Costa Mesa, California, September 6, 2025
News Summary
The Costa Mesa City Council voted 5-2 to draft an ordinance for a community choice aggregation program, allowing local control over energy procurement. This move aims to boost renewable energy usage and lower energy costs for residents. The council plans to explore participation in the Orange County Power Authority while addressing concerns about operational practices and financial management. A feasibility study indicates significant potential savings and revenue from the program, with future discussions scheduled to assess community energy goals and options for residents.
Costa Mesa, California – The Costa Mesa City Council has voted 5-2 to proceed with drafting an ordinance that would potentially enroll local ratepayers into a community choice aggregation (CCA) program, aimed at enhancing renewable energy utilization in the city and possibly reducing overall energy costs for consumers. The council’s decision signals a step forward in exploring membership with the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA).
The OCPA, established in 2020, is designed to give local governments more control over energy procurement decisions, allowing them to purchase renewable energy, set customer rates, and allocate surplus funds towards community energy initiatives and sustainability projects. Currently, members of OCPA include cities such as Irvine, Buena Park, and Fullerton, with Fountain Valley expected to join by late 2026.
Prior to the council’s vote, a feasibility study was proposed to assess Costa Mesa’s energy consumption data, which was approved in July. The analysis, conducted by OCPA’s chief executive, Joe Mosca, was presented at a recent council meeting. This analysis indicated that Costa Mesa has about 50,558 customers, collectively consuming 631,172 megawatt-hours of energy between 2023 and 2024. OCPA projects an estimated revenue of $75.1 million from Costa Mesa’s participation by the fiscal year 2027-28, against operating costs estimated at $64.1 million.
OCPA reported that its financial reserves currently stand at 16% of its operating costs, which is expected to rise to approximately 30% in the next year. Since the inception of CCA legislation in California in 2002, there are now 25 CCAs serving approximately 14 million customers and accounting for 26% of the state’s total energy load.
Despite the potential benefits of joining OCPA, skepticism has emerged from some council members. Concerns have been raised regarding the operational practices of OCPA, especially following the recent exit of Huntington Beach and Orange County from the authority, which came after reports highlighted questionable management and financial practices. Critics have pointed to audits that examined the governance of OCPA and the misrepresentation of information concerning rates and plan options to other cities.
In the wake of these issues, Councilman Don Harper has voiced concerns regarding the credibility of feasibility studies performed by OCPA, further heightening caution among council members who are contemplating engagement with the organization. Moreover, the proposed ordinance will be revisited during the council meeting on October 7, where discussions will focus on community energy goals and the potential for an opt-out clause should the anticipated savings not be realized.
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez has emphasized the importance of reducing energy costs for residents, acknowledging the need for independent analysis to assess the viability of joining OCPA. The council is poised to gather additional data before making a final decision about full participation in the program.
As Costa Mesa weighs its options regarding the OCPA, the city will continue to explore ways to enhance energy sustainability while ensuring financial prudence for its residents.
FAQ
What is the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA)?
OCPA is a community choice aggregation (CCA) formed in 2020 to empower local governments to manage their own energy procurement, focusing on enhancing renewable energy use and providing potential cost savings to customers.
How many customers does Costa Mesa have?
Costa Mesa has approximately 50,558 customers who collectively used 631,172 megawatt-hours of energy between 2023 and 2024.
What are the projected revenues for OCPA from Costa Mesa?
Projected revenues for the OCPA from Costa Mesa are estimated to be $75.1 million by the fiscal year 2027-28.
What concerns do council members have regarding OCPA?
Council members have expressed skepticism concerning OCPA’s operational practices and recent leadership changes, with particular emphasis on the reliability of feasibility studies commissioned by the organization.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) | A program allowing local governments to procure energy from renewable sources, aiming to provide savings for residents. |
| Estimated Revenues | Projected at $75.1 million from Costa Mesa by 2027-28. |
| Operational Costs | Projected operating expenses are anticipated to be $64.1 million. |
| Current Members | OCPA includes cities like Irvine, Buena Park, and Fullerton. |
| Renewable Energy Goals | Provide options for communities to purchase renewable energy and invest surplus in local programs. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa joining OCPA
- Wikipedia: Community Choice Aggregation
- OC Register: Costa Mesa green power agency
- Google Search: Costa Mesa OCPA
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa OCPA feasibility
- Google Scholar: Costa Mesa OCPA renewable energy
- OC Register: Irvine threatens to leave OCPA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Costa Mesa OCPA
- Los Angeles Times: OC supervisors pull out of OCPA
- Google News: Costa Mesa power authority
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
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