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San Diego Regional Energy Academy launches fourth cohort to raise energy literacy for civic leaders
Summary
The San Diego Regional Energy Academy will run a four‑day fall cohort beginning Sept. 18; organizers say alumni report higher energy literacy and that the program is building a regional network for policy and workforce development.
Organizers of the San Diego Regional Energy Academy told the Community Advisory Committee on Aug. 14 that the program will run a four‑day fall cohort beginning Sept. 18 and will formally launch an alumni network to sustain regional learning and connections.
Darby Berry, director of the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative, said the academy — now housed at the University of San Diego — combines classroom sessions and field trips to give civic staff, nonprofit leaders and private‑sector participants a practical orientation to the local energy system. “The goal is to raise the energy IQ of those who go through the program,” Berry said. She reported two completed cohorts with more than 60 graduates and roughly 300 applicants across cohorts; survey respondents reported an average increase in self‑assessed energy knowledge and a 100% recommendation rate among those who completed the program.
Scott Anders, director of the Energy Policy Initiative Center at the University of San Diego, described the academy as an opportunity to ground regional leaders in technical, regulatory and equity issues so they can engage more effectively in local energy and climate work. Julie Friedman, senior manager of strategic partnerships at San Diego Community Power, said SDCP has provided funding for at least two additional cohorts and that staff will help recruit participants from city and county governments, businesses and community organizations.
The fall cohort will expand to four days in response to participant feedback that additional time improves networking and allows deeper dives on subjects such as electrification, decarbonization and energy equity. Organizers also plan an alumni mixer and targeted follow‑up workshops to keep participants engaged and to offer more advanced topical modules.
Committee members praised the program as a cost‑effective regional investment in capacity building for local government and community leaders. One member said the academy had been “one of the smartest investments” SDCP has made to strengthen systems knowledge across the region.
