California Choice Energy Authority (CalChoice) is excited to launch its new interview series “Behind the Power,” featuring the organizations that help power its work behind the scenes. From procurement experts to regulatory advisors and communications strategists, the success of any CCA depends on collaboration. This series begins with a partner that supports CalChoice’s marketing and communication efforts: Tripepi Smith (TS).
More than a marketing and public affairs firm, TS has provided marketing support since 2017 to ensure CalChoice’s voice remains consistent, informed and visible across multiple platforms.
“Tripepi Smith doesn’t just act as a consultant; they are an extension of our team,” said CalChoice General Manager Cathy DeFalco. “They understand the ‘city-first’ mentality that defines us, ensuring that as we grow, our message of local control and innovation remains front and center.”
Overseen by Director Sara Madsen, managed by Business Analysts Olivia Rizzuto and Alyson Edwards and supported by Junior Business Analyst Nicole Weber, the TS team does it all.
The work spans strategic communications, content development and website support and audits. Each month, the team issues press releases to highlight major updates, develops quarterly stakeholder newsletters for CalChoice and writes submissions for CalCCA’s Aggregator publication. Beyond written communications, the team also coordinates joint rate-comparison and power-content label mailers, which require careful alignment between data accuracy and accessible design. Additionally, TS holds a crucial role in the annual All-Member Summit, coordinating everything from RSVP management and email communications to graphic design and on-site photography.
“The CCA model is inherently collaborative, and we see our work with CalChoice as a vital part of that ecosystem,” said Sara. “We focus on delivering locally tailored communications that resonate with each member agency’s customers, driving awareness, participation and long-term success across CalChoice programs and initiatives.”
As CalChoice continues to grow, its communications strategy, rooted in transparency and responsiveness, evolves alongside it. The complexity of CCA communications will only increase, and the ongoing partnership with Tripepi Smith, focused on leveraging data and customer-first strategy to meet these challenges, ensures CalChoice’s member agencies are well-positioned for the next phase of California’s energy transition.
This conversation marks the first installment in CalChoice’s “Behind the Power” series. Stay tuned for future editions that continue to introduce the partners who power procurement strategy, regulatory compliance and operational excellence. Because reliable energy is built on reliable partnerships.
