LAKEPORT >> Residents and businesses in the unincorporated areas of the county may see a reduction in their electrical bill if a proposed program is approved and works as promised.
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors heard a presentation regarding the Community Choice Aggregation program by Santa Rosa-based California Clean Power. Resulting from the 2000 state energy crisis, the Community Choice Aggregation program was established to “give some competition and choice in the overall market which is dominated by utility companies such as PG&E,” Peter Rumble, CEO of California Clean Power, said.
“It really is taking control of where your power comes from,” Rumble explained.
According to Rumble, benefits of the program include at least 2 percent in rate decreases compared to PG&E; a 33 percent increase in renewable energy, which is five years ahead of a state mandates and $2 million in public benefit payments to the county.
The program would be on an opt-out basis, meaning residents would not have to participate in the program if they wanted.
Furthermore, the county will not be required to financially contribute.
“We have money allocated for a set population base right now,” Rumble explained. “But we want … to make sure that the first communities we work with stand up successfully and strong. That ensures we have sufficient capital in the bank to purchase power up front until revenues start to flow.”
“If we do a really good job at economizing our power purchasing and our daily operations, that is were we make our money for the company,” Rumble added.
The company is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, as well as Community Choice’s Public Utilities Commission.
Sonoma and Marin counties, as well as the city of Lancaster, have each implemented the program through various mean with success. However, each program took more than 10 years to implement because of challenges in financing, expertise and infrastructure.
“We now know what mistakes not to make, we know we don’t need to recreate the wheel,” Rumble said. “Within a handful of months, we can get a program up and running that is specific to you … and meets your priorities.”
If implemented, it would take between six to eight months to complete the program for Lake County.
As competitive bidding would not be in the public interest, the process will be waived. Additionally, California Clean Power is the only full-service provider in the market.
“There are plenty of consultants that can tell you how to start Community Choice,” Rumble said. “But we are the only company that, based on your direction and ownership of the program, make that a reality.”
District 3 Supervisor Jim Steele stated concerns with the feasibility study provided, as it was conducted by California Clean Power.
Steele also requested to continue the item, to allow time for public input through town hall meetings.
The remaining board members reached consensus to move forward, an ordinance approving the contract will be brought to the board for consideration during its May 26 meeting.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
