Costa Mesa, California, September 6, 2025
News Summary
The Costa Mesa City Council has voted 5-2 to draft an ordinance for joining the Orange County Power Authority, aiming for enhanced renewable energy usage and potential cost savings. This decision follows prior data analysis on energy consumption. The OCPA, established to promote renewable energy, could yield substantial financial benefits and help reduce carbon emissions in the region. However, concerns have been raised regarding operational transparency and past issues faced by OCPA, which the council plans to address in future discussions.
Costa Mesa, California – The Costa Mesa City Council has moved a step closer to potentially joining the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) by voting 5-2 in favor of drafting an ordinance aimed at enrolling local ratepayers in a community choice aggregation (CCA) program. This decision follows the council’s previous approval in July, allowing OCPA to analyze the city’s energy load data from Southern California Edison (SCE) to determine the feasibility of participating in the program.
The OCPA, which was established in 2020, aims to increase the use of renewable energy while possibly lowering customer rates. Members of the agency will have the authority to decide the amount of renewable energy purchased, set rates, and allocate any surplus revenue towards community energy initiatives and sustainability projects. The results of the energy load analysis were presented to the council by OCPA’s chief executive, Joe Mosca.
Currently, OCPA’s reserves account for 16% of operating costs, with projections indicating an increase to 30% by next year. Since the inception of CCAs in California in 2002, there are now 25 CCAs serving about 14 million customers, which represents 26% of the state’s total energy consumption. In Costa Mesa, there are approximately 50,558 customers who consumed 631,172 megawatt-hours of energy between 2023 and 2024.
The estimated revenue that OCPA could receive from Costa Mesa by the fiscal year 2027-28 is projected at $75.1 million, while operating expenses are anticipated to reach $64.1 million. In order for Costa Mesa to officially join OCPA, its city council must vote on membership by December so that service can commence by March 2027. Existing members of OCPA include Irvine, Buena Park, and Fullerton, with Fountain Valley expected to join by October 2026.
The effects of such programs have been notable; for instance, Buena Park has reported a reduction in carbon emissions by over 350 million pounds since joining OCPA, which is comparable to eliminating 38,000 gas-powered vehicles from the roads. However, some council members have expressed skepticism regarding OCPA’s operations. Concerns have been raised following the departures of Huntington Beach and Orange County, which highlighted audits questioning the management and financial practices of the agency.
Criticism has also been directed at OCPA for allegedly misrepresenting information about rates and options to other cities. Councilman Don Harper voiced particular concerns regarding the objectivity of the feasibility studies conducted by OCPA, which further complicated the council’s deliberations. As the city council weighs the decision to enroll in the program, it plans to continue discussions at the next meeting on October 7, where they will review community energy goals and evaluate various options.
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez emphasized the importance of addressing energy costs for residents and questioned the feasibility of including an opt-out clause if projected savings do not materialize. Council members are proceeding cautiously and may seek additional data and independent analysis as they consider their potential 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 that aims to increase renewable energy usage and lower utility costs for residents.
Why is Costa Mesa considering joining the OCPA?
Costa Mesa aims to enhance its use of renewable energy and explore potential cost savings for its residents by joining the OCPA, following an analysis of its energy load data.
What concerns have been raised regarding OCPA?
Skepticism surrounds OCPA due to issues such as management complaints, financial practices, and misrepresentation of rates to other cities.
When will the Costa Mesa City Council vote on the OCPA membership?
The council is expected to vote on membership by December for the service to commence in March 2027.
Key Features of OCPA and Costa Mesa’s Potential Membership
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment | 2020 |
| Costa Mesa Customers | 50,558 |
| Energy Usage | 631,172 megawatt-hours (2023-2024) |
| Projected OCPA Revenue from Costa Mesa | $75.1 million by 2027-28 |
| Operating Expenses | $64.1 million by 2027-28 |
| Existing OCPA Members | Irvine, Buena Park, Fullerton |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Leaning Toward Joining O.C. Power Authority
- Wikipedia: Costa Mesa, California
- Orange County Register: Costa Mesa Considering Switching to Green Power Agency
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Choice Aggregation
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Explores Joining Orange County Power Authority
- Google Search: Costa Mesa Orange County Power Authority
- Los Angeles Times: O.C. Supervisors Pull Out of OCPA
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
