The wildfires that have devastated many communities in the state over the past two years and subsequent public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) have provided opportunities for the CCAs to take on new roles that were not defined in their originating regulations.  The California Legislature has passed several bills in 2018 and 2019 that are meant to support CCAs in developing services in local communities including fostering communication, developing microgrids and providing funding to allow residents to install solar and battery backup systems. But CCAs are having difficulties taking on those roles.

 The formation of Community Choice Aggregators has picked up speed over the past two to three years from one in 2010 to nearly 30 CCAs today.  They provide power to cities and counties throughout California, and are now providing power to over 100,000 ratepayers in the state. But they need to extend their services and find a new identity if they are to move beyond serving as appendages of the major utilities in California.

CCAs must send their power to host utilities for deliver to their customers. The way forward, say leaders in the CCA movement are they must act as facilitators in their local communities by taking control of essential electrical services in high risk environments.