Costa Mesa leaders are considering switching energy providers for the city and joining the Orange County Power Authority.
The City Council recently authorized the city to turn over energy data from Southern California Edison, the city’s current provider, in the coming months to the OCPA so it can study the financial impact of Costa Mesa making the switch.
Joining OCPA would see residential and commercial customers in Costa Mesa moved over to OCPA from SCE, though they would have the option to opt out of the change in provider.
OCPA is a green power agency formed in 2020 that focuses on buying renewable energy for its customers. The cities of Irvine, Fullerton and Buena Park are all a part of OCPA.
Costa Mesa in 2020 had considered joining the OCPA, but declined as the agency struggled with questions and criticism about its direction as it got established.
Councilmembers acknowledged previous struggles of the OCPA, but said they were willing to look at joining if it would provide benefits for ratepayers. The results of the study could be presented later this year.
“I’m willing to see this thing through, and I’m going to be very skeptical,” said Councilmember Loren Gameros.
Should the city join the OCPA, residents would have three energy plans to choose from with rising levels of renewable energy. The basic choice plan costs 3% less than what Southern California Edison charges and is 44% renewable. Two other plans offered have 72% renewable energy and 100%, but cost slightly more than SCE.
The power authority’s CEO, Joe Mosca, said it’d be up to the City Council to decide which plan is the default for commercial and residential customers. Mosca said the OCPA can deliver cheaper rates than SCE by being leaner and being a not-for-profit that reinvests its revenues.
Southern California Edison would still own and maintain the utility lines. Mosca said the OCPA largely buys wind, solar and battery power for its renewable energy.
Councilmember Don Harper voted against moving forward with the study, saying a feasibility study completed by the OCPA isn’t independent.
“It’s like having Verizon telling me, here’s my data, decide whether I should be a customer or not,” Harper said.
Huntington Beach was a part of the OCPA, but left this year after a City Council majority decided Edison was the better energy provider to have for its residents.
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