City of Irvine Affirms Membership in Orange County Power Authority

In a 5-2 vote, Irvine City Council ensures residents and businesses have a locally-controlled renewable energy choice that will help the City achieve its climate goals

IRVINE, Calif. (September 10, 2025) – The City of Irvine, one of more than 200 communities in California participating in the clean energy movement, has affirmed its membership in the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA), a locally-controlled not-for-profit renewable energy provider. In a 5-2 majority vote on September 9, 2025, the Irvine City Council rescinded notice of intent to withdraw from OCPA.

“We are thrilled that the founding member of OCPA, the City of Irvine, has declared its intention to continue offering its residents and businesses a renewable energy choice,” said Susan Sonne, OCPA Board Chair. “Participating in Community Choice Aggregation is the most viable and cost-effective way for cities to achieve their climate goals. We look forward to continued engagement with our Irvine Board members, Vice Chair James Mai and Director William Go, as we work together to provide renewable energy at competitive rates and equitably reinvest to support sustainable communities.”

Irvine Councilmember and former OCPA Board member Kathleen Treseder introduced the motion of recension at last night’s regular City Council meeting. “I’ve been very pleased with improvements at OCPA…and I appreciate that our Board members have worked very hard to ensure we get benefits for our community,” said Treseder. “OCPA has grown [by adding the City of Fountain Valley], showing that our neighbors are confident in OCPA.”

Councilmember Melinda Liu seconded the original motion of recension saying, “The future of Irvine is asking us…begging us to leave this option open for them. Saving that choice for them is my obligation.”

Current OCPA Board member Willaim Go added his support of the agency saying, “I’m supportive of a choice.” Councilmember Betty Martinez-Franco shared, “I want to support OCPA and see them succeed.”

Along with providing energy options, OCPA provides local control and local reinvestment of its revenue as a not-for-profit public agency. OCPA was additionally instrumental in having the annual CalCCA trade conference hosted in the City of Irvine this year, bringing over $800,000 in economic development to its founding member city. Since launch of service in 2022, OCPA customers have reduced carbon emissions by more the 2 billion lbs.

About Orange County Power Authority

The Orange County Power Authority is a not-for-profit public agency that offers clean power at competitive rates, significantly reducing energy-related greenhouse emissions and enabling reinvestment in local energy programs. To learn more, visit www.ocpower.org.