California Choice Energy Authority’s (CalChoice) Executive Director, Jason Caudle, city manager of the City of Lancaster, presented a session at the League of California Cities’ City Managers Conference, on Thursday, February 14, at the InterContinental San Diego.
“It is an honor to have had the opportunity to address this audience of city managers,” said Caudle. “This program, as part of the larger conference, provided an opportunity for municipal administrators to keep current on the wide range of issues affecting California communities’ access to energy resources, and to learn how CalChoice can support their Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs and clean energy initiatives.”
The panel discussion, “California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC): Overview of Proceedings Affecting Local Governments,” addressed how CPUC proceedings can profoundly affect the viability and value of local government programs. The panelists, including Caudle, discussed recent and upcoming CPUC decisions affecting local governments, including developments in energy efficiency, integrated distributed energy resources, transportation electrification and CCA programs, as well as emergency preparedness and public safety power shutoffs.
The program began with an introduction by moderator Kate Meis, executive director of the Local Government Commission, a nonprofit that connects local leaders to implement innovative solutions, and a senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum. Meis has been recognized by the Chronicle of Philanthropy for her work in the field of climate change.
Following the speakers’ introduction, panelist Palmer Lee, deputy director of the Safety Enforcement Division of the California Public Utilities Commission, kicked off the discussion with an extensive presentation on the CPUC’s wildfire mitigation activities, SB 901 implementation and de-energization.
Caudle rounded out the session with an overview of the City of Lancaster’s innovative approach to CCA and highlights of unique programs and opportunities facilitated by Lancaster Choice Energy such as streetlight LED upgrades and installation of electric vehicle charging stations.
“Now is an optimal time for cities to embrace their right to form CCA programs and acquire power on behalf of their citizenry, often at lower rates and with higher renewable content than offered by public utilities,” said Caudle. “In addition to the price and environmental benefits, CCAs also can provide a significant alternative revenue stream and far greater control for municipalities.”
Since joining the City of Lancaster’s executive team in 2008, Caudle, who previously served as city manager for the City of Tehachapi, has championed many key initiatives, most notably the City’s ongoing alternative energy efforts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public policy and administration, both from California State University, Bakersfield.
CalChoice offers support for local governments in every phase of the CCA program implementation process, providing feasibility services to determine whether a CCA program is appropriate, developing implementation plans for members to submit to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and managing the implementation process to launch the CCA program, as well as continuing to support members once their CCA program becomes operational. To learn more about partnering opportunities with CalChoice, please visit www.CaliforniaChoiceEnergyAuthority.com.