Clean Power Alliance (CPA), California's largest Community Choice Aggregator and a leading green energy provider in the U.S., is launching a new program to increase clean energy access for underserved communities. As part of this initiative, CPA will therefore establish its first networked virtual power plant to optimise energy demand management.
CPA Partners with Haven Energy to Power 300 Homes
The CPA board of directors has approved a partnership with Los Angeles-based Haven Energy to install, operate and maintain solar and storage systems on 300 single-family homes within CPA’s service area.
The program, which is set to launch in spring 2025, is open to CPA customers who qualify for the California Alternative Rate Energy Program (CARE) or the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA). Haven Energy, known for similar projects in other communities, estimates that these systems will significantly lower customers’ monthly electricity bills, with past installations reducing bills by more than 50%.
Deborah Klein Lopez, CPA Board Chair and Agoura Hills Council member, said: “Expanding the adoption of clean energy requires intentional actions to make it accessible to all residents regardless of socioeconomic status. I’m proud of CPA for leading the way in developing innovative programs that strengthen energy reliability for communities. I thank my fellow board directors for their commitment to making equitable access a reality.”
The program aims to support local energy generation for underserved communities that typically struggle to access clean energy due to high installation and maintenance costs. Participants will incur no upfront expenses; and after five years, they will gain full ownership of the installed system at no extra cost.
Solar Systems to Provide Power and Backup for Customers
Each solar system will deliver an average of 5kW of solar power and 20 kWh of battery storage for participating customers. In addition to reducing electricity bills, at least 20% of the battery’s capacity will be reserved for backup power to the home during outages.
The program will also introduce a virtual power plant (VPP), a network of energy devices that synchronizes energy supply and demand in real-time. The virtual power plant will utilize stored power to help reduce energy demand during peak periods, providing 4.8 MWh of power that can be deployed as needed. This is expected to save CPA over $380k in resource adequacy costs during the first three years of the program.
Partnerships Will Reduce Costs and Enhance Grid Efficiency
Haven Energy collaborates with CCAs such as Clean Power Alliance to offer flexible system capacity that reduces costs, eases peak demand, and delays the need for costly peak-demand power plants and infrastructure upgrades as energy demand rises. The company will utilize a mix of federal tax credits and incentives to install the systems for CPA customers at no cost.
Vinnie Campo, founder and CEO of Haven Energy, said: "We're thrilled to partner with Clean Power Alliance in their effort to increase access to reliable, clean energy. Community Choice Aggregators like CPA are uniquely positioned to lead the deployment of distributed energy resources. Providing zero-cost solar and battery systems to low-income communities through California's SGIP Residential Solar & Storage Equity Program is a game-changer — it not only delivers clean energy and significant bill savings but also ensures these households are better protected against outages and rising energy costs. This partnership demonstrates a viable pathway to achieve energy equity and electrification at scale, creating a more resilient and sustainable future for all.”
CPA is considering the future development of a similar program for multifamily properties as it continues to create opportunities for broader access to clean energy. In fiscal year 2024-25, CPA boosted its investment in customer programs by over 30%, thereby introducing several new initiatives that help customers reduce their bills, conserve energy, lower greenhouse gas emissions and receive free expert advice on transitioning from fossil-fuel appliances to cleaner electric alternatives.