Cudahy council approves joining Clean Power Alliance; councilors set default decision and outreach timeline

Cudahy — The City Council voted Oct. 7 to approve joining the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) of Southern California, authorizing staff to execute the joint powers agreement and begin the implementation process for community choice aggregation.

CPA is a public, not‑for‑profit joint powers authority that supplies electricity generation to participating cities while existing utilities (Southern California Edison) continue to deliver electrons and provide meter and billing services. CPA officials told council the agency is the nation’s largest green power provider and offers multiple default products: a cost‑competitive “lean power” option generally priced below Edison rates, a standard clean power rate set at parity for some customers, and an optional 100% renewable product priced at a modest premium. CPA also offers low‑income customer protections and programs targeted at disadvantaged communities, plus grants for member agencies for resilience projects.

Timeline and program mechanics: CPA staff explained state law requires a mandatory waiting/implementation period after membership approval; council would receive an implementation plan amendment to the California Public Utilities Commission before any customer enrollments. CPA’s representative said a decision to join by December 2025 is needed to meet a filing deadline; service would follow the statutory process and staff estimated enrollments could begin in 2027 after outreach and a standing waiting period.

Why it matters: Joining CPA gives the city local control of generation product selection, the opportunity to advance renewable energy locally, and access to CPA programs for solar, battery backup at critical facilities, and community grants. Council members discussed bilingual outreach and the importance of translating materials for Spanish speakers; CPA staff said information is provided in Spanish and simplified Chinese and noted 93% of eligible customers typically remain with CPA following enrollment in other jurisdictions.

Vote and next steps: Council member Fuentes moved to introduce and adopt the ordinance authorizing CPA membership; council voted by roll call with unanimous support. Staff will proceed with the CPA implementation steps, prepare outreach materials in Spanish and simplified Chinese, and return with an implementation plan amendment to state regulators as required.

Council also requested close coordination with local schools, community groups and large local customers during CPA outreach and enrollment.