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Resident warns council about Orange County Power Authority enrollment, rate and emissions concerns
Summary
Vicki Johnson told council that Orange County Power Authority default opt-in could raise costs for residents and businesses, claiming a $25-per-month average increase on OCPA's lowest-price plan and higher emissions compared with SCE; she urged caution and cited data she says OCPA removed from its website.
Vicki Johnson addressed the council about the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA), characterizing it as an alternative electricity provider that automatically enrolls customers if a city joins. She told the council that while OCPA once offered a small discount, it has recently increased rates and that "every resident, every business would be swapped into the Orange County Power Authority for part of your electric bill."
Johnson asserted the lowest-price OCPA plan has roughly twice the emissions of Southern California Edison and that residents could pay "at least $25 more per month" on average. She also said the OCPA website previously included a direct rate comparison with SCE and that the SCE comparison was later removed; she said she was concerned by that change and encouraged the council to review handouts and expert warnings before making any decision about opting in.
No OCPA representative provided a reply during public comment. The council heard the concerns and indicated they expect OCPA to attend future discussions if the item returns to a formal agenda.
