Renewable Energy transition underway in Buena Park

Residential and commercial customers

Buena Park, Calif. – At the January 25, 2022, City Council Meeting, Buena Park became the first member of the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) to choose 100% renewable energy content as the default tier for residential and commercial customers.

City Council's decision to set the default tier at 100% renewable energy content means that residential and commercial customers will receive all of their energy from renewable sources, unless they move down to a lower tier or opt-out of OCPA services or continue with Southern California Edison (SCE).

"By selecting 100% renewable energy as the default tier for residential and commercial customers, Buena Park is leading the movement in Orange County's commitment to sustainability and making a lasting impact on future generations," said Mayor Sunny Park. "I am proud of our City and the bold action we took this week toward clean energy."

Buena Park joined the OCPA in 2020, and together, with the cities of Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Fullerton, and unincorporated areas of Orange County, brings the first community choice energy program to County residents. The program gives Buena Park residents a choice to buy more renewable energy than is currently offered by SCE. Buena Park customers will still have the option to choose a lower rate tier or opt-out completely and stay with SCE, allowing them to choose what percentage of their power they want from renewable energy sources.

Transition

To ensure a smooth transition, service will be rolled out in phases, beginning with municipal, commercial, and industrial accounts in April 2022, followed by the residential service launching in October 2022. When fully operational in fiscal year 2022-23, OCPA will serve approximately 289,000 accounts.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas

The OCPA is committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through long-term contracts for renewable electricity generation while providing customer choice and cost savings. OCPA also aims to carry out innovative energy initiatives that reduce energy demand and increase energy efficiency, stimulating the local economy by creating jobs in renewable energy, as well as promoting long-term electric rate stability and energy reliability for residents and businesses.