Gregory Wade

The Energy Programs Plan for Clean Energy Alliance (CEA) serves as a strategic roadmap to guide the implementation of local energy programs, reflecting community needs and supporting the organization's mission to provide beneficial customer programs, promote affordability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The plan is structured around four strategic pillars: Clean Energy Supply and Grid Resilience, Building Electrification and Energy Efficiency, Transportation Electrification, and Local Workforce and Community Education. Key objectives include promoting clean energy adoption, developing diverse energy programs, supporting low-to-moderate-income households, facilitating economic development, increasing awareness and participation, and promoting rate stability and cost savings for customers in North San Diego County.

The meeting agenda included an update from the Chief Executive Officer, a review of 2025 achievements, and suggestions for the 2026 Work Plan, resulting in consensus on holding CAC meetings on odd-numbered months in 2026. The committee also received updates on the Climate Action Plan. Announcements from Committee Members were continued until the next meeting.

The board meeting was called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and board comments. A key announcement recognized a staff member for a community leadership award. The agenda included the approval of previous minutes from November 20, 2025. Major discussion points involved board officer terms, where the continuation of the current chair and vice chair for another year was proposed. The board then received a presentation on the state of the nuclear industry, covering topics such as power procurement strategy, the role of nuclear energy alongside renewables, the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for data centers, fuel enrichment levels, and advancements in Generation 4 reactors. Discussions also touched upon the complexities of nuclear waste storage, potential policy positions regarding nuclear power advocacy, and the future prospects of fusion energy.

The meeting commenced with organizational matters, including the election of the Chair and Vice Chair for 2026, resulting in the reelection of Paige Tino and Deborah Shay for second consecutive terms. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the CAC 2026 work plan, specifically regarding subcommittee formation and future topics like outside organization collaboration and social media marketing efforts. A major topic was the discussion and proposal of rate relief measures in response to dramatically increasing Power Charge Difference Adjustment (PCIA) rates, which are expected to result in higher monthly costs for CEA customers compared to SDG&E customers in 2026. The committee members noted several absences for the scheduled March 12th meeting due to an energy academy training, prompting a discussion about potentially moving the next meeting to April 9th.

The meeting included a presentation from San Diego Gas & Electric providing an overview and update on the 2023 Rate Forecast. Key actions involved approving the Clean Energy Alliance Treasurer's Report for September 2022 activity. The board also approved scheduling special meetings for December 15, 2022, and January 12, 2023, while canceling the regular meeting scheduled for December 22, 2022. New business included receiving and filing the Annual Audited Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022, which received an Unmodified Opinion. The CEO provided updates on expansion efforts in Escondido and San Marcos, targeting an April 2024 launch. Special Counsel provided updates on Net Energy Metering (NEM) Proposed Decision, California Energy Commission Load Management Standards Decision, and Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) CPUC Proposed Decision. Finally, the board voted to continue holding meetings via teleconferencing due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 state of emergency.