Veteran Energy Industry Professional Jan Pepper Named CEO of Peninsula Clean Energy
REDWOOD CITY, CA — Veteran energy industry professional Jan Pepper has been hired as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed Peninsula Clean Energy Authority (PCEA) in San Mateo County. Pepper will take the helm of the PCEA on May 27, 2016.
The PCEA, formed in March 2016, is a joint powers authority made up of the County of San Mateo and the 20 cities in the County. This joint powers authority was formed to provide the residents and businesses in San Mateo County with a cleaner and greener choice in where their energy is sourced. The program, often termed community choice energy (CCE), will allow the local governments to pool the electricity demands of their communities, increase their purchasing power for higher renewable content, and reinvest in the energy infrastructure of the local communities.
“Jan’s extensive experience in the energy industry, her proven record launching start-up companies, and her passion for clean energy make her a perfect fit to lead the PCEA,” said Supervisor Dave Pine, chair of the PCEA Board of Directors. “Under her guidance we look forward to successfully launching the Peninsula Clean Energy program this Fall and substantially reducing San Mateo County’s carbon footprint.”
Pepper, who currently serves as an Electric Division Manager at Silicon Valley Power – the municipal utility serving the City of Santa Clara – comes to PCE with over 30 years working in or for utilities including investor-owned and municipal utilities and brings a with her a significant depth of experience and knowledge of wholesale and retail energy markets in California. Pepper is also the founder of four successful renewable energy companies and has a long track record of developing local renewable energy projects and innovating new products. In addition to her industry experience, Pepper also serves on the Los Altos City Council.
“I’m excited to lead PCE, as we become part of the larger effort to combat climate change by increasing the use of competitively priced, clean and renewable energy,” said Pepper. “And further, as a local public power agency, we can tailor our programs to maximize the benefits for the people of San Mateo County.”
PCE will begin serving the first third of its customers in October 2016, with full program rollout by October 2017. For more information please visit www.peninsulacleanenergy.com.