REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
May 19, 2026
FROM
DAWN ROWE, Chair and Third District Supervisor, Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
Establish Energy Ad Hoc Committee
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Establish an Energy Ad Hoc Committee consisting of Chair and Third District Supervisor, Dawn Rowe, and Fourth District Supervisor, Curt Hagman, to assess the County’s current and future energy needs, identify constraints impacting reliability and development, and provide strategic policy recommendations to the Board of Supervisors to advance energy resiliency, infrastructure investment, and economic growth in San Bernardino County.
(Presenter: Dawn Rowe, Chair and Third District Supervisor, 387-4855)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote and Fulfill the Countywide Vision.
Create, Maintain and Grow Employment Opportunities and Economic Value in the County.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this action will not require the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost) as it is non-financial in nature.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
San Bernardino County (County) is at a pivotal moment in addressing its current and future energy needs. As population growth, economic development, and emerging industries continue to expand, the demand for reliable, affordable, and resilient energy infrastructure has become increasingly critical. At the same time, constraints in transmission capacity, delays in interconnection, and ongoing public safety power shutoff events present challenges that impact residents, businesses, and the County’s ability to support sustainable growth.
In response, the County has begun exploring a range of strategies to strengthen its role in energy planning and coordination. This includes evaluating current and emerging clean energy production opportunities, energy infrastructure development, policy alignment, partnerships with utilities and regional agencies, and potential engagement with federal and state entities. The County is also assessing how energy availability influences land use, housing development, economic competitiveness, and public safety outcomes. Given the complexity and cross-cutting nature of these issues, a coordinated and strategic approach is essential.
On April 7, 2026 (Item No. 56), the Board of Supervisors (Board) received a presentation regarding a County Energy Goal Workshop. After this presentation, the Board requested an Energy Ad Hoc Committee (Committee) be established to provide a focused forum to evaluate options, provide policy recommendations to the entire Board, and support the development of a comprehensive energy strategy. The Committee would facilitate deeper analysis of potential pathways, including partnerships, infrastructure investments, and regulatory considerations, while also ensuring community input and stakeholder engagement are incorporated into future decision-making. This effort aligns with the Board’s expressed interest in taking a proactive role in addressing energy challenges and advancing long-term resiliency for the County.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Julie Surber, Principal Assistant County Counsel 387-5455) on April 15, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Erika Rodarte, Finance Analyst, 387-4919 and Penelope Chang, Principal Administrative Analyst, 387-4886) on April 15, 2026.