Currents

An Energy Newsletter for Local Governments

Regional Energy Authority Project Update

The state’s newest regional energy office was born in Humboldt County in April when the County and the cities of Arcata and Eureka signed a joint powers agreement (JPA) to establish the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA). The cities of Blue Lake, Fortuna, Rio Dell and Trinidad are expected to sign in May.

The Local Government Commission received energy efficiency public good charge funding to assist Humboldt and Ventura counties establish these regional authorities. Communities in Ventura County are finalizing their JPA document, and are expected to sign in May. Both communities will be receiving core funding to cover the start up costs of the new offices, staff salaries and additional consulting assistance.

The LGC team includes John Nimmons & Associates who along with local counsels developed the JPA agreements; HWM International, helping to develop business plans and sustainable funding opportunities; and Alternative Energy Systems Corporation, which will be providing energy technical assistance to the offices.

The offices will be focusing on helping their member jurisdictions implement energy efficiency projects at their facilities. They will also provide information to residents and businesses about energy efficiency program opportunities to increase participation in existing IOU and third party programs.

The next steps for both communities will be to develop business plans, and hire staff. Watch future issues of CURRENTS for more information, or e-mail pstoner@lgc.org for Humboldt or jmeyer@lgc.org for Ventura.

This program is funded by California ratepayers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission, and under a contract with PG&E.

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