19 Comments
Feb 24, 2023Liked by Green Leap Forward

I opted out of Marin Clean Energy, California’s first CCA because I understood the grift. They were partnered with Shell energy trading who ran a Enron like scheme to enrich themselves and share the crumbs with the county government. Here’s how it worked. The utilities had been forced by regulators to sign high priced contracts with wind and solar producers, for as much as 20 cents per kWh, which resulted in a huge oversupply, and caused prices in the short term markets to drop to near zero on sunny days. MCE/Shell would buy exclusively in the short term market at ridiculously low prices then sell to retail customers at a slight discount. They’d buy for 1 cent and resell for 19 cents and claim a 1 cent discount over PG&E’s price. I do t know where the money went, and it was hundreds of millions. I suspect Shell did OK, the county government made some money, and the people who got screwed were, well, everybody else.

Word spread quickly to other politicians, probably with the help of Shell’s sales people, and CCAs formed everywhere. The rush probably killed the golden goose, but it was too late. Can’t put it back in the box.

California now has dozens of unregulated utilities that can charge whatever they want and disregard grid operating rules. The regulators have tried to compensate PG&E for their losses, to head off a third bankruptcy. I’m betting on #3 within 18 months.

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Feb 25, 2023Liked by Green Leap Forward

Wow. I knew purchasing energy by utilities when renewables aren’t generating power was expensive and potentially unreliable, but rent-seeking CCA’s would seem to capture all the green they want without concern for either. Great racket. Thank you for digging-in here and eloquently sharing.

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Feb 24, 2023Liked by Green Leap Forward

All of these CCAs offer a 100% green option at a premium. If everybody signed up for 100% green we would no longer need gas or coal and the planet would be saved! Right? Such a simple solution and how selfish of people not to pay the premium.

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Feb 28, 2023Liked by Green Leap Forward

I hope this doesn't come to the UK but I'm not holding my breath

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Feb 25, 2023·edited Feb 25, 2023Liked by Green Leap Forward

Very insightful article.

Trojan Horse.

We need energy and food and shelter. They want all of it under control.

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Feb 24, 2023Liked by Green Leap Forward

Corrupt

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Yea OCPA might warrant some of your investigative attention. I’m sure everything is fine though. Lol

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A rational person would conclude that this is another scam to trick the virtue-signaler into thinking they are 'saving Mother Gaia' as they flip on the light switch.

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Great piece. Orange County Power Authority has been a total disaster. It's a total grift, with politicians on the Board.

https://voiceofoc.org/2022/02/oc-residents-face-electricity-rate-hike-as-new-clean-energy-agency-prepares-to-launch/

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The location where I live in California has a commercial account. Each residence is submetered. I provided compelling information to the location's Board so they opted out of the CCA. I believe we are saving money by sticking with the incumbent power provider, Pacific Gas & Electric. One of my colleagues sat in on discussions as Peninsula Clean Energy was being formed. He learned their markup is 10%. While these CCAs tout the purchase of solar and wind power, the laws of physics dictate the Sun doesn't always shine. The wind rarely blows with sufficient force to generate full power from the wind turbines. Reliable, dispatchable power is required. One of the vendors for the reliable power is the incumbent investor-owned-utility. The CPUC is beginning to fine CCAs that fail to purchase sufficient reliable power generation. There is only one power grid in a location. My summary is that CCAs fail to add value - and they charge more.

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