State Audit Reveals Mismanagement, Deception, and Financial Instability at Orange County Power Authority (OCPA)
For the fourth time in less than a year, an investigation of the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) has revealed severe management and transparency problems — and possible financial peril — triggering calls by State officials for the agency to quickly change its practices or face State action.
The audit report by the State Auditor’s Office concluded that:
OCPA’s deceptive marketing and public relations and lack of transparency caused a loss of public confidence in the agency.
OCPA’s contracting was not competitive and violated its own policies as well as State rules.
OCPA does not have sufficient qualified staff to properly oversee its operations, especially its multi-million-dollar contracting for electricity.
OCPA has not fulfilled its promises of cheaper green energy or investment in community energy-efficiency programs.
