Share your thoughts: Does Sonoma Co. need its own energy program?
Should Sonoma County pursue its own energy program, called Sonoma Clean Power?
- Yes (43%, 23 votes)
- No (56%, 30 votes)
- Don't know (1%, 2 votes)
Total voters: 54
Loading ...This NBBJ Pulse Poll ends Oct. 16.
Leave extended comments at the end of the interview with Cordel Stillman of the Sonoma County Water Agency.
Plans to develop a “community choice aggregation” power agency in Sonoma County have advanced over the past few months, with outreach to the region’s residents and municipal governments laying the groundwork for a joint powers authority to govern program, called Sonoma Clean Power.
Tasked by its board of directors to develop the proposal, the Sonoma County Water Agency began work in 2011 to hone the finer details of a renewable energy-focused power agency in the county.
The feasibility study was completed in October of last year. Surveys of both residential and commercial users have been conducted. Focus groups of both those populations were also completed. The latest agency board direction has been to complete a draft implementation plan and to pursue the creation of a joint powers agreement with other interested municipalities.
A draft plan is due at the end of September, and a draft agreement has been circulated to all the cities in Sonoma County. [read more of the interview with Cordel Stillman of the Sonoma County Water Agency]
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by Thom Shelton
In my opinion, it is another waste of tax payer funds to satisfy a growing bureaucracy on a “feel-good” project. If the goal was to compete with PG&E and lower energy prices, save tax payer money and entice new businesses, I might support the effort. However, as a boondoggle, destined to become another bloated governmental body with unconstrained salaries and benefits, I am totally against it!
by Dick Dowd
I strongly believe that Sonoma Clean Power, if properly structured, can provide a significant boost to our local economy, stabilize energy costs going forward, and reduce our regions Green House Gas emissions. A fabulous trifecta!
And, I believe that the proper structure is there for the taking by establishing a JPA of the jurisdictions that join that recoginizes and seizes the opportunity with the minumum risk to its customers and doesn’t increase government liability. —Dick Dowd, board member, Climate Protection Campaign