Energy Unplugged by Aurora EP.257 Karin Burns on Community Choice Aggregators and the Clean Energy Transition in California
Sep 30, 2025
Karin Burns, CEO of San Diego Community Power, brings her unique blend of finance and sustainability expertise to the discussion about community choice aggregation in California. She explains how CCAs are reshaping the power market, balancing decarbonization with affordability. Karin dives into the impacts of federal policy changes and surging demand from AI and data centers. She also advocates for regional market strategies to enhance reliability and lower costs, emphasizing the role of local governance in the energy transition.
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Why She Joined Community Power
- Karin Burns joined San Diego Community Power to build high-performing teams and act locally on clean energy goals.
- Her finance and international experience shaped a values-led focus on community benefits and decarbonisation.
What Community Choice Aggregators Do
- CCAs are public, not-for-profit joint powers authorities that buy electricity but use IOU transmission and billing.
- They create customer choice and aim to deliver cleaner power while remaining cost-competitive.
Include Customers In Governance
- Put the customer in the room when making decisions and set local rates that reflect community priorities.
- Use your board of elected officials to align strategy with constituent needs and affordability goals.
