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Policy Internship

San Diego Community Power Internship

These internships provide opportunities for students to acquire new skills and gain experience working with experts in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. This experience is invaluable in providing students with the skills necessary to compete for positions within public agencies and the private sector. Applicants are not restricted by G.P.A. or academic focus requirements. This competitive internship program also provides opportunities to network with local experts within the San Diego region.  

OPEN POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT!

Policy Internship

Applications accepted until March 16, 2026. Part-time.

Duration: June 16, 2026 - August 13, 2026

San Diego County – On-site

 

WHO IS SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER?

San Diego Community Power is a community-owned organization that provides affordable clean energy and invests in the community to create an equitable and sustainable future for the San Diego region. We aim to be a global leader, inspiring innovative solutions to climate change by powering our communities with 100% clean affordable energy while prioritizing equity, sustainability, and high-quality jobs. We are a values-led, mission driven organization grounded in Justice/Equity/Diversity/Inclusion (JEDI), Impact, Integrity, Innovation, Servant Leadership, and Togetherness. Our culture is built on open communication, accountability, and curiosity. We are a growing team whose key premise is trust, collaboration, and connection with each other and the communities we serve. We are responsive and work smart to achieve high goals. 

 

OUR HISTORY

San Diego Community Power was formed in 2019 as a public, not-for-profit community choice aggregator (CCA) in the San Diego region. We began electric service in 2021 and serve five member agencies: San Diego, Chula Vista, Encinitas, La Mesa and Imperial Beach, County of San Diego, and National City. SDCP was formed to bring local control and customer choice to San Diego while also providing clean and renewable energy at competitive rates. By the end of 2023, SDCP will provide electricity for nearly half the electric load in San Diego Gas and Electric’s service territory and will be the second largest CCA in California. For more information, please visit SDCommunityPower.org.

 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

At SDCP, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We represent a diverse customer base and hope to hire employees that reflect our communities. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

 

INTERN ASSIGNMENTS

About the role: The Policy Intern works with the Regulatory Manager to support research and analysis of certain policy areas. The Policy Intern is responsible for performing policy analysis to assess impact to San Diego Community Power’s operations and programs.

 

The position informs Community Power’s regulatory and legislative staff about key policy initiatives and helps to keep the team abreast of the issues that impact our communities.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop summaries and analyses for key policy issues affecting Community Power’s operations, fiscal health, and ability to offer innovative programs.
  • Attend virtual regulatory agency workshops, policy webinars, and online stakeholder meetings and provide notes and key takeaways.
  • Compile summaries of stakeholder comments in regulatory proceedings at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), California Energy Commission (CEC), and California Independent System Operator (CAISO).
  • Monitor activity in key regulatory proceedings and legislative initiatives related to clean energy markets and programs and keep the team informed of relevant updates.
  • Engage with Community Power’s trade association, the California Community Choice Association (CalCCA), and attend committee and working group meetings.
  • Conduct research and develop internal memos on emerging policy topics in the energy sector.
  • Engage with internal Community Power business units to help identify and support policy needs that contribute to the agency’s strategic goals.
  • Support the drafting of documents and materials prepared by the regulatory and legislative affairs department, including regulatory comments, letters to policy makers, presentation slides, policy factsheets, staff reports to the Community Power Board of Directors and Community Advisory Committee.
  • Other duties to be assigned as needed.

 

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Enthusiasm to learn about current energy policy topics.
  • Strong research and analytic skills, and attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and advocacy skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, consultants, agencies and constituents.
  • Demonstrate strong interest in or previous experience in energy markets and/or programs.
  • Strong work ethic and able to take on initiative/working in a fast paced, growing, and dynamic public agency.
  • Ability to balance multiple priorities to meet deadlines and escalate key issues.
  • Ability to act with integrity and professionalism.
  • Commitment to sustainability, community energy, and mission driven work.
  • A team player who possesses the ability to work independently.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Current enrollment or recent completion of a bachelor's or master's degree program in public policy, business, economics or other relevant fields, or related energy and/or environmental policy experience.

 

WORK ENVIROMENT & CONDITIONS

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. The position requires occasional carrying, lifting and/or moving objects up to 15 pounds. At SDCP we work in the communities we serve and in the office. SDCP works to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for employees and in our communities. SDCP requires employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. SDCP is an agency required to adopt and promulgate a Conflict-of-Interest Code (“COI”). The COI code requires employees in designated positions, including those identified under the interim disclosure process to file a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) on an annual basis. A Successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

 

COMPENSATION: 

Compensation Range: The position hourly range is: $17.75 to $25; with exact compensation to be determined by SDCP, depending upon experience. 

 

California Pay Range

$17.75 - $25 USD

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