Clean Power Alliance CEO apologizes for opt‑out confusion as Port Hueneme joins service

Ted Berdaki, chief executive officer of Clean Power Alliance, told the Port Hueneme City Council the agency is “a publicly owned, electricity provider” that supplies generation while Southern California Edison continues to deliver electricity. Berdaki said the local enrollment experience has been largely positive — about a 4% opt‑out rate in Port Hueneme so far — but he apologized for specific customer‑service errors affecting solar customers. “I’m sorry for the confusion and conflicting information,” he said, and offered to have staff follow up to avoid repeat calls.

Berdaki explained the technical reason behind the problem: CPA staggers enrollment for customers with rooftop solar to avoid interrupting an annual true‑up with Edison. “We can’t actually process an enrollment with, or an opt out with, Edison until 60 days before that enrollment time takes place,” he said, adding that the rolling 12‑month schedule is intended to protect customers from unexpected charges. He also noted CPA’s broader rollout metrics: the agency anticipates more than 70% of its 2025 energy portfolio will come from renewable sources and expects its systemwide opt‑out rate to settle around 4–4.5%.

Council members and residents pressed CPA on consumer protections. Resident Luis Mendez said a family member was told by CPA customer service they could not opt out for six months because of solar panels; after council intervention the date was moved but the caller reported conflicting information on subsequent calls. The resident called the experience “salesy and somewhat predatory.” Berdaki acknowledged the operational gap and said CPA staff on‑site would take the resident’s information and resolve it.

Berdaki also reviewed CPA programs available to Port Hueneme residents, including point‑of‑sale coupons for efficient air conditioners for low‑income customers and a battery rebate of up to $2,250 on top of state incentives. He encouraged the council to promote CPA’s lower‑cost “lean power” option for customers seeking savings and described workforce development pilot programs tied to renewable projects.

The council’s technical questions focused on enrollment mechanics, rate comparisons with Edison, and how CPA plans to maintain competitive generation charges while delivery remains under the CPUC‑regulated investor‑owned utility. Berdaki said delivery and many delivery‑related charges remain under Edison’s control and account for roughly two‑thirds of a typical bill; CPA controls only the generation portion. He told the council CPA will continue outreach and will work with city staff to correct reported opt‑out problems.

Council members did not vote on a formal action tied to the presentation; instead, CPA staff agreed to follow up on reported individual cases and the city accepted the presentation on enrollment status and consumer protections.