Joint powers agreements: retail electric services.

Existing law, the Joint Exercise of Powers Act, authorizes 2 or more public agencies, if authorized by their legislative or other governing bodies, to enter into an agreement to jointly exercise any power common to the contracting parties, as provided. That act requires, among other things, that the agreement state the purpose of the agreement or power to be exercised and provide for the method by which the purpose will be accomplished or the manner in which the power will be exercised. This bill would authorize a public agency with the authority to provide retail electric services to enter into a joint powers agreement with one or more public agencies with jurisdiction within the Coachella Valley Service Area, as defined, to jointly exercise the authority to provide retail electric services notwithstanding an inability of a party to the joint powers agreement to exercise that power independently. This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Coachella Valley Service Area, as defined.