Board hears Pioneer Community Energy impact study but takes no action amid supervisor concerns
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Summary
Pioneer Community Energy presented a feasibility study and invited the county to file CPUC paperwork to explore joining a CCA. Several supervisors said they lacked sufficient information or comfort to proceed and the item produced no motion; staff will continue to track regional CCA developments.
Representatives from Pioneer Community Energy presented an impact assessment prepared by Pacific Energy Advisors showing it would be feasible for Madera County to join the community choice aggregator (CCA) in an October 2027 expansion, subject to CPUC approval and additional review.
Pioneer officials said the study used 24 months of county data, estimated Madera’s roughly 37,000 electric customers and projected the county’s load could be accommodated by Pioneer; the firm emphasized customer choice and that approving administrative steps would not bind the county to join (SEG 3498–3524, SEG 3529–3540). Pioneer asked the board for permission to file an amended implementation plan with the CPUC; the presentation also outlined outreach and timing should the county later decide to proceed.
Several supervisors raised substantive concerns, including lack of requested follow‑up meetings, limited proprietary data shared back from the consultant, uncertain future PG&E distribution and rate‑setting outcomes, and the absence of city partners ready to join. Supervisors McCauley, Warmhoff and others said they did not feel comfortable moving forward without more detailed analysis and requested additional staff work and time for review. There was no motion to authorize filing or next steps and the item did not move forward (transcript records no motion; chair noted lack of motion causes the item to fail for lack of action).
Why it matters: Joining a CCA can change how wholesale power is procured for local customers and carries multi‑year operational and market risks. Supervisors cited the need for clearer financial projections, exit options and city coordination before authorizing any administrative filing.
What’s next: Pioneer will remain available to answer further questions; county staff and supervisors said they would continue to study regional CCA activity and report back if the county chooses to pursue the CPUC filing and a formal decision in a future meeting.