Residents urge Laguna Woods to hold off on OCPA membership, citing rate hikes and emissions concerns

During public comment, two residents asked the city to delay or carefully reconsider joining the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA), raising concerns about recent rate increases, operating losses and greenhouse gas intensity data.

Vicky Johnson, who identified herself as a Laguna Woods resident, urged the council to "put off consideration of OCPA for another couple years," saying OCPA had "lost millions of dollars a month" and that a recent October rate increase had raised an average residential bill by "some $10 a month." Johnson said member cities were exposed to financial risk when OCPA draws down reserves.

Mike Rao followed with a technical data point, saying California Energy Commission data released Oct. 25 showed OCPA’s "basic choice" product had nearly twice the reported greenhouse gas emissions of Edison for 2024 — 942 units versus 515 units — and he questioned whether OCPA’s higher‑cost "smart choice" plan delivered commensurate emissions benefits. "Was Smart Choice worth every resident... paying $40 per year more for only slightly cleaner energy than Edison provided?" Rao asked.

City staff response and context: staff did not offer new OCPA budget figures at the meeting; council members and the city manager noted the prior staff presentation and that Laguna Woods had previously delayed joining. Staff reiterated cities can be automatically enrolled by default through CCAs and that OCPA’s participation is a separate municipal decision.

Status: the council did not take action on OCPA membership at this meeting; public comments were recorded for council consideration.