Mario De Bernardo

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key actions included the approval of contributions to the Revolving General Fund for American Public Power Association dues, authorization of amendments to master service and power purchase agreements, and the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Administrative and General Expense Budget. Additionally, the Board reviewed legislative and regulatory updates concerning wildfire liability, high-speed rail, and clean energy initiatives, and conducted executive sessions regarding compensation and legal matters.

The board meeting agenda included several key topics such as an Executive Director report on Authority activities and reports from the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer regarding the fiscal year administrative budget, classification and salary schedules, and revenue bond updates. Discussions also covered program development, specifically the award of a master professional services agreement for online electric rebate processing. Additionally, the agenda addressed the government affairs report, including legislative and regulatory updates, and closed session items regarding litigation, performance evaluations for the Executive Director and General Counsel, and potential changes to their compensation. Various resolutions related to project budgets and contract amendments were also reviewed.

The board meeting covered several critical operational, financial, and legislative updates. Key topics included the status of the Southern Transmission System Renewal Project Revenue Bonds, updates on the Linden Wind Energy Project regarding alternate credit facilities, remarketing agents, and the award of Operations and Maintenance and Beginning of Construction agreements to DWT, Inc. The Board also reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 project budgets, which include forty-nine projects totaling $1.163 billion. Legislative and regulatory reports provided updates on CARB's cap-and-invest proposals, California wildfire liability reform, various state and federal energy-related legislation, and an overview of upcoming SCPPA advocacy events.

The committee meeting included an opportunity for public address and a recommendation to the Board of Directors regarding the approval of the Tieton Hydropower Project Proposed Operating Budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. A resolution was adopted to approve the annual budget for the Tieton Hydro Project for the period between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.

The committee reviewed and recommended various items for board consideration, including the 2025 Palo Verde Decommissioning Annual Funding Status Report, quarterly financial statements, and the FY 2025-26 project budget variance report. Key operational and financing updates were provided regarding the Clean Energy II Project, geothermal and renewable energy prepayments, and the Southern Transmission System Renewal Project revenue bonds. Furthermore, the committee evaluated the results of the auditing services request for proposals and recommended a three-year professional services agreement with Baker Tilly. The committee also received a market update on variable rate demand obligations and information on unsolicited proposals received from investment bankers.