Power Purchase Agreement Brings New Solar Project That Can Power 40,000 Orange County Homes

On April 19, 2023, the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) Board of Directors approved a power purchase agreement with Grace Orchard Energy Center, LLC. OCPA will purchase renewable energy from Grace who will develop a solar-plus-battery storage-project in Riverside County. This project will guarantee capacity of 90 MW of solar production – equivalent to approximately 262,000 MWh/year, enough to power 40,000 homes, and up to 30 MW of battery storage capacity with fixed energy prices over a 20-year term.

Energy pricing structures can be confusing and unpredictable. That’s why OCPA is entering into long-term agreements to purchase renewable energy for the decades ahead. Doing this has several benefits: First, it guarantees a fixed price for our energy costs. Second, it brings new renewable energy onto the grid, which benefits both our customers and the environment.

This power purchase agreement will have a positive impact that extends far beyond our member communities – it’s benefiting the entire state of California. Last year, Governor Newsom announced a climate plan to achieve a net-zero carbon pollution rating by 2045. This plan would slash greenhouse gas emissions by 85% and cut air pollution by 71%. Community choice aggregators like OCPA are a key partner in making this plan a reality.

OCPA customers are helping make our environment stronger and healthier for everyone, both today and for generations to come. Not a customer of OCPA? Maybe it’s time to look at your electricity bill and compare rates to your current energy provider. You could save money each month by simply selecting OCPA’s Basic Choice rate, which allows OCPA to purchase 38% renewable energy on your behalf and put that onto the grid for long-term sustainability.

Learn more about the choices you have for renewable energy plans through OCPA.

Start by visiting our website and selecting your city from the drop-down box.

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.