Renewable Portfolio Standard Products Intern

Ava Community Energy is seeking a Renewable Portfolio Standard Products Intern in Oakland, CA. The role involves reviewing RPS rules, analyzing California's RPS requirements, and compiling databases of RPS products and data centers. Ideal candidates should have a strong interest in the energy sector. Ava promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging individuals from various backgrounds to apply.
Renewable Portfolio Standard Products Intern

About Ava Community Energy

Ava Community Energy (Ava) is a Joint Powers Authority comprised of Alameda County and its incorporated areas, and the cities of Lathrop, Stockton, and Tracy. Ava’s charter is to provide its customers with low carbon, cost-effective electricity that integrates innovative energy products and maximizes local benefits through the development of local solutions, ranging from increasing access to rooftop solar to supporting the adoption of electric vehicles.

Culture and Commitment to Diversity

Ava believes in a vibrant culture that supports and nurtures a workplace that offers every individual the opportunity to attain professional goals and contribute to accomplishing our mission. We foster a culture of open communication, responsibility, curiosity, accountability, and teamwork. We want creative problem solvers who are excited to work in an entrepreneurial environment and grow our organization!

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce that is reflective of our service area’s rich culture and communities. We welcome a diversity of experiences, perspectives, and skills.

We strongly encourage people of all characteristics to apply and prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type based on age, religion, color, gender identity or expression, race, ancestry, or national origin, religion or creed, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or characteristics, and those with a disability as protected by federal, state and local laws.

Position Summary

Ava is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Power Resources Intern reporting to the Director of Originations. The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in the energy industry, particularly in the California energy landscape. This internship is an excellent opportunity for individuals planning to pursue a career in the energy sector, offering valuable hands-on experience and exposure to power resource management and analysis.

Position Details

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Review and Summarize RPS Rules for LSEs under CPUC:
• Familiarize yourself with the concept of Renewable Portfolio Standard Products (RPS Products) in the energy market based on RPS rules for LSEs jurisdictional under the CPUC. Work with the REC/CF manager and their existing documentation to become familiar with these products and their relationship to the published rules.
• Analyze and understand the existing RPS requirements in California.
• Stay up to date with the latest developments and regulatory changes related to RPS.
• Compile a Database of RPS Products in California:
• Research and collect data on power resources across California.
• Create a working comprehensive database of all resources, including ownership and offtaker information from relevant contracts and the publicly available databases, such as the IEPR and the historical info found within the CPUC’s IRP.
• Ensure accuracy and reliability of the database by verifying and updating information as needed.
• Speak to representatives from CCP, CALCCA and other JPAs that may be able to provide already compiled information.
• Compile a Database of Data Centers in Ava’s service territory
• Research and collect data on data centers in various stages of planning (either still in development, planned for specific cities/jurisdictions, online etc.)
• Create a database of all data centers information found, including size and load, COD if applicable, what LSE currently serves them/the area planned for a data center, and any other applicable information.
• Additional Responsibilities
• Support the team in conducting market research and analysis related to power resource planning and procurement.
• Assist in evaluating renewable energy projects and initiatives in California.
• Contribute to the development of reports, presentations, and other relevant materials.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Energy, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Economics).
• Familiarity with the California energy landscape, including knowledge of renewable energy policies, regulations, and market dynamics.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and synthesize complex data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for data analysis and manipulation.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Prior experience or coursework related to power resources, energy markets, or renewable energy is a plus.

Working Conditions and Stipend

The hourly rate for this position is $30 per hour.

This position will be based in Ava headquarters in Oakland, near BART. Ava's team has a hybrid approach inclusive of in-office and remote work. This role is expected to go into the office on Tuesday, Thursday, and the first Wednesday of the month.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ava is dedicated to reasonably accommodate an applicant for known physical or mental disabilities so that the applicant may participate in the application process. We will engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process with any employee with a known physical or mental disability to identify potential reasonable accommodations, if any, to enable the employee to perform the essential functions of their position.
• General office environment is primarily sedentary work which requires the following physical activities: standing, sitting, walking, reaching, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• The noise level is usually moderate.

Licenses/Certificates
• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver’s license or the ability to provide alternate transportation and a safe driving record.

Working at Ava Community Energy

Ava is committed to complying with applicable laws, including the Americans with Disability Act and Fair Employment and Housing Act, ensuring equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. Ava prohibits unlawful discrimination based on age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), genetic information or characteristics, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, or on any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws. Ava strives to maintain a COVID-free workplace, being fully vaccinated is a condition of employment (exemptions will be evaluated by legal counsel).

The information contained herein has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The information also does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract, and these provisions are subject to change.