Lake County officials gathered on September 30, 2025, for a pivotal meeting focused on the potential partnership with Sonoma Clean Power (SCP). This special session, attended by members from the Lake County Board of Supervisors and city councils from Lakeport and Clear Lake, marked a significant step in discussions about joining the community choice aggregation program.

Matthew Rothstein, Chief Deputy County Administrative Officer, opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of this collaborative effort. He noted that this was the first time the board and city councils had convened for a unified discussion on SCP, following over ten public meetings held throughout the year. Rothstein expressed gratitude for the participation of local leaders and highlighted the opportunity for constructive dialogue.

Jeff Sifers, CEO of Sonoma Clean Power, presented the findings of a recent feasibility study, which indicated that conditions for Lake County to join SCP are now more favorable than ever. Sifers explained that previous attempts in 2015 and 2019 were hindered by high fees from PG&E, but the current analysis suggests that joining SCP could lead to lower rates for Lake County residents compared to those in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.

Sifers also discussed the financial benefits of joining SCP, including the ability to capture revenue from power generation, which could be used to issue municipal bonds for local projects. He noted that SCP has successfully issued $775 million in municipal bonds, demonstrating the potential for economic growth and infrastructure development in Lake County.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions and further discussion, as local leaders weighed the implications of joining SCP. This decision could significantly impact energy rates and local control over power generation in Lake County, with the possibility of starting service as early as 2027. The collaborative spirit of the meeting underscored the commitment of local officials to explore sustainable energy solutions for their communities.