Community Choice Energy & Orange County Power Authority

What is Community Choice Energy?

Community Choice Energy (CCE), also known as Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), has been operating in California since 2002 following passage of Assembly Bill 117. CCE programs enable local government control over energy procurement to purchase power, set competitive rates, and collect revenue. The local utility will still maintain the electricity grid, deliver energy, and bill customers. CCEs offer automatic enrollment to businesses and residences in its jurisdiction, with the ability for the customer to opt out and continue to purchase electricity from the utility. Customers have the option of choosing increased percentages of renewable energy. CCE programs in California generally procure and resell a power mix between 50% and 100% renewable energy to their customers. For more information on Community Choice Energy, please visit the FAQ page from the California Community Choice Association (CALCCA) at cal-cca.org/faqs.

CCE History in Irvine

Following several presentations to the City’s Green Ribbon Environmental Committee (now known as the Sustainability Commission) September 25, 2018, the City Council approved initiating a feasibility study to assess the risks, challenges, and potential economic benefits of implementing a CCE program in Irvine. EES Consulting was awarded a contract to conduct the CCE feasibility study and completed the study in December 2019. 

On December 10, 2019, the Irvine City Council voted unanimously to consider the formation of a Community Choice Energy program in partnership with other Orange County cities, and conduct a peer review of the feasibility study’s findings. City Council directed staff to prepare preliminary Joint Powers Authority (JPA) formation documents, negotiate with other cities, and submit a CCE Implementation Plan to the California Public Utilities Commission by December 31, 2020.

In the spring and summer of 2020, updates were made to the feasibility study, and a peer-review study was conducted. The completed documents can be viewed here:

Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) Formation 

On February 8, 2022, the Irvine City Council unanimously voted to select the 100% Renewable Energy default service level for all OCPA customers in Irvine. Service for commercial customers began April 2022, and service for residential customers began October 2022. The presentation provided to the City Council summarizes estimated costs for OCPA customers at each of the three service levels: Basic Choice (38.5% renewable), Smart Choice (at least 69% renewable), and 100% Renewable Energy Choice.

Notices were sent out in August 2022 to inform residential customers that the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) would be their local energy provider beginning October 2022. Translated materials can be found here. Please visit ocpower.org for more information. 

Residential or commercial customers should contact OCPA directly to opt-out of service or with any questions about their electric service at 866-262-7693 or ocpower.org/contact-us.

OCPA offers a Commercial Rate Comparison tool for customers, and a detailed rate sheet, on their Commercial Rates website. Please contact OCPA if you have any questions or would like to learn more about their service options. You can reach the customer service center at 866-262-7693.
View the OCPA informational postcard here.

Questions on the City's efforts to launch Community Choice Energy in Irvine can be directed to Environmental Programs at environmentalprograms@cityofirvine.org. Please visit the City's OCPA website to learn more about formation of the OCPA Board and the initial Board meetings. 

Learn more about OCPA Board meetings at cityofirvine.org/ocpa.