Community Choice Aggregation Overview
In 2002, Assembly Bill 117 was signed into law, allowing cities and counties to participate in Community Choice Aggregation (CCA). CCA is a program that allows cities, counties, and Joint Power Authorities (JPAs) to procure electricity for individual customers within a defined jurisdiction. Customers not wishing to participate may opt out. Under CCA, the utility is still responsible for the transmission and distribution of the electricity.
AB 117 permits cities, counties, or Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs) whose governing boards have elected to act as Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) to purchase and sell electricity on behalf of utility customers within their service area(s) or the Kings River Conservation District, the Sonoma County Water Agency, and any California public agency possessing statutory authority to generate and deliver electricity at retail within its designated jurisdiction. Under CCA Service, a CCA is solely responsible for procuring and providing for their customers’ electric power needs (including ancillary services), ensuring resource adequacy and renewable portfolio requirements, and scheduling and settling with the CAISO. CCAs are required to meet certain requirements with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in addition to meeting financial and technical requirements with SCE.
SB790 revised and expanded the definition of Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), required the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to establish a Code of Conduct rulemaking, and allowed CCAs to receive Public Purpose funds to administer energy efficiency programs.