Orange County Power Authority
 | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 2021 |
| Type | Community Choice Aggregation |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Orange County, California |
| Agency executive | |
| Website | https://www.ocpower.org/ |
The Orange County Power Authority (abbreviated to OCPA) is a joint municipal power authority currently serving Buena Park, Irvine, Fullerton. It is a community choice aggregation authority, purchasing power on behalf of ratepayers, while Southern California Edison operates local transmission infrastructure and billing.[2]
It currently procures renewable electricity from solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass sources, and non-renewable energy from nuclear and fossil gas sources. Three energy rates are provided, "100% Renewable", "Smart Choice" at 72% renewable, and "Basic Choice" at 44% renewable.[3]
History
[edit]In 2019, the Irvine City Council voted unanimously to consider forming a CCE authority with other cities. In 2021, Irvine approved the creation of the Orange County Power Authority. In 2022, Irvine and Buena Park approved the default use of 100% renewable energy for their ratepayers, while Fullerton selected 70%. Service began for commercial customers in April 2022 and residential customers in October 2022.[2]
In February 2023, the California State Auditor conducted an audit, highlighting lack of board oversight and qualified staff, and the loss of customers, and poor administrative processes. 3 other audits were conducted with similar results. In April 2023, the board of the power authority fired CEO Brian Probolsky in a split vote after audits found Probolsky approved $1.8 million in contracts without board approval.[4] In May 2023, Huntington Beach voted to withdraw from the OC Power Authority, which was completed on July 1, 2024.[5]
The Power Authority completed its improvement plan following the recommendations, which included improving transparency and oversight, along with the hiring of more qualified personnel for power procurement and administration.[6] It also improved processes for reviewing contracting proposals to ensure fair bidding and track project completion. Joe Mosca was promoted from interim CEO to CEO in March 2024.[7]
Costa Mesa is considering joining the OC Power Authority.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "About Us". Orange County Power Authority. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
- ^ a b "Community Choice Energy & OCPA". City of Irvine. 2018-11-19. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ "Commercial Renewable Energy Plans - OCPA". Orange County Power Authority. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ Biesiada, Noah (2023-04-19). "Orange County Power Authority Fires Controversial CEO After Two Years of Unrest". Voice of OC. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ Biesiada, Noah (2024-10-08). "What is the Future of the Orange County Power Authority?". Voice of OC. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ "OCPA Improvement Plan". Orange County Power Authority. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
- ^ Brennan, Peter J. (2024-03-19). "OC Power Authority Names Permanent CEO". Orange County Business Journal. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Costa Mesa considering switching from Edison to green power agency". Orange County Register. 2024-07-19. Retrieved 2024-11-13.