“Oroville’s public power study complete; proposes launch in 2027” September 30, 2024
By Michael Weber
OROVILLE — A public energy option in Oroville may be feasible by October 2027, according to a study authorized by the city to determine whether or not to join a community choice aggregate with Pioneer Community Energy.
In July, the Oroville City Council approved the study to determine how the city would be impacted financially. Councilors will receive results Tuesday and are recommended to move forward with Pioneer. According to a city staff report, expansion into Oroville would add 9,560 customers to Pioneer Community Energy’s current service area. The company is a joint powers authority and serves El Dorado County, Placer County, Auburn, Colfax, Grass Valley, Lincoln, Loomis, Nevada City, Placerville and Rocklin.
While expansion into Oroville is possible, the study said, current and projected supply rates won’t allow public energy to be economically feasible for a 2026 service launch. Instead, the study supports deferring expansion to October 2027 in order to avoid market constraints in resource adequacy and renewable energy, and to avoid expensive summer pricing.
A staff report said Pioneer anticipates adequate resources for an October 2027 launch, but holds uncertainty if the entire electrical load can be served at once or will require a phase-in approach.
The total cost of the study was $30,000 — Pioneer paid $15,000, and the remaining $15,000 was split between Oroville, Butte County, Chico and Paradise.
