The Costa Mesa City Council convened on September 2, 2025, to discuss the potential membership of the city in the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) following a feasibility study. The meeting began with a presentation from OCPA representatives, including CEO Joe Mosca and Alden Walden from Pacific Energy Advisors, who outlined the findings of the study.

The feasibility study indicated that Costa Mesa could join OCPA by March 2027, with an estimated 50,000 eligible customers and an annual energy demand of over 600,000 megawatt hours. The study projected a significant increase in OCPA's customer base, estimating a 25% growth if all eligible accounts participated. The financial analysis suggested that joining OCPA would not impose additional costs on existing customers, as the projected revenues from Costa Mesa would cover operational expenses.

OCPA representatives emphasized the benefits of community choice aggregation (CCA), including increased renewable energy sourcing, local control, and potential cost savings for residents. They highlighted that OCPA's rates could be approximately 3% lower than those of Southern California Edison (SCE), although some council members raised concerns about the accuracy of these comparisons and the potential for rate increases in the future.

Council members engaged in a robust discussion, with some expressing support for the initiative based on environmental goals and the desire for more renewable energy options. Others voiced caution, referencing concerns about OCPA's financial stability and the experiences of other cities that had opted out of the authority. Public comments reflected a mix of opinions, with some residents advocating for the benefits of joining OCPA, while others warned against potential risks and financial liabilities.

In conclusion, the council voted to direct staff to draft an ordinance for the first reading at the next meeting on October 7, 2025. This decision marks a significant step toward potentially joining OCPA, with further discussions and public input anticipated in the coming weeks. The council aims to finalize its decision before the end of the year to align with OCPA's timeline for membership expansion.