Clean Energy in Action!

Meet the Parikh Family: Powering Their Values

For the Parikh family in Irvine, selecting an energy plan with more renewable energy was about more than electricity. It was about ensuring a cleaner future for the next generation, including their two sons. By choosing community energy, the family is supporting a future that reflects their values and helps leave the planet better than they found it.

Thank you to the Parikh family for being an OCPA customer and sharing your story!

Apply Today: 2026 Bright Futures Grant

Applications for the 2026 Bright Futures Grant are now open and being accepted through July 3, 2026. This annual community funding opportunity supports projects from local non-profits, schools and educators who are located in or supporting one or more OCPA member cities: Buena Park, Fullerton, Irvine and Fountain Valley.

Grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 will be awarded to entities that have creative, innovative and effective approaches to promoting renewable energy education, particularly in underrepresented communities and through multilingual campaigns.

Apply today! »

Tiny Home – Big Impact!

The Construction Academy at Nicolas Junior High School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the third tiny home built by the Academy’s eighth-grade students.Throughout the project, students gained hands-on experience in design, measurement, problem-solving and collaboration as they worked together to construct a tiny home for a local student family.

The home features solar panels designed to reduce electricity costs and improve energy efficiency. Installation of the panels was made possible through OCPA’s Bright Futures Grant awarded to the Fullerton Education Foundation, and in partnership with another OCPA grantee, OC Goes Solar.

As part of the installation process, students also participated in an educational session with members of the OC Goes Solar team, learning more about the benefits and long-term impact of solar energy.

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Introducing the Newest Additions to the OCPA Team

OCPA is thrilled to welcome two new members to the team. As Regulatory and Legislative Manager, Frank Harris joins OCPA with over 20 years of experience in California energy policy and regulatory strategy, working with the California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission, California Air Resources Board, and more. Most recently, he served as Manager of Energy Regulatory Policy at the California Municipal Utilities Association.

As Rates and Revenue Manager, Carlo Bencomo-Jasso brings extensive experience supporting Community Choice Aggregators like OCPA and other utilities in rate design, forecasting and financial modeling. Most recently, he served as a Senior Manager at NewGen Strategies & Solutions, where he supported cost-of-service studies, revenue modeling, customer bill comparisons and Power Charge Indifference Adjustment forecasting.

The Energy at CicloIrvine Was Electric

CicloIrvine brought the community together for a day of biking, walking, rolling and conversation – and OCPA was proud to sponsor the event for the third year in a row. What a joy to chat with everyone who stopped by our booth to connect with us and learn more about clean energy and local sustainability efforts.

Happy 10th Anniversary, California Community Choice Association!

OCPA is proud to be part of the California Community Choice Association (CalCCA). As one of 25 CCAs in the state, OCPA and our member cities benefit from CalCCA’s ongoing advocacy and leadership in shaping a legislative and regulatory environment that supports the growth and long-term sustainability of community choice energy programs statewide.

Community Educational Forum Made Possible by a Bright Futures Grant

OCPA’s Director of Communications and External Affairs, Jacquie Henderson, recently participated in a panel hosted by Climate Action Campaign at Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Healthy Neighborhoods. The panel was made possible by OCPA’s Bright Futures Grant and focused on expanding access to clean energy programs and resources for lower-income households. During the discussion, Jacquie shared practical tips to help families reduce energy use and save money at home. The program prioritized accessibility with the conversation translated live to support language equity.

Solarize Irvine: Free Rooftop Solar Workshop

Our friends at OC Goes Solar, in partnership with the City of Irvine, are hosting a free rooftop solar workshop on Wednesday, June 17 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Las Lomas Community Center, 10 Federation Way, Irvine. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be served. Community members are encouraged to attend to learn: