On Tuesday, July 14, CalChoice Associate Members met virtually for an update from Direct Energy, partner of CalChoice, regarding California’s power market.
“Direct Energy is a strong team of experts working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly for our CCAs,” said CalChoice Executive Director Jason Caudle. “They handle the technical processes for our associate members so that they can focus on the day-to-day operations and governance of their programs. This meeting is a good opportunity for our associate members to stay in the know and hear directly from the experts.”
Direct Energy kicked off the meeting with an overview of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the non-profit public benefit corporation that manages California’s wholesale power market and keeps on 80 percent of the state’s lights, including the service areas of all CalChoice associate members. CAISO manages energy products and services that allow it to meet reliability needs and ensure sufficient electricity is generated to meet demands.
Following the CAISO overview, Direct Energy provided a weather update and highlighted the ways in which weather conditions help CAISO anticipate energy demands. Demand typically increases with extreme hot or cold weather, and CAISO must use precise load forecasting methodologies to procure the correct amount of energy to meet demands.
The team concluded the meeting with a regulatory and legislative update on issues affecting community choice aggregations such as the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA), Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) procurement requirements and Resource Adequacy. With this year’s legislative session shortened due to coronavirus, there are few bills moving forward besides those related to coronavirus, homelessess and wildfires. Energy-related bills moving through legislation include Micorgrids and RA (SB 1215), Power Shutoff Guidance (SB 1312) and Pumped Storage Mandate (AB1720).
“We’re grateful for our partnership with Direct Energy and their willingness to keep our associate members informed,” said CalChoice Director of Procurement and Regulatory Cathy DeFalco. “We weren’t able to host our meeting in person this year due to the pandemic, but we look forward to meeting in person again soon with our partners and associate members.”
CalChoice will continue to coordinate virtual meetings until coronavirus-related restrictions are lifted. To suggest a meeting topic, please email Cathy DeFalco at cathy@calchoice.org. Visit californiachoiceenergyauthority.com for more information about CalChoice.
