Costa Mesa, California, September 6, 2025
News Summary
The Costa Mesa City Council has voted to draft an ordinance for enrolling local ratepayers in the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) community choice aggregation program, despite concerns about its management. Established in 2020, OCPA aims to enhance renewable energy use and lower costs for consumers. The ordinance will be discussed further on October 7, with services expected to start around March 2027 if approved. The council members expressed the need for detailed analyses before making a final decision, highlighting the importance of benefiting local residents.
Costa Mesa, California – The Costa Mesa City Council took a significant step towards joining the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) by voting 5-2 to draft an ordinance aimed at enrolling local ratepayers in a community choice aggregation (CCA) program. This decision comes amid a backdrop of skepticism regarding the management and operational practices of the OCPA.
The OCPA, established in 2020, focuses on enhancing renewable energy use and potentially reducing energy costs for customers. Membership in the OCPA allows member cities to control decisions related to the quantity of renewable energy procured, setting of rates, and directing surplus revenue towards community energy programs and sustainability initiatives.
In July, the Costa Mesa City Council took initial steps by permitting the OCPA to analyze the city’s energy load data from Southern California Edison (SCE) to determine the feasibility of joining their program. This analysis was presented to the council on Tuesday by OCPA’s chief executive, Joe Mosca.
Currently, OCPA’s operating reserves stand at a healthy 16%, with projections indicating an increase to 30% in the coming year. Since the launch of community choice aggregation in California in 2002, the state has seen 25 CCAs serving approximately 14 million customers, which constitutes 26% of the overall energy load in California.
Costa Mesa, with 50,558 customers, reported a total energy usage of 631,172 megawatt-hours between 2023 and 2024. The estimated revenues from Costa Mesa for OCPA are projected at $75.1 million by the fiscal year 2027-28, while operating expenses are forecasted to reach $64.1 million.
If Costa Mesa chooses to proceed with OCPA, an official board vote is required for membership by December, with services expected to commence by March 2027. Current participating cities in OCPA include Irvine, Buena Park, and Fullerton, and Fountain Valley is anticipated to join by October 2026.
Notably, Buena Park has achieved a significant reduction in carbon emissions—over 350 million pounds—since joining OCPA, which is the equivalent of removing approximately 38,000 gas-powered vehicles from the roads.
Despite these positive outcomes, concerns about the OCPA persist. Recent departures of cities like Huntington Beach and Orange County from the authority raise alarms, particularly after audits indicated potential issues with management and financial practices. The OCPA has faced criticism for its engagement with other cities regarding the misleading presentation of rates and plan options.
During the council meeting, members expressed apprehension regarding OCPA’s troubled history, which includes leadership changes and complaints of bypassing procurement regulations. Councilman Don Harper voiced concerns over the independence of the feasibility studies conducted by OCPA.
The proposed ordinance will undergo further discussion at the upcoming council meeting scheduled for October 7, where community energy goals and various options will be evaluated. Mayor Pro Tem Chavez highlighted the importance of reducing energy costs for residents and raised the question of having an opt-out clause if expected savings do not materialize.
As the council deliberates, members are likely to seek additional data and conduct independent analyses to ensure a thorough decision-making process regarding participation in the OCPA program.
FAQ
What is the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA)?
The OCPA is a community choice aggregation program established in 2020 to increase the use of renewable energy in Orange County and potentially lower energy rates for consumers.
What does membership in OCPA entail for Costa Mesa residents?
If Costa Mesa joins OCPA, it will control renewable energy purchasing, set energy rates, and direct any surplus revenue toward community energy programs and sustainability projects.
What concerns have been raised regarding the OCPA?
There are concerns about OCPA’s management practices and financial audits, particularly following the exit of other cities from the program and accusations of misrepresenting rate information.
When would Costa Mesa’s membership in OCPA begin if approved?
Should Costa Mesa proceed with joining OCPA, membership needs to be voted on by December, with service potentially starting in March 2027.
Key Features of Costa Mesa’s Potential Membership in OCPA
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 2020 |
| Current Reserves | 16% of operating costs |
| Projected Reserves Next Year | 30% |
| Total Energy Usage (2023-2024) | 631,172 megawatt-hours |
| Projected Revenue from Costa Mesa (2027-28) | $75.1 million |
| Projected Operating Expenses (2027-28) | $64.1 million |
| Current Member Cities | Irvine, Buena Park, Fullerton |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Leaning Towards Joining O.C. Power Authority
- Google Search: Costa Mesa Orange County Power Authority
- Orange County Register: Costa Mesa Considering Green Power Agency
- Wikipedia: Costa Mesa, California
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Explores Joining OCPA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Choice Aggregation
- Los Angeles Times: O.C. Supervisors Pull Out of OCPA
- Google News: Orange County Power Authority
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