Two more O.C. cities consider joining renewable energy programs
Two more Orange County cities are considering joining community choice energy programs to increase local use of renewable energy and potentially lower rates for residents.
San Clemente decided at a Tuesday night meeting to look into the feasibility of joining an existing community choice energy group. Also this week, Aliso Viejo discussed the energy programs during a study session meeting.
Community choice energy, or CCE, is at the forefront of a California energy revolution. More than 200 cities have adopted a CCE program as climate change continues to devastate with wildfires, drought and high temperatures.
As California begins exploring ways to become carbon neutral by 2035, cities are faced with quickly finding ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The issue has become all the more crucial following a report from the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which called climate change a “code red for humanity” that is already being felt across the world and will only continue to accelerate.
Orange County cities have for the last year been considering CCE programs as climate change has become a more important issue for residents. A Chapman University survey found this year that 79% of respondents consider the threat of climate change to be a serious problem.
CCE programs provide cities with an alternative to major energy providers like Southern California Edison, the energy titan serving most of Orange County and the region.
The proposed project is part of the U.S. military’s recognition of climate change and effort to reduce its carbon footprint while providing an alternate energy source during natural disasters.
Through a CCE, local governments can retain control of purchasing power, setting rates and collecting revenue, though the local utility still maintains the electrical grid. CCEs can choose to purchase more renewable energy sources, limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
The Orange County Power Authority is the first CCE in Orange County. It includes Huntington Beach, Buena Park, Fullerton and Irvine, which spearheaded the effort. Irvine and Fullerton agreed to form the O.C. Power Authority in late November. Irvine has agreed to fund the program through 2022.
Buena Park, Lake Forest and Huntington Beach joined the O.C. Power Authority in December. Other cities have expressed interest in potentially joining the CCE. The Lake Forest City Council chose to drop out of the authority earlier this year. That decision sparked controversy as Voice of OC reported that the mayor has connections to Southern California Gas Co.
The Laguna Beach City Council voted last month to pursue joining a CCE, but it’s considering options outside the O.C. Power Authority.
During the city meeting, San Clemente officials seemed to favor the north San Diego Clean Energy Alliance over the power authority.
City Manager Erik Sund mentioned that the O.C. Power Authority has faced scrutiny for transparency issues and high staff salaries. Sund commended the energy alliance for not prematurely hiring permanent staff.
In recent weeks, the O.C. Power Authority has also drawn criticism for how committed it is to renewable energy and the qualifications of its chief executive Brian Probolsky.
“We should note too that the rates were actually lower than regular rates,” Councilman Chris Duncan said of the energy alliance. “They don’t have the drama, and they’re also [San Diego Gas & Electric], so they’re a more natural fit anyway.”
San Clemente already receives power from San Diego Gas & Electric. Duncan agendized the item with the support of Mayor Kathleen Ward.
With the council’s support, the city will pay a consultant $5,000 to study the feasibility and then present the findings to the council in four to six weeks.
Following a study session, the Aliso Viejo City Council decided to have council members email questions to CCE programs. Once the council receives answers, the city will choose how to move forward, whether that be holding another study session or agendizing a vote on the issue. Council members were given a deadline of a month to send their questions.
San Clemente and Aliso Viejo drew favor from notable environmentalist voices in the community.
In a letter addressed to the San Clemente City Council, Ayn Craciun, a policy advocate with the local Climate Action Campaign, praised San Clemente for its consideration of joining a CCE and urged it to join a group that offers 100% renewable energy, promotes transparency and demonstrates good government practices.
“San Clemente has a unique opportunity to lead South County cities toward a clean energy future,” Craciun wrote. “We urge the city to have proactive conversations with CCEs in the region and join the regional movement to 100% clean energy.”
UC Irvine professor Kathleen Treseder, who co-founded the group O.C. Clean Power, also thanked Aliso Viejo in a letter addressed to the council for considering joining a CCE and recommended that the city not join the O.C. Power Authority due to lack of faith in the group’s leadership.
“In the meanwhile, a number of other CCE programs are available to Aliso Viejo, such as the Clean Energy Alliance, San Diego Community Power and the Clean Power Alliance,” she wrote.
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