One of the main benefits of SCPPA is to be a resource to its members, a tool which can be used to combine the voices and strengths of individual cities into a cohesive whole, to more efficiently solve problems and address common needs.

Whether it is forcefully stating a common position on legislation, or bringing economies of scale to new projects and contracts for services, working together through SCPPA gives each member more influence and many more options.

This year, the emphasis for all the SCPPA Members has been to accelerate acquisition of more renewable resources, in order to comply with California’s greenhouse gas regulations and renewable portfolio standards. During Fiscal Year 2008-09, SCPPA brought three renewable projects on line – the Pebble Springs Wind Project, the Metropolitan Water District Small Hydro Project, and the Tieton Small Hydro Project. At year-end, three more renewable projects were poised to begin operating – the Milford I Wind Project, the Windy Point/Windy Flats Wind Project, and the Ameresco/Chiquita Landfill Gas Project. In addition, literally dozens of proposed new projects are in various stages of review or development. By the end of 2010, SCPPA Members as a group will receive 22% of their energy from renewable sources.

Each SCPPA city has its own resource plan and pursues new projects individually, but SCPPA gives them a wider set of options and the benefits of joint review and financing.

SCPPA continues to provide a forum for its members to address important issues jointly, through an increasing number of ad hoc committees. Service contracts through SCPPA are available to all the members, and provide significant cost savings and reduced administrative burdens.

Through a combination of strategic planning and the continued development of new ideas, members and staff have made SCPPA a more valuable tool than ever.