In the latest edition of the “Meet the CCA Team” series, the California Choice Energy Authority (CalChoice) is pleased to spotlight the Programs Advisory Committee, a dedicated group of representatives from CalChoice’s member agencies who are working together to shape the future of energy programs across Southern California.
The Programs Advisory Committee meets monthly to provide input on current and future program offerings, advise the CalChoice Board of Directors and share best practices across the agencies. Led by CalChoice Energy Programs Manager Kathy Wells, the committee serves as a central hub for innovation and coordination, helping ensure that CalChoice programs meet the evolving needs of member communities.
“Our committee is where ideas take shape,” said Kathy. “Our members bring valuable insight from their communities, and together, we turn those insights into action.”
Representatives from each of CalChoice’s eight member CCAs contribute their expertise to the committee:
- Pamela Quick, Apple Valley Choice Energy
- Donnita Talavera, Energy for Palmdale’s Independent Choice
- Cindy Valdivia, Lancaster Energy
- Anthony Ortega, Pomona Choice Energy
- Victor Ferrer and Paola Granados, Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy
- Jess Higgins, Rancho Mirage Energy Authority
- Jon Griesser and Stephanie Holmes, Santa Barbara Clean Energy
- Robert Johnson, San Jacinto Power
Recent committee surveys helped identify key priorities for the year ahead, including the development of the distributed energy resources, expansion of electric transportation solutions, increased energy efficiency and the delivery of customer programs that promote affordability and grid resilience.
“Our shared commitment to practical solutions that benefit all our communities is the key to making this committee successful,” continued Kathy. “Whether we’re exploring demand response programs or working to expand solar accessibility, we remain focused on delivering value to our customers and building more resilient, sustainable communities.”
As CalChoice continues to grow and enhance its suite of program offerings, the Programs Advisory Committee will play a role in guiding program alignment with member goals and community priorities. CalChoice is grateful for the ongoing leadership and collaboration of its committee members in advancing the mission of community choice aggregations throughout California.
About CalChoice
CalChoice is a California Joint Powers Authority (“JPA”) that provides Community Choice Aggregation (“CCA”) support services, which include energy portfolio management, power procurement and trading, settlements and invoice validations, regulatory compliance, regulatory advocacy, financial and accounting, and rate-setting support functions. Current operational CalChoice members include Lancaster Choice Energy, Apple Valley Choice Energy, Pico Rivera Innovative Municipal Energy, San Jacinto Power, the Rancho Mirage Energy Authority, Pomona Choice Energy, Santa Barbara Clean Energy and Energy for Palmdale’s Independent Choice. By joining together, CalChoice members are able to cut costs through economies of scale. Learn More at californiachoiceenergyauthority.com
