Governance at RCEA: A Community-Driven Approach
At Redwood Coast Energy Authority, our customers benefit from a unique governance model that prioritizes local decision-making. Unlike traditional electricity providers like PG&E, RCEA is a locally governed Joint Powers Agency, empowering Humboldt County residents to shape their energy future.
Our Board of Directors and Community Advisory Committee (CAC) work together to ensure that community priorities drive the decisions we make. This collaborative approach not only supports renewable energy adoption and sustainability but also creates opportunities for public participation in shaping programs, policies, and investments.
Why Local Governance Matters
- Your Voice, Your Choice: Customers can directly influence energy decisions at public meetings.
- Community Representation: Decisions are made by local government representatives and community-appointed members who understand Humboldt County’s needs.
- Transparency: Meetings are open to the public and accessible both in-person and online, encouraging accountability and community engagement.
Board Meetings: Participate in Local Decision-Making
At Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA), your voice matters. As an RCEA customer, you benefit from a community-focused approach where local government leaders make key decisions about your energy. Our public Board meetings are your chance to stay informed, share your opinions, and help shape the future of energy in Humboldt County.
About
Membership: Board members are appointed by RCEA’s member agencies: the County of Humboldt, the Cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell and Trinidad, Blue Lake Rancheria, the Yurok Tribe and the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District.
Board of Directors
| Jurisdiction | Director | Alternate |
|---|---|---|
| City of Arcata | Sarah Schaefer, Chair | Meredith Matthews |
| City of Blue Lake | Elise Scafani | Kat Napier |
| County of Humboldt | Natalie Arroyo | Mike Wilson |
| City of Eureka | Scott Bauer, Vice-Chair | Renee Contreras-DeLoach |
| City of Ferndale | Skip Jorgensen | Leonard Lund |
| City of Fortuna | Vacant | Jerry King |
| Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District | Sheri Woo | Tom Wheeler |
| City of Rio Dell | Frank Wilson | Debra Garnes |
| City of Trinidad | Jack Tuttle | Cheryl Kelly |
| Yurok Tribe | Michael Gerace | Lana McCovey |
| Blue Lake Rancheria | Jason Ramos | Heidi Moore-Guynup |
Community Advisory Committee: Amplify Your Voice in Local Energy Decisions
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) was established by the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) Board of Directors to enhance public engagement and provide valuable input and decision-making support to the Board. The CAC plays a critical role in ensuring that RCEA programs and initiatives align with community priorities.
About
- Membership: The CAC can have up to 15 members.
- Appointed Members: Thirteen members are nominated by RCEA Board Directors.
- Open Application Members: Two additional members are seated through a public application process.
- Eligibility: All members must be Humboldt County residents.
- Terms: Members serve 2-year terms.
Community Advisory Committee Members
| Jurisdiction | Member | Term Exp. |
|---|---|---|
| At-Large | Colin Fiske | 3/31/2026 |
| At-Large | Pliny McCovey | 3/31/2026 |
| Arcata | Norman Bell | 3/31/2025 |
| Blue Lake | Kit Mann | 3/31/2025 |
| Blue Lake Rancheria | Vacancy | 3/31/2026 |
| County 1 | Luna Latimer | 3/31/2025 |
| County 2 | Christopher Honar | 3/31/2025 |
| County 3 | Benjamin Fordham | 3/31/2026 |
| Eureka | Deborah Dukes | 3/31/2025 |
| Ferndale | Dennis Leonardi | 3/31/2026 |
| Fortuna | Vacancy | 3/31/2026 |
| HBMWD | Ethan Lawton | 3/31/2026 |
| Rio Dell | Vacancy | 3/31/2025 |
| Trinidad | Richard Johnson | 3/31/2025 |
| Yurok Tribe | Vacancy | 3/31/2026 |
How to Apply for CAC Membership
Interested in serving on the CAC? Applications are accepted during open recruitment periods and when a vacancy occurs. Final member appointments are made by the RCEA Board of Directors.
For information about applying, email us at info@redwoodenergy.org or call (707) 269-1700.
Upcoming Meetings
Check out details for the next Board of Directors and Community Advisory Committee meetings below.
Stay connected with our governance activities! Click here to learn more about public meetings.
Board of Directors
Date: January 23, 2025
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Wharfinger Building Downstairs Bay Room, 1 Marina Way, Eureka
Agenda
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81972368051
Call In #: (669) 900-6833 or (253) 215-8782
Webinar ID: 819 7236 8051
Participation Instructions: Raise your hand in the webinar controls during the public comment periods, or press *9 on your phone. Staff will let you know when it is your turn to speak. Comments are limited to 3 minutes.
Community Advisory Committee
Date: January 14, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Jefferson Community Center, 1000 B St., Eureka
Agenda
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82223381610
Call In #: (669) 900-6833 or (253) 215-8782
Webinar ID: 822 2338 1610
Participation Instructions: To comment by phone or online during the public comment periods, raise your hand in the online Zoom webinar or press star (*) 9 on your phone to raise your hand. You will continue to hear the meeting while you wait. When it is your turn to speak, a staff member will ask you to unmute your phone or computer. You will have 3 minutes to speak.
Get Involved in Our Governance
Whether you’re attending a meeting, submitting a public comment, or applying for CAC membership, there are many ways to contribute to the decisions shaping our energy future. Thank you!
Together, we’re building a cleaner, more sustainable future for Humboldt County. Your participation makes it possible!
Get Meeting Notifications
Subscribe to the RCEA meeting mailing lists. Agendas are published 72 hours before regular meetings or 24 hours before special meetings.