Irvine City Council Votes to Stick with OCPA

The Irvine City Council voted 5-2 on September 9th to remain with the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA), despite ongoing criticisms of the agency's performance. Mayor Larry Agran and Councilmember Mike Carroll voted against the decision, pointing to OCPA's broken promises and its record of charging the highest electricity rates in Orange County. By the end of 2024, nearly 30% of Irvine ratepayers had opted out of OCPA, returning to Southern California Edison. Councilmember Kathleen Treseder has been working to overturn a prior Council decision to withdraw from the agency. During the meeting, a motion was introduced to rescind the withdrawal letter, with an amendment proposing conditions for OCPA's future engagement with Irvine.

Agran's substitute motion to freeze electricity rates for the upcoming year failed with only two votes in support. The decision highlights the Council's divided stance on OCPA's management and its financial implications for residents. As OCPA's board members, Councilmembers James Mai and William Go have been criticized for not adequately representing local concerns.