In a recent city council meeting, concerns were raised regarding the potential partnership between Laguna Woods and the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA). A resident highlighted that OCPA is seeking to secure a deal that would require all citizens and businesses in Laguna Woods to pay for their electricity through OCPA instead of the established utility, Edison. The resident argued that this shift could divert an estimated $10 to $20 million annually from local electricity bills to OCPA, which they claim may not necessarily result in cleaner energy.

Critics of OCPA expressed skepticism about the authority's claims of providing greener energy, suggesting that their operations lack transparency. One speaker, who holds a PhD in mathematics, emphasized that OCPA does not own energy generation facilities but acts as a middleman in the energy market. They raised concerns about the potential for OCPA to mix green energy certificates with less clean energy, thereby obscuring the actual environmental impact of their services.

Another resident pointed out that OCPA's marketing efforts appear to target the retirement community of Laguna Woods, suggesting that the authority is taking advantage of the demographic's trust in local presentations and sponsors. They criticized the lack of disclosure regarding OCPA's funding of advocacy groups, which they believe could mislead residents about the risks associated with the proposed energy switch.

The discussions reflect a growing apprehension among residents about the implications of aligning with OCPA, particularly regarding financial transparency and the actual benefits of the proposed energy model. As the city council considers this partnership, the community remains divided on the potential impacts on both their energy costs and environmental commitments.