Andrew Braeger

The committee meeting included a review of Clean Power Alliance operations, specifically highlighting the Sunzia project reaching full commercial operation and its positive impact on renewable energy integration. The committee also previewed the draft agenda for the upcoming Board of Directors meeting, which includes PPA amendments regarding solar and storage projects, and discussed the nomination process for committee members. Additionally, a presentation was provided on the draft two-year budget for the 2026-2028 fiscal years, covering projected revenues, energy costs, and investment priorities.

The committee meeting focused on a proposal to transition to a two-year budget cycle aimed at improving organizational efficiency and addressing operating constraints. Key topics included the proposed two-year budget presentation, planned investments in communications and marketing to enhance brand awareness and customer education, expansion of successful customer programs, and significant upgrades to technology infrastructure, data systems, and cybersecurity. Financial projections, reserve levels, and the anticipated impact of market trends on revenue and energy costs were also reviewed.

The board meeting primarily focused on the rate-setting approach for the upcoming fiscal year. Key topics included a review of the annual rates process, reserve and financial targets, and the impact of these variables on competitiveness. Three rate options were discussed, differing in their projected reserve buffers to address potential market changes in 2027. The board also reviewed the implications of these rate options on different customer segments, including residential and commercial users, as well as adjustments for communities that began service in 2025. Finally, the board examined subset rates for large commercial and industrial customers.

The committee discussed updates on work plan priorities and received a CEO update regarding new potential customer engagement, workforce development partnerships, and the acquisition of an Equitable Building Decarbonization Program grant for electrification retrofits in low-income households. The committee also acknowledged the receipt of a Green Bond deal award. Furthermore, the meeting included a discussion on the impact of political election results on renewable energy initiatives, trade, tariffs, and potential emerging technologies such as ocean wave energy generation.

The meeting focused on discussing policy goals and objectives related to net energy metering, with a focus on supporting grid reliability, incentivizing energy storage adoption, and expanding access to low-income customers. Staff recommended adopting a policy that follows a 3.0 approach to export compensation, complemented by a robust storage incentive program to encourage adoption and proper dispatch. Key topics included legacy treatment for existing customers, the transition to avoided cost-based compensation, and the development of incentive programs such as rebates, discounted installations for low-income participants, and on-bill financing options to ensure effective storage usage.