CCAs Are Better Together: The Power of Collaboration
Community choice aggregators (CCAs) across California are pioneering a new model for clean energy procurement and community engagement. While each CCA operates independently to serve its local community, there is immense value in connecting and collaborating with peer CCAs. By sharing lessons learned, best practices and joining forces on key initiatives, CCAs can amplify their impact and advocacy power.
One shining example of this collaborative ethos is the California Community Choice Association (CalCCA) annual conference, which Tripepi Smith attended in San Jose this spring. Statewide CCAs came together for panel sessions, to network with CCA leaders and absorb insights on industry trends. CalCCA provides vital resources to support its member agencies beyond just events like its annual conference. The statewide trade association facilitates cooperative RFP solicitations for aggregated purchasing, maintains an industry job board, shares important news updates and offers educational programming. By pooling expertise and resources, CalCCA ensures CCAs have a powerful voice and robust support system for operating effectively.
Tripepi Smith also found great value in participating in California Choice Energy Authority’s (CalChoice) annual meeting. The event brings together CalChoice’s eight associate member CCAs for invaluable knowledge sharing and strategic planning. Attendees participate in roundtables where each CCA shares program updates, successes, challenges and future plans. There are also sessions covering crucial regulatory, legislative, and market developments impacting CCAs.
Beyond annual meetings and conferences, CCAs can band together through advocacy efforts to jointly advance their shared interests. One example of regional advocacy is San Diego’s CCAs voicing concerns over a state bill (AB 1373) that could undermine their autonomy to procure energy supplies. Board members from San Diego Community Power and Clean Energy Alliance have expressed reservations about provisions that could enable the California Public Utilities Commission to compete with CCAs on securing renewable resources like offshore wind and geothermal. While amendments have addressed some issues, the CCAs continue advocating for language to preserve communities’ decision-making over their energy procurement. United through regional cooperation, CCAs wield greater influence in pivotal regulatory proceedings and legislative battles affecting their ability to provide clean, affordable power choices.
Storytelling and public speaking are also powerful ways CCAs unite and amplify their collective impact. Recent examples include leaders from San Diego Community Power, Orange County Power Authority, and Clean Energy Alliance participating in a panel at the California Efficiency + Demand Management Council’s symposium to discuss how CCAs are driving the state’s clean energy transition. Additionally, vendors like SMUD and Calpine play a vital role in bringing CCAs together with cooperative programs and resources that enable streamlined operations and knowledge exchange. Through avenues like these, CCA collaboration extends far beyond events into lasting partnerships advancing their shared mission.
In today’s volatile energy landscape with accelerating climate impacts, the imperative for CCA collaboration has never been higher. Ultimately, cooperation enables CCAs to build a more resilient, sustainable and equitable energy future for all Californians. While each community is unique, CCAs statewide are united by a common mission. When they harness their collective power, they can amplify progress toward a greener future for the communities they serve.
Tripepi Smith leverages its relationships with multiple CCAs to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and provide timely communication resources such as understanding your bill videos, marketing campaigns to educate the public on energy choices, efficiency, grid resilience, and more.