Dr. Iris Aguilar

The Climate Action Campaign put together a panel of clean energy advocates on May 11 at the California State University, Fullerton Center for Healthy Neighborhoods to discuss pollution, renewable energy programs and ways to make electricity more affordable for local households, with over 30 Fullerton residents in attendance.

The forum opened with remarks from Dr. Iris Aguilar, the center’s director, who emphasized the health impacts of exposure to pollution, particularly for residents living near freeways. Aguilar said stronger public policies are needed to protect communities from air pollution and related environmental hazards.

Jacquie Henderson

Jacquie Henderson, representing the Orange County Power Authority, outlined programs to expand access to cleaner energy sources while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Henderson explained that OCPA delivers electricity using existing Southern California Edison infrastructure, including poles and transmission lines, while sourcing energy from alternative generation sources.

Henderson highlighted assistance programs that include portable battery units capable of powering room air conditioning systems during outages or periods of high demand. She also noted that electricity rates are generally highest between 4 pm and 9 pm and discussed programs designed to assist lower-income households with energy costs.

Matthew Langer

The forum also featured Matthew Langer, chief operating officer of the Clean Power Alliance, California’s fourth-largest electricity provider serving 35 communities and approximately one million customers. Langer explained that residents can select clean energy providers independently of their city’s default utility provider.

He discussed several renewable energy initiatives, including a new 1.32-megawatt rooftop community solar project in Carson that officially launched April 30. Developed through a partnership between Clean Power Alliance and Prologis, the rooftop installation is housed at a Prologis warehouse facility and is expected to provide 100% renewable energy to 500 local households and the Carson City Hall.

According to panelists, the project offers eligible residents a 20% discount on electricity bills through the Power Share program, which focuses on income-qualified households and disadvantaged communities. Officials said the City of Carson is expected to save approximately $75,000 annually on City Hall energy costs.

The Carson installation is part of a broader 10-project partnership between Clean Power Alliance and Prologis that aims to generate more than 9 megawatts of solar capacity throughout Southern California. The project also supports the California Public Utilities Commission Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff program, which is intended to expand access to localized clean energy in underserved areas.

Genaro Bugarin Jr.

Genaro Bugarin Jr., director of energy innovation for The Energy Coalition, said the organization’s mission is to ensure equitable access to clean energy resources. He noted that the coalition partnered with Clean Power Alliance on the Carson solar project and supports local solar generation as a way to reduce long-term energy costs.

Dr. Vivi Goh

Panelist Dr. Vivianna “ViVi” Goh, a researcher and educator affiliated with UC Irvine, specializes in urban planning, public policy, and community gardens, said local clean energy projects can help reduce the need for costly power grid upgrades. She also discussed policies focused on improving energy affordability, including federal and state initiatives tied to the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes more than $142 billion for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Dr. Goh stressed the importance of consistent government policy to help utilities, businesses and residents make long-term clean energy investments.

The panelists also cautioned residents about unreliable solar contractors, noting that consumer watchdog organizations and local agencies can provide assistance to homeowners experiencing problems with solar installations. Henderson, the OCPA representative, said the agency maintains a preferred list of vetted solar installers.

During a question-and-answer session, an audience member asked what single action could have the greatest impact on climate change.

Panelists responded that reducing household energy consumption in any form can help and emphasized that collective community action remains one of the most effective responses to climate challenges. Speakers encouraged residents to attend climate information meetings and review local climate action plans and energy policies as a starting point for community involvement.

Egleth Nuncci

The forum was organized by Egleth Nuncci, and Climate Action Campaign affiliate Tomas Castro introduced the panel discussion.