Staff proposes $2.8M in community benefits via grants prioritizing DER in communities of concern

San Diego Community Power staff presented an informational overview March 26 proposing a community benefits framework funded by provisions in certain negotiated power purchase agreements. Senior manager Shamali Crespo said staff expects roughly $2.8 million in community benefits funding to arrive gradually through 2028 and recommended using grant‑making focused on distributed energy resources (DER) for nonprofits, small businesses, community‑serving facilities and member‑agency partners in communities of concern.

Staff said allowable uses are guided by contract language in PPAs and may require developer review before disbursement in some cases. Staff recommended leveraging the agency’s existing Community Clean Energy Grants program rather than building a new program, citing administrative efficiency, measurable outcomes, and alignment with strategic goals (including Community Power’s local development target). The recommended priorities included energy literacy, workforce development, electrification projects that improve air quality, and resilience/back‑up power.

Staff also noted safeguards: required final reports with measurable outcomes, board notification of disbursements, and compliance with applicable laws and labor requirements. The board received the informational item and staff will return with a detailed framework and (if directed) an RFP for a program administrator later this summer.