RCEA Approves Major Energy Projects, Addresses State Legislation

The Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) Board of Directors held a hybrid meeting on July 24, 2025, addressing a range of crucial energy initiatives impacting Humboldt County residents. Key decisions included approving significant funding for energy upgrades at rural fire stations and a comprehensive commercial energy assessment, alongside taking a stance on pending state legislation.

The meeting, chaired by Vice-Chair Sheri Woo (Chair Scott Bauer was absent), saw the approval of several items under the consent calendar. These included the minutes from the June 26th meeting, the May 2025 disbursements report, and financial reports for the fiscal year. Notably, the board awarded a $1.7 million design-build agreement to Stephens Electrical for enhancing energy resilience at rural fire stations. This project, slated to conclude by December 31, 2026, aims to improve the reliability and sustainability of energy resources in these critical facilities.

Further bolstering the county's energy infrastructure, the RCEA approved a $187,610 professional services agreement with the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District. This agreement will fund a commercial energy assessment for the Northern Rural Energy Network, a move expected to optimize energy efficiency and resource allocation in the region.

Director Arroyo provided an update on a community conversation about battery energy storage held the previous evening in Arcata, highlighting the event's success and significant community participation.

Significant discussion centered around Community Choice Energy (CCE) business, particularly the California Community Choice Association (CALCCA) presentation on electricity market regionalization, focusing on the Pathways Initiative and Senate Bill 540 (SB 540). Following the presentation and discussion, including remote participation by Evelyn Krill of CALCCA, the board adopted the CALCCA recommended position on SB 540. The bill's timeline includes legislative enactment in September/October 2025, with full implementation of regionalized markets anticipated by January 2028.

In other business, the board approved a professional services agreement with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC, for a not-to-exceed value of $116,900 for cost-of-service and rate design services, extending through July 2026. The board also received an informational presentation from the Humboldt Transit Authority on their hydrogen fuel project.

No public comments were received during the meeting, though written comments were accepted via email at PublicComment@RedwoodEnergy.org. The next RCEA meeting details will be announced on the RCEA website and through official channels. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about RCEA activities and future opportunities for public engagement through the official website and social media pages.