Issues currently facing NCPA members arise from the complex political and economic world of electric power and water, a world of tough market pressures and constant legislative and regulatory challenges. For small and mid-sized public utilities such as NCPA member utilities, the issues themselves will vary over time, but they arise from a common source, they emerge from one deeper, underlying, and essential issue---ensuring that the utilities are free to continue to set policy that is aligned with the core values of NCPA members' customer-owners.

Aligning with these core values has proved to be a sure way of creating policy that is in the best interest of both NCPA member customer-owners and of all Californians, of creating policy that is both responsible and forward looking. And it has put NCPA member utilities out on the cutting edge of environmental issues. Like public power nationally, NCPA has long been committed to its identity as an Environmental Steward within the energy industry. (see Environmental Stewardship)(hypertext) The recent unprecedented agreement between the Governor and the legislature, making California the first state to enact tough greenhouse gas standards, is welcomed by NCPA members as an indication that the rest of the state is finally turning its attention to issues which have always been of the highest priority for NCPA .

In addressing the pressing energy issues of our time, NCPA works hand in hand with the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA), the Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA), and the American Association of Public Power(APPA). Asserting transparent business practices, local and public accountability and control, and publicly crafting proactive policy that addresses local, state, and national issues has been NCPA's trademark.

Summaries of Current NCPA Issues--click on the titles of any of the issues below for 1) a more detailed overview of the issue, 2) issue maps, 3) latest developments, 4) pending legislation, and 5) names of policy experts on the NCPA team.

CO2/Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Global Climate Change

NCPA participates in state and national initiatives to help reduce CO2/greenhouse gas emissions through advocating best practices, promoting research and development, and developing joint action projects to provide the benefits of scale to our smaller utility members. The global consequences of environmental impacts constitute a challenge for utilities in the energy business. Publicly owned utilities, like NCPA's members, have asserted responsible energy production for decades - and have made it happen. The tension between meeting demand for adequate electricity (resource adequacy) and actively engaging in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is not new for NCPA leadership, and our experience has provided important policy direction for California as a whole.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency includes policy and programs that promote efficiencies in the production and use of electricity--beginning at the generation sites and continuing all the way through to our members' local businesses and homes. NCPA actively works with leaders from the regulatory and legislative branches to assure optimal autonomy for NCPA members, enabling them to design policy which makes every kilowatt count.

Renewable Energy

NCPA has, since its creation, recognized the importance of renewable energy sources--they are a perfect fit for its core values of environmental responsibility and energy security. Currently, NCPA's resource base is 64% renewable, and, when large hydro facilities are included, (they were excluded under AB 1890s definition because of environmental impacts of large dams) NCPA's percentage comes up to 96%. NCPA has fought hard to assure that its members continue to retain the right to design and implement their own Renewable Portfolio Standards.

Solar

Renewable energy has been a priority for NCPA for decades, yet solar is not the end-all and be-all of the optimal energy portfolio. To mandate a one-size-fits all solution, when that solution has its own inherent design and materials flaws is a policy rejected by NCPA and its members. Individual members of NCPA craft their portfolio by policy determined at the local level to optimize unique climate conditions and local needs.

Public Benefit Programs

Under AB1890 (1995), utilities set aside approximately 3% of their gross revenues for programs that fall into categories that were expected to be jeopardized in what was thought would be a competitive electricity market. Consequently, NCPA members use these funds for 1) low income customers, 2) research and development, 3) renewables, and 4) energy efficiency. Historically, NCPA members in general have used the majority of these funds for environmental efficiency programs, programs that are just now gaining attention of the legislature as an essential plank of a comprehensive state energy policy.

Central Valley Project

NCPA promotes fair costs for water and power customers of California's Central Valley Project, while asserting generous environmental remediation and restoration efforts.