OCPA purchases energy from clean, renewable sources including solar, wind, geothermal and biomass. Through our energy procurement process, we diligently research and monitor our suppliers to ensure they are adhering to green, responsible practices.
OCPA delivered approximately 81% clean power from 60% carbon-free resources across its 2024 portfolio. This is well above the mandatory state requirements for the purchase of renewable energy and the state’s three largest investor-owned utilities, which collectively served 52% renewable power in their 2022 retail electricity sales.
The energy mixes represented above are based on purchases made in 2023
RECs are certificates of proof associated with the generation of electricity from eligible renewable energy producers in compliance with California’s Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS).
Unbundled RECs are sold, delivered, or purchased separately from electricity, making them flexible and cost-effective. They are not tied to an underlying power purchase agreement (PPA) and can come from either a single renewable source or a mix of sources.
RECs are commodities that represent proof that 1 MWh of electricity was generated from a renewable energy resource (wind, solar, hydroelectric, etc.) and was then fed into the grid.
Unbundled RECs are a flexible, cost-effective way of procuring renewable energy. OCPA’s 2024 Power Source Disclosure (PSD) report shows the following for unbundled Renewable Energy Credits (RECs):
In total, OCPA’s combined portfolio had 4.43% unbundled RECs, due to the high percentage of total retail electricity sales from the 100% Renewable Choice and Smart Choice plans.
Yes! The amount of greenhouse gas emissions reduced through OCPA’s renewable energy procurement is a game-changer. 60% of the energy in OCPA’s aggregate portfolio comes from carbon-free resources.
OCPA is making an enormous difference in the fight against climate change. In just two years, OCPA reduced over 2 billion lbs. of CO2 emissions through renewable energy procurement – that’s like removing over 221,000 gas-powered vehicles off the road!
Affordability is central to OCPA’s mission of providing the choice of cleaner energy at competitive rates. Since beginning service in 2022, OCPA has saved Basic Choice customers over $4.9 million.
