Rob Howard

The committee discussed the Chief Executive Officer's update, which included a review of account enrollments, community engagement efforts, progress on the solar plus and battery bonus programs, and the success of the meet-the-team social media campaign. Additionally, the committee reviewed the 2026 work plan and discussed the formation of several ad hoc subcommittees, specifically for member orientation, new technology tracking, and communication outreach strategy related to accounts and delinquent balances.

The board meeting included a report on the Community Advisory Committee's recent participation in the regional energy academy. Board members discussed upcoming sponsorship opportunities and outreach programs. A presentation was provided by the San Diego Fire and Rescue Department concerning safety standards for battery energy storage systems, focusing on code requirements, emergency response planning, and fire mitigation procedures.

The Board meeting included the receipt of the Treasurer's Report and the adoption of resolutions regarding the 2026 Community Advisory Committee meeting schedule and work plan, the 2026 Legislative and Regulatory Policy Platform, and the approval of agreements for legal services providers. Additionally, the Board conducted a public hearing concerning the expansion of the Super Off-Peak Time-of-Use period and the establishment of new commercial rate schedules. The meeting also addressed operational reports and a regulatory update, and moved into closed session for litigation matters.

This Legislative and Regulatory Policy Platform guides the Clean Energy Alliance (CEA) Board and staff in their advocacy and engagement on policy matters. The platform outlines key legislative priorities for 2026, focusing on affordability, decarbonization, Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) autonomy, CPUC data transparency, infrastructure (particularly battery energy storage facilities), and emissions reduction. It is founded on principles of protecting CEA's local control for power resource procurement and rate setting, ensuring fair treatment of CEA customers, supporting affordable and competitive electric rates as an essential service, and pursuing environmental initiatives beyond state mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote local renewable energy. Additional policy priorities include customer program development, local energy initiatives, fair market competition, and maintaining CEA autonomy.

The Board of Directors meeting covered several key areas, including a presentation on Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) safety standards and incident response protocols. The CEO provided an administrative report, highlighting community engagement events, recruitment status, and a 5-year anniversary celebration update. The Board considered and adopted the Clean Energy Alliance Energy Programs Plan for fiscal years 2025/26 through 2030/31, which focuses on clean energy supply, grid resilience, building electrification, and community education. Additionally, a public hearing was held regarding the expansion of the Super Off-Peak Time-of-Use period and the establishment of new commercial customer classes. The meeting also included a regulatory update on the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA) rulemaking and concluded with a closed session for legal counsel regarding potential litigation.