operator – the grid operator CCA Community Choice Aggregator – a community-owned public power provider CEC California Energy Commission
CleanStart SCP’s default power service
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
DER Distributed Energy Resource
ERRA Energy Resource Recovery Account – one of PG&E’s rate cases at the CPUC EverGreen SCP’s 100% renewable, 100% local energy service, and the first service in the United States providing renewable power every hour of every day.
Geothermal A locally available, low-carbon baseload renewable resource GHG Greenhouse gas
GRC General Rate Case – one of PG&E’s rate cases at the CPUC GridSavvy GridSavvy Rewards are available to SCP customers for reducing household energy use to help California increase power reliability.
IOU Investor-Owned Utility - for-profit distribution utilities like PG&E IRP Integrated Resource Plan – balancing energy needs with energy resources JPA Joint Powers Authority
MW Megawatt is a unit of power and measures how fast energy is being used or produced at one moment.
MWh Megawatt-hour is a unit of energy and measures how much energy is used or produced over time.
NEM Net Energy Metering. NEM is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid.
PCIA Power Charge Indifference Adjustment – a fee charged by PG&E to all electric customers to ensure PG&E can pay for excess power supply contracts that it no longer needs.
RA Resource Adequacy – a required form of capacity that helps ensure there are sufficient power resources available when needed.
RPS Renewables Portfolio Standard refers to certain kinds of renewable energy which qualify to meet state requirements, including wind, solar, geothermal.
SCP Sonoma Clean Power
TOU Time of Use, used to refer to rates that differ by time of day 3 of 41
~ Sonoma ~ Clean Power
___________________________________________________________
DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2025
9:00 A.M.
CALL TO ORDER
(9:00 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:01:54)
Chair Barnacle called the meeting to order.
Board Members present: Chair Barnacle, Vice Chair Elward, Directors Lemus, Zollman, Potter, Farrar-Rivas, Alternate Director Stapp, and Alternate Director Mulheren. Directors Laskey and Albin-Smith were absent.
Director Hopkins joined remotely under AB2449.
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; Miles Horton, Legislative Policy & Community Engagement Manager; Stephanie Reynolds, Director of Internal Operations; Scott Salyer, Senior Program Manager, Decarbonization Strategy; Adam Jorge, Senior Decarbonization Policy Manager; and Karen Flores, Clerk of the Board.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSENT CALENDAR
(9:03 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:03:22)
1. Approve November 6, 2025, Draft Board of Directors Meeting Minutes (Staff Recommendation: Approve)
2. Receive Monthly Financial Report (Staff Recommendation: Receive and File)
3. Approve Emergency Consumer Protections for Natural Disaster in Sonoma Clean Power Authority Service Territory (Staff Recommendation: Approve)
4. Receive Geothermal Opportunity Zone Update (Staff Recommendation:
Receive and File)
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Motion to approve December 4, 2025, Board of Directors Consent Calendar by Director Lemus
Second: Farrar-Rivas
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Lemus, Barnacle, Elward, Stapp, Zollman, Farrar- Rivas, Potter, Mulheren, and Hopkins
ABSENT: Laskey and Albin-Smith
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR CALENDAR
5. Receive Internal Operations Report and Provide Direction as Appropriate (9:05 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:04:48)
9:13a.m. Director Albin-Smith entered the meeting
Stephanie Reynolds, Director on Internal Operations, gave an update on the power content label which went out to Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) customers.
Kate Kelly, Director of Public Relations & Marketing, spoke about SCP) annual holiday giving campaign. Michael Koszalka, Chief Operating Officer, introduced Scott Salyer, Senior Program Manager, Decarbonization Strategy; Adam Jorge, Senior Decarbonization Policy Manager who shared that SCP has been awarded a grant by the California Energy Commission.
Public Comment: None
6. Receive Legislative and Regulatory Updates, Approve Legislative Positions, and Provide Direction as Appropriate
(9:19 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:19:24)
Neal Reardon, Director of Regulatory Affairs, provided an update from the November 20th California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) meeting where the commission was to vote on a Proposed Decision to remove a barrier to participation in a statewide incentive program, the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). The item was pulled and delayed and is now on the agenda for the December 4th commission meeting. Director Reardon also provided additional updates on a press release issued by CalCCA. 5 of 41
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Miles Horton, Legislative Policy & Community Engagement Manager, shared SCP’s ideas of legislation to potentially sponsor in the 2026 legislative year.
Public Comment: None
Director Hopkins left the meeting.
7. Accept the Independent Auditor’s Report for the Financial Statements from Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025
(09:44 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:43:45)
Garth Salisbury, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, introduced Kellin Gilbert from the accounting firm, Sorren, who presented on their Independent Auditor’s Report of SCP’s financial statements for the Fiscal Years ending June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025
Public Comment: None
Motion to Accept the Independent Auditor’s Report for the Financial Statements from Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025, by Director Farrar-Rivas
Second: Albin-Smith
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Lemus, Albin-Smith, Barnacle, Elward, Stapp, Zollman, Farrar- Rivas, Potter, Mulheren
ABSENT: Laskey and Hopkins
8. Receive Nominations and Appoint Community Advisory Committee Members for the Term Beginning January 1, 2026
(09:59 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 00:59:01)
The Ad-hoc committee recommended Crispin Hollinshead, Micheal Heffler, Marsha Baird, Jack Pollard, and Karl Young be appointed as members on SCP’s Community Advisory Committee.
Public Comment: None
Motion to Receive Nominations and Appoint Community Advisory Committee Members for the Term Beginning January 1, 2026, by Director Albin-Smith 6 of 41
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Second: Elward
Motion passed by roll call vote
AYES: Lemus, Albin-Smith, Barnacle, Elward, Stapp, Zollman, Farrar-Rivas, Potter, Mulheren
ABSENT: Laskey and Hopkins
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
(10:04 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:05:40)
Director Farrar-Rivas announced that the City of Sonoma attended an event celebrating EV achievements and received a certificate. She also noted that Sonoma Botanical Gardens are hosting a holiday light event during the season.
Director Lemus announced a tree lighting and holiday shopping events in Cotati. Vice Chair Elward shared that Rohnert Park is participating in a toy drive and that the council has been reorganized. Alternate Director Stapp reported that Santa Rosa will not receive federal funds to electrify its bus fleet as previously expected, requiring the city to carefully weigh transportation options. Director Potter announced the Christmas tree lighting in Windsor.
Director Albin-Smith encouraged visiting www.visitfortbraggca.com for details on Fort Bragg events, including the botanical garden light show, Santa visits, a truck parade, and more. Chair Barnacle thanked Vice Chair Elward for chairing recent meetings, shared his thoughts on Lake County not joining SCP, and announced Petaluma’s ice rink opening in December along with local holiday events.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
(10:14 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:13:36)
Public Comment: None
ADJOURN
(10:14 a.m. - Video Time Stamp: 01:13:56)
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~ Sonoma ~ Clean Power
Staff Report – Item 02
To: Sonoma Clean Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Garth Salisbury, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer Chris Golik, Senior Finance Manager
Issue: Receive Monthly Financial Report
Date: January 8, 2026
Monthly Financial Report
The Financial Report is to inform the Board of Directors (Board) of monthly financial results and includes a summary of investments and investment activity in SCP’s portfolio.
The Investment Report and associated attachments are to inform the Board pursuant to the requirements of SCP’s Financial Policy B.5 Investments and Government Code Section 53607. This is an informational item only.
This report includes commentary for the October unaudited financial statements and budgetary comparison.
Monthly Compiled Financial Statements (October 31, 2025) The year-to-date change in net position is more than projections by approximately $47,501,000. Year-to-date revenue from electricity sales is above projections by approximately 7% and cost of energy is under projections by approximately 53%. Year-to-date electricity sales reached $95,058,000.
SCP maintains a balanced portfolio by procuring electricity from multiple sources. Net position reached a positive $287,711,000 as of October 31, 2025. Approximately $324,252,000 is set aside in Reserves and Rate Stabilization Funds as of June 30, 2025.
Other operating expenses continued near or slightly below planned levels for the year. 9 of 41
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Budgetary Comparison Schedule (October 31, 2025)
The accompanying budgetary comparison includes the 2025/26 Amended Budget approved by the Board of Directors.
The budget is formatted to make comparisons for both the annual and the year-to-date perspective. The first column, 2025/26 YTD Amended Budget, allocates the Board approved annual budget at expected levels throughout the year with consideration for the timing of additional customers, usage volumes, staffing needs etc. This column represents our best estimates, and this granular approach was not part of the Board approved budget.
Revenue from electricity sales to customers is greater than budget by approximately 7% at the end of the reporting period.
The cost of electricity was less than the budget-to-date by approximately 53%. Variation in this account is typically due to fluctuating market cost of energy on open position purchases as well as supplier delivery delays.
Major operating categories of Data Management fees and PG&E Service fees are based on the customer account totals.
In addition to the items mentioned above, SCP continues its trend of remaining near or under budget for most of its operating expenses.
Monthly Investment Report
This report is to verify and report in writing to the Board regarding the responsibilities designated to the SCP Treasurer pursuant to SCP Financial Policy B.5 Investments. The Investment Policy was amended in 2024 expanding the definition of Permitted Investments, adding several investment diversification requirements, best practices and requiring additional reporting requirements to the Board and stakeholders as follows.
Monthly Obligation to Report on New Investment Transactions Government Code Section 53607 and SCP’s Investment Policy require SCP to report to the Board and stakeholders any investment transactions (defined as purchases, sales, or exchanges of securities) made during the month as soon as is practicable after the end of the month. Given the scheduling of the SCP’s Board meetings during the first week of the month, the investment report will indicate investment transactions that occurred two months prior (November 2025).
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SCP currently maintains bank accounts and investments at River City Bank (RCB), Summit State Bank, the State of California Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) and USBank.
Active individual securities are held at both RCB and USBank. Staff will provide Statements of Investments as required throughout the year.
Reportable Activities
USBank
In November of 2024, the Board approved amendments to SCP Investment Policy as recommended by SCP’s investment advisor, Chandler Asset Management (CAM). As of November 30th, CAM managed about $73 million of SCP’s reserves. All investments directed by CAM are held at SCP’s custodian, USBank. All investments held as of November 30, 2025, at USBank appear as Attachment 3 with new holdings purchased in November highlighted. USBank transaction details for the month of November, including sales and maturities of securities, are in Attachment 4. Additionally, the November 2025 account statement prepared by CAM is in Attachment 5.
River City Bank
A detailed statement of the investments held at River City Bank as of November 30, 2025, appears as Attachment 6. There were no investment transactions in the month of November at River City Bank.
State of California Local Agency Investment Fund
The LAIF investment balance as of November 30, 2025, appears as Attachment 7.
Agency Goals
SCP’s Financial Report, and more broadly, its financial decisions, directly support two of the Agency’s 2026 goals.
1. Recommend and take all necessary actions to protect customers from rate shock in 2026.
7. Maintain SCP’s ‘A’ credit rating to support cost-effective power procurement.
Community Advisory Committee
The Financial Report is a monthly, information-only, item that requires no action.
There were no questions nor feedback provided.
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Attachments
Attachment 1 – October 2025 Financial Statements
Attachment 2 – October 2025 Budgetary Statement
Attachment 3 – November 2025 Statement of Investments Held at USBank, available at this link or by request to the Clerk of the Board Attachment 4 – November 2025 Statement of Transactions at USBank, available at this link or by request to the Clerk of the Board
Attachment 5 – November 2025 USBank Account Statement prepared by CAM, available at this link or by request to the Clerk of the Board Attachment 6 – November 2025 Statement of Investments Held at River City Bank, available at this link or by request to the Clerk of the Board Attachment 7 – November 2025 Statement of Investments Held at the Local Agency Investment Fund, available at this link or by request to the Clerk of the Board
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MAHER
ACCOUNTANCY
ACCOUNTANTS’ COMPILATION REPORT
1101 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94901 415 459 1249 mahercpa.com Management
Sonoma Clean Power Authority
Management is responsible for the accompanying financial statements of Sonoma Clean Power Authority (a California Joint Powers Authority) which comprise the statement of net position as of October 31, 2025, and the related statement of revenues, expenses, and changes in net position, and the statement of cash flows for the four months then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have performed a compilation engagement in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services promulgated by the Accounting and Review Services Committee of the AICPA. We did not audit or review the accompanying statements nor were we required to perform any procedures to verify the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by management. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion, conclusion, nor provide any assurance on these financial statements.
Management has elected to omit substantially all of the note disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in these interim financial statements.
Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s annual audited financial statements include the note disclosures omitted from these interim statements. If the omitted disclosures were included in these financial statements, they might influence the user’s conclusions about the Authority’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Accordingly, these financial statements are not designed for those who are not informed about such matters.
We are not independent with respect to the Authority because we performed certain accounting services that impaired our independence.
Maher Accountancy
San Rafael, CA
December 3, 2025
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SONOMA CLEAN POWER AUTHORITY
STATEMENT OF NET POSITION
As of October 31, 2025
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 225,541,346
Accounts receivable, net of allowance 17,767,708
Other receivables 5,006,897
Accrued revenue 11,415,644
Prepaid expenses 2,208,913
Deposits 6,340,390
Investments 96,783,550
Total current assets 365,064,448
Noncurrent assets
Investments 68,395,606
Other receivables 816,286
Deposits 16,000
Capital assets, net of depreciation 17,457,217
Total noncurrent assets 86,685,109
Total assets 451,749,557
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Accrued cost of electricity 19,815,217
Accounts payable 1,337,151
Other accrued liabilities 2,894,918
User taxes and energy surcharges due to other governments 648,789 Supplier security deposits 510,000
Total current liabilities 25,206,075
Noncurrent liabilities
Supplier security deposits 1,332,121
Total liabilities 26,538,196
DEFERRED INFLOWS OF RESOURCES
Rate stabilization fund 137,500,000
NET POSITION
Investment in capital assets 17,175,338
Unrestricted 270,536,023
Total net position $ 287,711,361
See accountants' compilation report. 2
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SONOMA CLEAN POWER AUTHORITY
STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENSES
AND CHANGES IN NET POSITION
Four Months Ended October 31, 2025
OPERATING REVENUES
Electricity sales, net $ 94,017,319
Evergreen electricity premium 1,039,732
Liquidated damages 9,762,788
Grant revenue 205,533
Total operating revenues 105,025,372
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of electricity 42,901,262
Contract services 3,585,498
Staff compensation 3,970,270
Program rebates and incentives 564,398
Other operating expenses 982,804
Depreciation 477,080
Total operating expenses 52,481,312
Operating income 52,544,060
NONOPERATING REVENUES (EXPENSES)
Investment income 5,320,096
Nonoperating revenues (expenses), net 5,320,096
CHANGE IN NET POSITION 57,864,156
Net position at beginning of year 229,847,205
Net position at end of period $ 287,711,361
See accountants' compilation report. 3
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SONOMA CLEAN POWER AUTHORITY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Four Months Ended October 31, 2025
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Receipts from customers $ 94,429,318
Receipts from grantors 135,685
Receipts of security deposits and damages revenue 7,065,210 Receipts from wholesale sales and other operating activities 22,495,155 Payments to electricity suppliers (64,849,326)
Payments for other goods and services (5,484,832)
Payments for staff compensation (3,918,873)
Payments for program rebates and incentives (666,718)
Payments of taxes and surcharges to other governments (1,208,976) Deposits and collateral paid (54,000)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities 47,942,643
CASH FLOWS FROM CAPITAL AND RELATED
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of capital assets (107,562)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment income received 4,213,884
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments 8,958,395 Purchase of investments (12,381,980)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities 790,299 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 48,625,380
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 176,915,966 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 225,541,346
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Capital acquisitions included in accounts payable and other liabilties $ 281,879
NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITES
Change in fair value of investments $ 1,651,443
Change in interest receivable $ (545,231)
See accountants' compilation report.
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SONOMA CLEAN POWER AUTHORITY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Continued)
Four Months Ended October 31, 2025
RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) TO NET
CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Operating income (loss) $ 52,544,060
Adjustments to reconcile operating income to net
cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation expense 477,080
(Increase) decrease in:
Accounts receivable, net (3,055,640)
Other receivables 868,440
Accrued revenue 1,214,321
Prepaid expenses (683,908)
Deposits (94,500)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accrued cost of electricity (1,855,675)
Accounts payable (588,232)
Accrued liabilities 3,048,440
User taxes due to other governments 4,610
Supplier security deposits (3,936,353)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities $ 47,942,643 See accountants' compilation report. 5
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MAHER
ACCOUNTANCY
ACCOUNTANTS’ COMPILATION REPORT
1101 Fifth Avenue, Suite 200 San Rafael, CA 94901 415 459 1249 mahercpa.com Board of Directors
Sonoma Clean Power Authority
Management is responsible for the accompanying Budgetary Comparison Schedule for the Operating Fund of Sonoma Clean Power Authority (a California Joint Powers Authority) for the four months ended October 31, 2025, and for determining that the budgetary basis of accounting is an acceptable financial reporting framework. We have performed a compilation engagement in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services promulgated by the Accounting and Review Services Committee of the AICPA. We did not audit or review the accompanying statement nor were we required to perform any procedures to verify the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by management. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion, a conclusion, nor provide any assurance on this special purpose budgetary comparison statement.
The special purpose statement is prepared in accordance with the budgetary basis of accounting, which is a basis of accounting other than accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This report is intended for the information of the Board of Directors of Sonoma Clean Power Authority.
Management has elected to omit substantially all of the note disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in these interim financial statements.
Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s annual audited financial statements include the note disclosures omitted from these interim statements. If the omitted disclosures were included in these financial statements, they might influence the user’s conclusions about the Authority’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Accordingly, these financial statements are not designed for those who are not informed about such matters.
We are not independent with respect to the Authority because we performed certain accounting services that impaired our independence.
Maher Accountancy
San Rafael, CA
December 3, 2025
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SONOMA CLEAN POWER AUTHORITY
BUDGETARY COMPARISON SCHEDULE - OPERATING FUND
Four Months Ended October 31, 2025
2025/26 YTD
2025/26 YTD Amended Budget 2025/26 YTD 2025/26
Amended 2025/26 YTD Variance (Under) Actual / Amended Amended 2025/26 Amended Budget Actual Over Budget % Budget Budget Remaining
REVENUE AND OTHER SOURCES:
Electricity (net of allowance) * 88,210,407 $ 94,018,066 $ 5,807,659 $ 107% 228,694,000 $ 134,675,934 $ Evergreen Premium (net of allowance) 1,050,000 1,039,732 (10,268) 99% 3,150,000 2,110,268 CEC Grant Proceeds 282,038 205,533 (76,505) 73% 863,000 657,467 Investment returns 4,000,000 5,320,096 1,320,096 133% 12,000,000 6,679,904 Total revenue and other sources 93,542,445 100,583,427 7,040,982 108% 244,707,000 144,123,573 EXPENDITURES AND OTHER USES:
CURRENT EXPENDITURES
Cost of energy and scheduling 70,001,079 33,139,222 (36,861,857) 47% 234,986,000 201,846,778 Data management 1,119,600 1,119,428 (172) 100% 3,359,000 2,239,572 Service fees- PG&E 330,000 331,591 1,591 100% 990,000 658,409 Personnel 4,159,108 3,970,270 (188,838) 95% 12,781,000 8,810,730 Marketing & communications 1,404,917 1,137,720 (267,197) 81% 4,415,000 3,277,280 Customer service 116,000 70,003 (45,997) 60% 220,000 149,997 General and administration 773,116 665,025 (108,091) 86% 2,309,000 1,643,975 Legal 175,000 223,262 48,262 128% 525,000 301,738
Regulatory and compliance 120,000 68,645 (51,355) 57% 360,000 291,355 Accounting 96,600 100,820 4,220 104% 340,000 239,180
Legislative 73,333 68,000 (5,333) 93% 220,000 152,000
Other consultants 244,300 214,787 (29,513) 88% 535,000 320,213 Industry memberships and dues 295,578 317,683 22,105 107% 888,000 570,317 Program implementation 2,256,753 815,735 (1,441,018) 36% 6,481,000 5,665,265 Total current expenditures 81,165,384 42,242,191 (38,923,193) 52% 268,409,000 226,166,809
OTHER USES
Capital outlay 1,940,667 404,174 (1,536,493) 21% 7,022,000 6,617,826 Total expenditures, other uses 83,106,051 42,646,365 (40,459,686) 51% 275,431,000 232,784,635 Net increase (decrease) in available fund balance 10,436,394 $ 57,937,062 $ 47,500,668 $ (30,724,000) $ (88,661,062) $ * Represents sales of approximately 667,000 MWh for 2025/26 YTD actual.
RESERVES
Balance - as of
June 30, 2025
Long-Term
Targeted
% of Long-Term
Target
Reserves and Rate Stabilization Funds 324,252,000 $ 267,909,000 $ 121% See accountants' compilation report.
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SONOMA CLEAN POWER AUTHORITY
BUDGETARY COMPARISON SCHEDULE - OPERATING FUND (CONTINUED)
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE IN AVAILABLE FUND BALANCE
TO CHANGE IN NET POSITION
Four Months Ended October 31, 2025
Net increase (decrease) in available fund balance
per budgetary comparison schedule: $ 57,937,062
Adjustments needed to reconcile to the
changes in net position in the
Statement of Revenues, Expenses
and Changes in Net Position:
Subtract depreciation expense
Add back capital asset acquisitions
Change in net position $
(477,080)
404,174
57,864,156
See accountants' compilation report.
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Staff Report – Item 03
To: Sonoma Clean Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Ryan Tracey, Chief Strategy Officer
Geof Syphers, Chief Executive Officer
Miles Horton, Legislative Policy & Community Engagement Manager Claudia Sisomphou, Director of Community & Governmental Relations Issue: Receive Geothermal Opportunity Zone Update
Date: January 8, 2026
Background
The Geothermal Opportunity Zone (GeoZone) is SCP’s initiative to secure affordable, reliable clean energy for our customers by building 600 megawatts of new geothermal power capacity in Sonoma and Mendocino Counites. This will eventually enable SCP to phase out its dependence on natural gas power plants for reliability. The Community Advisory Committee (Committee) meetings are a regularly scheduled public forum for the community to receive updates and provide input on the GeoZone. The updates provided to the Committee each month, and minutes from any discussion are posted on SCP’s website at https://sonomacleanpower.org/geozone-public-updates. Staff incorporate any feedback received from the Committee presentation into the monthly updates to the Board of Directors.
Additional background on the GeoZone can be found on the GeoZone webpage at https://sonomacleanpower.org/geozone.
Partner Updates
At the beginning of December, SCP’s GeoZone partner Eavor announced first electricity production at their facility in Geretsreid, Germany (link to press release). Eavor’s commissioning of its project in Geresreid represents a major technical accomplishment—and demonstrates the viability of the closed-loop technology Eavor anticipates deploying in the GeoZone. As discussed in last month’s update, Eavor benefitted from learning throughout the project—with noticeable improvements in drilling efficiency. Increasing drilling efficiency and reducing well cost will be critical to unlocking the commercial viability of Eavor’s technology in the GeoZone.
Eavor’s success in Germany was also covered in an article by the Wall Street Journal (link to article), which includes a clear schematic on how closed-loop technology works. Staff are 21 of 41
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currently working with Eavor on updating a feasibility study for Eavor’s technology in the GeoZone, which will incorporate lessons learned from Geretsreid and other industry players, as well as evaluating site control strategies—both of which represent milestones in Eavor’s cooperation agreement for this year.
Staff organized a half-day workshop in late December to establish a strategy for expanding SCP’s commercial relationships for the GeoZone following the termination of the Cyrq and Chevron agreements. Staff anticipate having an update to share on the GeoZone strategy in the first quarter of 2026.
Transmission Planning
In November, California Independent System Operator (CAISO) previewed policy-driven policy transmission upgrades for the 2025-26 Transmission Planning Process (TPP) it will approve in May 2026. The proposed upgrades did not include the strategic backbone upgrades that are currently limiting interconnection capacity in the GeoZone—and more broadly across all Northern California. SCP submitted comments (link to comments) emphasizing the importance of upgrades in Northern California, and asking for more detailed justification why CAISO does not yet see a necessity to address these regional constraints. Staff are also meeting with CAISO, CPUC, and PG&E to push for a more expansive transmission portfolio and exploring legislative options to implement the decision-making under uncertainty process demonstrated by SCP’s research with Princeton’s ZERO Lab to justify increased infrastructure investment.
Grant Funding & Research
The grant application package for Sonoma County’s proactive geothermal grant has been finalized and will be included in the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) January business meeting. Following CEC approval, SCP will be working closely with Sonoma County on initiating activities funded by the grant.
Agency Goals
The GeoZone activities are directly related to the 2026 agency goal to continue progress on the GeoZone, which SCP sees as a key initiative in supporting deployment of technology that will be critical to meeting long-term climate goals, addressing affordability, and providing reliability while creating local economic opportunities.
Attachments
None.
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Staff Report – Item 04
To: Sonoma Clean Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Stephanie Reynolds, Director of Internal Operations Mike Koszalka, Chief Operating Officer
Issue: Receive Internal Operations Report and Provide Direction as Appropriate
Date: January 8, 2026
A FOND FAREWELL
Scott Lawrence, SCP’s Senior Commercial Accounts Manager, will retire effective January 8, 2026. Scott joined SCP in October 2019 and has spent more than six years helping our largest commercial customers save energy and reduce costs.
Before Scott arrived, SCP had explored partnering with vendors to develop a rate analysis tool, with proposals coming in at more than a million dollars. Instead, Scott independently built our commercial rate analysis tool within his first six months. He later expanded this work to include residential and agricultural rate analysis tools.
These resources help determine whether customers are on the most appropriate rate and identify alternative options they may qualify for. Over the past several years, these tools have saved customers hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Scott has been a valued colleague and friend throughout his time at SCP, and he will be greatly missed. We wish him all the best in his newest role as a grandfather.
NEW BUILDING UPDATE
Construction continues at our new office space, next to the business office at 421 E Street in Santa Rosa. A very much needed new roof, skylights and other repairs have been completed. The interior has been cleared of hazardous materials and is tentatively scheduled to be completed in Spring 2026. Here is a before and current photo of the primary work area.
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CUSTOMER ENERGY SOLUTIONS
Energy Savings Box – Survey and Participation Results
Launched in September 2024, the Energy Savings Box provides free, easy-to-use products that help customers save energy and reduce their bills. An Energy Savings Box comes with six LED bulbs, an advanced power strip, a smart outlet, and weatherproofing solutions for doors and windows. This kit, valued at approximately 24 of 41
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$100, also includes a detailed instructional booklet, QR code links to English and Spanish installation videos.
Over 1,700 branded boxes have been mailed to customers’ homes. Survey feedback remains overwhelmingly positive, with 97% saying they would recommend the Energy Savings Box to friends and family.
Based on deployed kits and reported utilization from survey feedback, Energy Savings Boxes will contribute an average of $677 in lifetime bill savings per customer, and $1,525,000 in lifetime bill savings for all participants. Additionally, deployed kits have reduced lifetime greenhouse gas emissions by over 200 tons.
To better target our underserved communities, SCP created a tote bag version of this offering. In 2025, staff distributed 200 totes through local partner organizations, including the Laytonville Family Resource Center, Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority, California Indian Museum and Cultural Center, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and County of Sonoma Energy and Sustainability.
Additionally, SCP staff attended events hosted by Redwood Empire Food Bank to distribute Energy Savings Boxes. Through the food distribution events, staff distributed 60 Energy Savings Boxes to attendees. Outreach and marketing efforts will continue through 2026, with pre-built kits ready to ship to customers.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Community Advisory Committee – January 15, 2026
Board of Directors – February 5, 2026
Community Advisory Committee – February 19, 2026
Board of Directors – March 5, 2026
AGENCY GOALS
This Internal Operations update, which is provided monthly to the Board of Directors and Community Advisory Committee provides background on how all SCP staff support several Agency Goals; such as taking actions to protect customers, working on outreach to underrepresented communities, and maintaining a strong credit rating.
We work to support our Board, Committee and all internal staff in their various work to 25 of 41
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provide programs, process accounts, maintain facilities, educate staff and customers, and work to serve all customers in our territories.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
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Staff Report – Item 05
To: Sonoma Clean Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Neal Reardon, Director of Regulatory Affairs
Miles Horton, Legislative Policy & Community Engagement Manager Geof Syphers, Chief Executive Officer
Issue: Receive Legislative and Regulatory Updates, Approve Legislative Positions, and Provide Direction as Appropriate
Date: January 8, 2026
Requested Action
Receive legislative and regulatory updates, approve legislative positions, and provide direction as appropriate.
Regulatory Updates
California Public Utilities Commission Approves Decision Reducing Utility Shareholder Returns
On December 18th, the California Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved a Proposed Decision to reduce the rate of return IOU shareholders earn. Specifically, the Decision retained the same capital structure as in the 2023 Cost of Capital cycle but reduced the Cost of Common Equity by 35 basis points. It denied the 11.3% shareholder return that PG&E sought, which represented a significant increase from prior years. PG&E's Return on Equity (ROE) is 9.93% with a corresponding Return on Return (ROR) of 7.59%. This is slightly higher than the average ROE of us utilities, which was 9.78% and 9.65% for electric and gas utilities, respectively.
Intervenors applied a range of common financial models to assess ROE, including the Capital Asset Pricing Model, Risk Premium Model, and Discounted Cash Flow Model.
The proposed ROE derived by each intervenor is shown below. 27 of 41
TURN and the Public Advocates Office - both charged with intervening to ensure affordable rates - proposed significantly higher ROEs than many other stakeholders.
For context, had the Commission adopted Sierra Club’s proposed ROE of 6.22%, PG&E customers would have saved approximately $13 billion per year.
California Public Utilities Commission Rejects Request to End Ivanpah Solar Contract CPUC Resolution E-5429 denied PG&E’s request to cease purchasing energy from the Ivanpah Solar facility in 2026. The utility had filed an Advice Letter in January of 2025 which detailed its plans to end its use of the facility. Ivanpah, a Concentrated Thermal Solar Power project developed with a loan guarantee made by the Obama administration, began delivering energy in 2014. Though it overcame initial operational challenges, the facility was not cost effective nor necessary for grid reliability, according to PG&E.
Following Decision 21-05-030 to reduce uneconomic resources in the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment portfolio to the benefit of all customers, PG&E issued a request for interest from developers interested in pursuing early termination of contracts. In the subsequent Advice Letter, PG&E noted that ending the contracts for Ivanpah would save both bundled and CCA customers money. The estimated savings from terminating two contracts in 2026 instead of relying on them through 2039 were calculated net of payments made to the developer in exchange for early termination.
Despite support for PG&E’s proposal from CalCCA and the Federal Department of Energy, the Commission approved the resolution denying the termination without any discussion at the December 4, 2025, meeting.
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CPUC to Incorporate Joint CCA Advocacy in Developing Decarbonization Zones Sonoma Clean Power is leading Joint Community Choice Aggregator coalition efforts in the CPUC’s Senate Bill 1221 proceeding (R.24-09-012) to advocate for a fair, data-driven, and customer-led SB 1221 Pilot Program. The Joint CCAs continue to make progress and garner significant support from the CPUC and other parties in this proceeding. In the last few weeks, the Commission directly cited the Joint CCA comments and adopted multiple key recommendation from the Joint CCA group, including:
Maintaining potential project sites within SCP’s service area and keeping a strong focus on protecting customers and vulnerable communities. Directing gas utilities to directly consult with local governments, tribal governments, electric utilities and community organizations during the project selection process.
Identifying the need for an equitable, accessible, and consistent SB 1221 pilot program design grounded in robust stakeholder engagement and customer benefits.
As background, this proceeding, following the passage of Senate Bill 1221 (Min, 2025) directs the utilities to begin planning for targeted decarbonization of specific neighborhoods by replacing gas infrastructure with increased electrical capacity.
Specifically, the legislation requires the utilities to identify and propose 30 pilot projects by 2026. Each pilot intends to gain customer buy-in and voluntarily transition 67% of customer accounts within the project area from gas to all-electric service.
Reaching this benchmark relieves the Gas Utility of its “obligation to serve” natural gas to the participating region in the future; ending the obligation to serve does not mean that gas is shut off to the neighborhood, but instead that gas service can legally and permanently end when gas infrastructure reaches its end of useful life.
All 2025 comment windows are now closed for this proceeding; efforts will resume early 2026. The CPUC is currently expected to adopt a program framework by July 1, 2026. Successful completion of Senate Bill 1221 pilots would represent a major step toward understanding the feasibility of and methodologies required to facilitate larger-scale gas system retirements.
Legislative Updates
Sonoma Clean Power staff have developed several ideas for legislation to sponsor in Sacramento in 2026 to advance our goals of protecting ratepayers and supporting solutions to our climate crisis. To date, Sonoma Clean Power has sponsored four bills in the California Legislature (more than every other individual CCA in California 29 of 41
combined). Two of these bills have been signed into law (AB 1359 (Papan) of 2024 & AB 531 (Rogers) of 2025), one was vetoed (AB 527 (Papan) of 2025), and one was killed in the legislative appropriations process (AB 526 (Papan) of 2025).
Sonoma Clean Power staff would like to recommend sponsoring the following ideas in 2026. All of these ideas advance important climate solutions (including increasing the supply of “clean firm” power and expanding transmission capacity) while also lowering ratepayer costs. This is not necessarily a complete list, and more ideas may come to the fore before the deadline to introduce legislation in late February:
Another attempt to exempt geothermal exploration wells meeting a high standard of environmental and labor protections from review under the California Environmental Quality Act. Federal policy already exempts these types of wells from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act, putting California at a significant competitive disadvantage. This bill would be similar to AB 527, which was vetoed.
Securing roughly $40-50 million in funding through the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for new geothermal exploration wells in areas of California that have great potential for next-generation geothermal development, including Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. The goal would be to develop better geologic data for these areas and lower the risk of future geothermal development, similar to how the federal government’s “Utah FORGE” project galvanized new development in that region. Legislation to revamp the transmission planning process in California to produce a more flexible, adaptable system that can lower ratepayer costs over the long term and allow faster interconnection of new renewable energy resources. This is based off of the research that SCP and Peninsula Clean Energy sponsored through Princeton University’s ZERO Lab.
Agency Goals
This item aligns with several agency goals. The achievement of Goals 3 & 4 (reducing reliance on natural gas power, including through development of “clean firm” power sources like geothermal as part of our GeoZone effort) is heavily reliant on statutory changes that make it more straightforward and cost-effective to build new geothermal power plants in California. Goal 10 (continuing to develop Sonoma Clean Power’s leadership on transmission planning in a manner that advances ratepayer affordability and climate progress) will also be served by advancing transmission planning legislation in 2026.
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Community Advisory Committee Review
On December 18, 2025, the Community Advisory Committee provided positive feedback on this legislative agenda, with direction to move forward on all three proposals.
Attachments
None.
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Staff Report – Item 06
To: Sonoma Clean Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Rebecca Simonson, Director of Capital Projects & Engineering Issue: Approve and Delegate Authority to the Chief Executive Officer or his Designee to Negotiate Final Terms and Execute an Agreement for Professional Services with US Solar Construction Management, LLC through May 1, 2027, with a Not-To-Exceed Amount of $960,081 to Provide Design Services for the Ukiah Superfund Solar + Battery Project
Date: January 8, 2026
Requested Action
Approve and delegate authority to the CEO or their designee to negotiate final terms and execute an agreement for professional services with US Solar Construction Management, LLC (“US Solar”) through May 1, 2027, with a not-to-exceed amount of $960,081, to provide design services for the Ukiah Superfund Solar + Battery Project (“Project”).
Background
In February 2025, in accordance with SCP Purchasing Policy for Local Energy Projects C.5, SCP staff consulted with Board Chair Barnacle, Vice Chair Elward, and Director Haschak to provide a binding offer on a piece of property south of Ukiah for the purpose of developing a local renewable energy asset. The offer was accepted after negotiations and SCP executed a Purchase and Sale Agreement on June 10, 2025.
The Agreement includes an option period that expires on December 31, 2027. The option period allows time for SCP to confirm feasibility for land use zoning and PG&E interconnection. If feasible, SCP intends to purchase the property and construct, own, and operate a solar and battery energy storage system (“BESS”) on the site.
The property is unusual as it is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) Superfund site, historically contaminated by hazardous waste from a former wood 32 of 41
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treatment facility. Superfund sites exist across the country because hazardous materials were improperly managed, creating risks to human health and the environment. In response to these risks, Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act in 1980, commonly known as Superfund. The Superfund program’s goals are to clean up contaminated sites, hold responsible parties accountable, involve communities in the process, and return land to productive use.
This site was placed on the Superfund list in 1983. The wood treatment facility ceased operations in 2018, and extensive remediation has occurred since then, including removal of 8,200 tons of contaminated soil and groundwater treatment to address hexavalent chromium, arsenic, and copper. The EPA deemed the site “ready for reuse” in August 2020, though ongoing monitoring and occasional treatment will continue by the current responsible party. Even if SCP purchases the site, SCP will not be responsible for ongoing remediation or monitoring but must allow access for these activities and follow strict soil management protocols during construction.
Because of contamination history, the site is subject to covenant restrictions that limit what purposes the land can be used for. This land cannot be used for residential, schools, hospitals, or other habitable purposes. Industrial uses, such as renewable energy infrastructure, are permitted. Repurposing this land for clean energy is a strong public benefit as it transforms a previously unusable property into a source of local renewable power and grid resilience.
SCP has completed a PG&E Pre-application Interconnection Study on the property and the results are favorable for a 1.5 MW solar + 4-8MWh BESS, however a complete Interconnection Application with electrical design is required for PG&E to formally study and approve.
Discussion
This contract scope includes design, permitting, interconnection, CAISO market integration, and project management for the development of a solar + BESS project at 3150 Taylor Dr, Ukiah CA. The system size will be up to 1.5MW ac solar PV and a 4- 8 MWh BESS.
The scope and cost of the agreement are final, along with nearly all terms. However, the amount of insurance and liability are not yet final. This item asks the Committee to recommend the Board authorize the CEO to finalize negotiation on those terms and 33 of 41
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any other administrative details. This allows the project to proceed early in 2026 rather than delaying the start by a month.
SCP issued a Request for Proposals from our List of Qualified Solar and Battery Developers on June 26, 2025. SCP received one response from United Sates Solar Corporation (US Solar) and based on the quality and thoroughness of their proposal, they were selected.
The US Solar team has experience with developing solar on Superfund sites, has a local lead developer in Petaluma, and has experience delivering solar and storage projects in PG&E territory. Over the last 10 years, US Solar has completed over 120 individual distribution scale projects throughout the country, which includes over 200 MW of 1 – 10 MW projects.
The contract scope is phased, to allow SCP to determine whether to move forward at significant milestones. The phases are as follows:
Phase I: Design work required to obtain an interconnection agreement with PG&E, as well as all relevant environmental analysis and documentation to obtain zoning and land use approvals from the County of Mendocino.
Phase II: Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal for construction.
Phase III: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), which would require a future amendment and separate Board approval. The current contract term and dollar value do not include Phase III services.
Fiscal Impact
The agreement is for US Solar design services for the Project with a not-to-exceed amount of $960,081 through May 1, 2027. The projected contract annual fees are within the Board approved FY2025/2026 budget and will be included in the FY2026/2027 budget proposal.
The not-to-exceed amount includes:
• Phase I: Design services necessary for PG&E interconnection and land use zoning approval
• Phase II: Design services necessary to establish a Guaranteed Maximum Price for construction
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• An optional safe harbor amount of $200,000 to allow SCP to purchase transformers before July 4, 2026 to qualify for Investment Tax Credit (“ITC”) direct pay of up to 40% of project costs. This option will only be exercised if SCP is confident that the project is feasible and meets the IRS requirements for ITC direct pay.
• A contingency for Additional Services that may arise during the course of design that were not anticipated in the scoping of the contract.
Future years of the agreement will remain contingent on the SCP Board of Directors’ approval of the following fiscal year budgets.
Any costs associated with construction services for this project will be brought back to the Board for review and approval.
Agency Goals
This contract addresses SCP Board of Directors Goals for 2026, specifically Item 5:
Complete the initial phase of at least 3 local investments with the purpose of generating revenues to lower ratepayer costs over time. This project will result in a local clean energy generation asset that will produce CAISO settlement revenues and reduce energy costs for SCP.
Community Advisory Committee Review
This item was taken to the December 18, 2025, Community Advisory Committee meeting. The Committee voted unanimously to recommend the requested action for this item.
Attachments
Attachment A – Agreement with US Solar, available at this link or by request of the Board.
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Staff Report – Item 07
To: Sonoma Clean Power Authority Board of Directors
From: Scott Salyer, Senior Program Manager, Decarbonization Strategy Issue: Receive Update on Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s E-bike Commuter Grants Program
Date: January 8, 2026
Recommendation
Receive an update on Sonoma Clean Power’s E-bike Commuter Grants program and provide feedback on current and future similar efforts.
Background
Bike Electric
In 2021, Sonoma Clean Power launched Bike Electric, the first CCA e-bike program for low-income customers, which provided a $1,000 point-of-sale discount. Through that effort, 425 e-bikes were sold through local and online retailers.
The most significant program challenge faced was the ability for local retailers to stock more affordable models, due to COVID-related shipping delays. Overall, survey results were excellent, with 94% overall program satisfaction and very few issues with e-bikes breaking down or being resold by the owners.
However, survey results also indicated that many trips taken were for recreation or exercise, meaning that these uses were not reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT).
Additionally, only about 25% of all vouchers issued were redeemed.
These outcomes informed the pivot from broad consumer rebates to a grant-based offering more focused on commute miles and related emissions. 36 of 41
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Regional Partnerships and Infrastructure
SCP's 2024 Mobility & Transportation Community Needs Assessment found that over half of regular cyclists are unsatisfied with existing bike infrastructure (double the rate of non-cyclists).
In 2025, Sonoma County municipalities adopted countywide and local Active Transportation Plans, which set a vision for an "all ages and abilities" network, prioritizing separated bikeways, trail connections, and Safe Routes to School. The Go Sonoma Act dedicates over $5.3 million in FY25/26 for regional trails, corridor improvements, and citywide bicycle and pedestrian safety projects. Meanwhile, the Transportation Development Act’s Article 3 allocated an additional $1.5 million for trail extensions and “road diets” (reducing the number of car lanes and expanding bicycle and pedestrian rights of way).
In Mendocino County, the 2026 Regional Transportation and Active Transportation Plan, scheduled for adoption this month, identifies priority corridors for Complete Streets upgrades, Safe Routes to School enhancements, and Great Redwood Trail development.
Community organizations complement these investments. The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition expanded Safe Routes to School programming to over 60 schools and launched bilingual outreach. Redwood Bikeshare now operates 300 pedal-assist e-bikes at 60 hubs along the SMART corridor, including an SCP-sponsored station across from our Customer Center on Fourth Street in Santa Rosa. These efforts by local governments and community partners help create conditions where SCP's e-bike programs can succeed.
Discussion
E-bike Commuter Grants
SCP’s E-bike Commuter Grants opened to applications in March 2024, with selections issued in June of the same year. The ten approved grantees included five businesses, three public agencies, and two non-profit organizations. Of these, two are located in SCP Empower communities. Two individual commuters also received small grants to purchase e-bikes. In total, about $176,000 of funding was reserved for grant-approved activities.
These grants provided funding of up to $20,000 per organization for e-bikes, accessories like helmets and locks, raffle prizes for participating riders, and more. A 37 of 41
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strength of the design was that the funding could be tailored to each organization’s needs. And the grant format allowed SCP to prioritize employers with low- and moderate-income commuters.
Throughout 2025, grantees have been setting up their pilot programs, purchasing bikes, and enrolling commuters. SCP staff also held a kick-off event with each organization to meet the commuters, answer questions about SCP and the program, and offer a safety training class from Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition.
Grantees
Brooktrails Township Community Services District in Mendocino County is deploying their 12 e-bikes for completing routine tasks, such as reading water meters and fulfilling service calls without the use of a gas vehicle. Greenacre Homes and School, an educational and care non-profit for youth, use their bikes to commute between campuses and teach students e-bike maintenance skills.
Rebuilding Together Petaluma purchased a pair of three-wheeled e-trikes for graduates of their Back to Work employment program to conduct tree planting and graffiti abatement.
Additional grantees include Imagination Station Preschool in Willits, VCA Animal Care Center of Sonoma County, and Open Door Insurance in Occidental.
The grantees provide quarterly updates to SCP over a two-year reporting period following initial purchase of their e-bike fleet. Follow-up surveys are being sent to participating riders one year into the grant period.
Preliminary Results
Preliminary program results indicate that new riders are being introduced to e-bikes, vehicle miles are being replaced with zero-emission e-bike miles, and that participant organizations are demonstrating diverse applications for this transportation strategy.
Additionally, the grants have provided an opportunity to strengthen SCP’s relationships with commercial customers, while providing a tangible benefit to their employees.
Over $129,000 has been distributed to grantees to date, with e-bike purchases making up 85% of total spending. The bulk of the remaining funds is reserved for repair and maintenance needs.
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Miles Replaced - Quarterly 4.2K
4K
3.0K
JK
2K 1.6K
1.3K
1K 0.6K
OK
2024-OJ
-
2024-04 2025-01 2025-02 2025-QJ
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These grants have facilitated the purchase of 44 new electric bikes, with a total of 82 participating riders. Enrollment data shows that most of these commuters are low-to-moderate income individuals. As of September 2025, the grant’s e-bike fleet had replaced over 10,000 vehicle miles.
Through quarterly reporting, staff found that commuting miles decreased over the winter months, especially in rural areas where wet road conditions made riding less safe (see Figure 1). This figure also shows increasing quarterly mileage during 2025 as more organizations purchased e-bikes and enrolled commuters.
Figure 1: Quarterly Vehicle Miles Replaced
Early lessons learned include recognizing the difficulty some organizations had in meeting the grantee insurance requirements (especially non-profits and smaller businesses). On a case-by-case basis, SCP provided $2,000 start-up bonuses to alleviate administrative burdens associated with the grant.
Another finding was the need for access to secure, on-site bike storage, an issue that is more prominent for fleet bikes stored overnight. To that end, VCA Animal Care Center used a significant portion of their funding to purchase a secure outdoor storage solution.
Unexpectedly, though the program was designed to provide up-front funding based on milestones, almost all grantees elected to receive reimbursements to simplify their internal accounting procedures.
Next Steps and Considerations
SCP’s Customer Energy Solutions staff will be collecting rider surveys and organizational feedback as each grantee reaches the end of one year of activity. 39 of 41
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These results, along with the department’s Strategic Action Plan priorities, will be used to inform SCP’s future e-bike offerings.
In the initial stages, the team is considering a second round of workplace commuting funding based on the initial results and strong community interest. Other emerging ideas include an expanded individual commuter program, finding a way to provide charging and storage infrastructure for multifamily buildings, or vouchers connected to existing bikeshare and commuting resources.
On-bill financing (OBF) is not currently under consideration. Through previous experience, SCP found that managing these types of micro-loans was labor intensive, carried a significant risk for defaults, and is much better suited to traditional banking institutions. However, SCP is actively exploring how such micro-loans could be administered by regional banks for multiple purposes, such as to finance heat pump water and space heaters, as well as e-bikes.
Among the priorities for any future offering will be ensuring that equity remains central, vehicle miles are being replaced, and emissions from commuting are a primary focus.
Fiscal Impact
None
Agency Goals
This item supports agency Goal #2 (Continue to Advance Equity) by helping lower income individuals and organizations located in Empower communities to access the cost, health, and mobility benefits of electric bikes.
Community Advisory Committee Review
Staff presented the question below to the Community Advisory Committee to solicit feedback on the direction of future electric bike efforts. Although a formal vote was not taken on the matter, the Committee members expressed broad support for the proposed priorities.
Does the Community Advisory Committee agree that the main priorities of SCP’s future e-bike efforts should be those below?
1. Serving SCP’s equity customers and communities
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2. Introducing electric bikes to new riders
3. Targeting commuting miles and emissions
Attachments
Attachment 1 – E-bike Commuter Grants Update PowerPoint Presentation available at this link
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