As California accelerates its transition away from fossil fuels, local governments and regional leaders are facing a steep learning curve. With new state and federal policies driving widespread investment in clean energy, understanding how energy systems work and how to engage with them has never been more essential. Considering this rapid shift toward clean energy, local leaders must be prepared to navigate these changes to ensure equitable and effective implementation in their communities. 

The San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative (SDRCC) and the Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC), both housed at the University of San Diego, worked together to develop and launch the San Diego Regional Energy Academy (Energy Academy) in November 2024. This program is an initiative designed to better equip local and regional leaders with the foundational knowledge needed to navigate the San Diego region’s evolving energy landscape. Since its launch, the program has completed two cohorts, building momentum and a strong foundation for continued growth. 

The program included collaboration with public agencies, utilities, and community-based organizations to develop a comprehensive in-person training program that aims to simplify regional energysystems and policy. The Energy Academy’s mission is to raise the “energy IQ” of diverse community leaders and decision-makers, helping them better engage in local energy projects, policy development, and climate resilience efforts. The Energy Academy consists of six core modules and is delivered over multiple days, combining classroom lessons with site visits to key regional energy infrastructure locations such as the Port of San Diego and San Diego Gas & Electric facilities, to enable a dynamic learning experience. Through this interactive learning model, the Energy Academy helps fill critical knowledge gaps and empowers participants to better understand the region’s complex energy systems, explore the intersections of energy, climate, and equity, and gain practical insights into how electrification and decarbonization can strengthen community resilience. The program focuses on specific policy, infrastructure, climate impacts and the energy landscape central to the San Diego region and can serve as a model for others across the state looking to develop similar programs.

Through the first two cohorts, the program has trained over 60 participants from local government, regional agencies, tribal-serving organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and academic institutions. The response from these cohorts has been overwhelmingly positive, with participant feedback highlighting significant professional value, peer collaboration, network growth, and increased confidence to engage in energy resilience dialogues. Following the success of these cohorts, EPIC and SDRCC have goals of growing the program to support additional cohorts, and build an alumni network for graduates to stay connected and maintain their momentum in the energy space. 

As the energy transition accelerates and climate risks intensify, local leaders need the tools and confidence to act. The Energy Academy is working to meet this moment by offering free, accessible, and hands-on training that simplifies energy systems and empowers participants to shape energy resilience in their communities across the San Diego region. 

To stay informed about upcoming opportunities and future cohorts, or to express interest in sponsoring the program, please contact sdclimatecollab@sandiego.edu or fill out the Regional Energy Academy Interest Form.