TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a report on the feasibility of a Long Beach Community Choice Aggregation. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In August 2020, staff brought a report to the City Council that evaluated the feasibility of the City of Long Beach (City) forming a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) entity whereby the City would assume the responsibility of being the default buyer of electricity for residents and businesses in Long Beach. During that meeting, at the recommendation of staff, the City Council deferred for one year a decision on whether to participate in a CCA, and directed the City Manager to perform several follow-up tasks.
The follow-up tasks included: (1) performing a study that analyzes CCA governance options; (2) monitoring CCAs within current and emerging energy markets and related regulations; (3) continuing work in partnership with Southern California Edison (SCE) on improving awareness of existing and emerging programs focused on increased energy efficiency and greater utilization of renewable energy sources; and (4) undertaking community outreach regarding the CCA concept along with potential risks and benefits to customers. This report provides an update on these City Council directives.
This report also recommends suspension of any further CCA feasibility efforts until such time that substantial and favorable developments in market and regulatory stability materialize.
Governance Options Study
Staff engaged MRW & Associates, who completed the original City of Long Beach CCA Feasibility Study in November 2019, to prepare a study to analyze CCA governance options available to the City. The City Council outlined the following CCA governance options for evaluation:
1. A stand-alone enterprise, where the City is the sole government agency responsible for the CCA’s creation and operation;
2. Joining the Clean Power Alliance (CPA), the CCA serving unincorporated Los Angeles and Ventura Counties along with many municipalities with...
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