Supervisor Katrina Foley Releases Statement Following Board of Supervisors Vote to Withdraw from OC Power Authority

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange Supervisor Katrina Foley released a statement following today’s Board of Supervisors meeting where the Board voted to withdraw from the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA).  

The County pursued audits of the OCPA at Supervisor Foley’s direction, which detailed the agency’s lack of transparency with consumers, failure to implement government best practice financial controls, and the lack of effective leadership and expertise among key staff. 

“The Board must take proactive steps to combat the climate crisis while simultaneously fulfilling our fiduciary duty to protect taxpayers and businesses from unnecessary increased rates. The mismanagement of the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) cannot be ignored. 

Let’s be clear, I did not make this decision lightly. After reviewing both audits, the Grand Jury report, and talking to industry experts, it is evident OCPA is a liability we cannot saddle on our taxpayers. OCPA failed to follow best financial practices for public agencies, failed to hire staff with energy market expertise, and failed to adequately communicate to ratepayers.  

Having to withdraw due to these inexcusable operational issues is a deeply disappointing step backwards. At the end of the day, it boils down to trust and transparency, and I don’t trust that we can fix systemic operational problems.  

I recognize that joining a CCA is critical to meeting our climate goals, which is why I directed staff to explore the possibility of joining our neighbors in San Diego Community Power or Clean Energy Alliance. Combatting climate change, creating Orange County’s Climate Action Plan, and providing clean energy options to the public remain my top priority.”   

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Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2021 to represent Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, the unincorporated area of Rossmoor, and portions of Buena Park and Fountain Valley. Following redistricting, the Board appointed her to additionally serve as caretaker for the future District 2, which includes the communities of Santa Ana and portions of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange, Tustin, and unincorporated North Tustin.

In January, Supervisor Foley will be sworn in as the newly drawn District 5 representative which includes the cities of Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine South of the 405, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel.

Supervisor Foley serves on the Airport Ad Hoc Committee & Fly Friendly working group, the Sober Living Home Ad Hoc Committee, and boards of the Orange County Transportation Authority, CalOptima, Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, Law Library, Newport Bay & South Orange County Watershed Management Area Executive Committees & the Santa Ana River Flood Control Protection.