At its regular meeting on October 14, the Fillmore City Council voted 3-1 to become a member of Clean Power Alliance (CPA), a locally-operated clean electricity provider. With this decision, Fillmore becomes the final city in Ventura County to partner with CPA.

At its regular meeting on October 14, the Fillmore City Council voted 3-1 to become a member of Clean Power Alliance (CPA), a locally-operated clean electricity provider. With this decision, Fillmore becomes the final city in Ventura County to partner with CPA, officially joining the rest of the county in offering residents and businesses access to renewable energy and greater local control over electricity decisions.

At last night’s meeting, Fillmore residents, youth, and environmental advocates gave public comment to show strong local support for this important energy decision.

“I understand change can be daunting. But the risks of inaction are greater,” said Cesar Campos, fellow at Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG) and Oxnard College student. “All of the cities in Ventura County have already joined CPA, thus showing their commitment and awareness to ensure a better and brighter future for their residents and future community members. Fillmore deserves the same.”

This decision to officially move forward as a Clean Power Alliance member community comes after months of grassroots advocacy efforts by local community members and youth, accompanied by One Step A La Vez and Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG). In May, the Fillmore City Council first decided to move forward with a feasibility study that determined the city was eligible to participate.

“It is time that Fillmore residents have the choice,” Mayor Christina Villaseñor shared during the meeting. “I’m excited about having a seat at the table and to be able to consider the energy needs for our community and our region [...]. CPA being able to reinvest profits back into the community because there are not investors or shareholders to pay; this is a great quality.

CPA sources energy from solar, wind, and other renewable sources. The transition to CPA will give Fillmore customers access to: cleaner energy at competitive rates, community reinvestment programs and grants, and support for local clean energy jobs and infrastructure. The City of Fillmore will also have the opportunity to actively participate in the energy provider’s decision-making process by appointing a City Council representative to the Clean Power Alliance Board of Directors.

“This is one of the most impactful steps our city can take to address climate change at the local level,” said Karen Laiz, youth leader with One Step A La Vez. “By making clean energy the default, we make sustainability more accessible and equitable, especially for the lower-income households that might otherwise be left behind in the transition to a greener future.”

“Energy affordability, access to clean power, and climate resilience are not just energy policy concerns; they are energy justice issues and therefore, environmental justice priorities,” said Fabiola Gomez, Senior Environmental Justice Coordinator at the National Wildlife Federation.

“Joining CPA is a cost-efficient, value-aligned, and forward-thinking step that will protect the community, support vulnerable residents, and help fulfill the city’s environmental goals.”

Beginning in 2027, Fillmore residents and businesses will automatically receive clean, competitively priced power from CPA. The next decision for the city to make is the default energy tier, which ranges from 40% to 100% renewable sources.