Application Guide

How to Apply for Assistant General Counsel, Power Supply

at Clean Power Alliance

🏢 About Clean Power Alliance

Clean Power Alliance is a pioneering Community Choice Aggregator serving over 30 communities in Southern California, offering a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of public policy, clean energy, and legal innovation. As a public agency, you'll directly contribute to expanding renewable energy access and reducing carbon emissions, with a collaborative culture focused on mission-driven impact.

About This Role

This role provides critical legal support to the Power Supply team, handling complex energy procurement contracts, CAISO market compliance, and regulatory filings. You'll be instrumental in structuring deals that bring cost-effective renewable energy to millions of residents, while navigating the evolving landscape of California energy regulations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing and negotiating a new solar PPA, advising the Power Supply team on CAISO compliance for a gas peaker plant, and drafting a response to a CPUC data request. You'll collaborate remotely with procurement analysts and regulatory specialists, often joining calls with external counsel or counterparties to finalize contract terms.

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🎯 Who Clean Power Alliance Is Looking For

  • A seasoned energy attorney with at least 7 years of experience in energy transactions, including deep familiarity with EEI and WSPP agreements and CAISO market rules.
  • Comfortable advising on both day-to-day procurement and long-term asset ownership strategies, with a track record of drafting and negotiating complex power purchase agreements.
  • Possesses strong regulatory acumen, able to interpret and apply California Public Utilities Commission and CAISO tariff requirements to real-world contracts.
  • An excellent communicator who can translate technical energy concepts for non-legal stakeholders, including executives and board members.

📝 Tips for Applying to Clean Power Alliance

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific energy transaction experience, such as the number and type of PPAs you've negotiated, and any direct work with CAISO.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your familiarity with EEI and WSPP master agreements and provide an example of a complex deal you closed.

3

Research Clean Power Alliance's current power supply portfolio and recent RFPs; mention specific projects or challenges you could address.

4

Demonstrate your understanding of California's energy regulatory environment, including recent legislative changes like SB 100 and their impact on procurement.

5

If possible, include a writing sample that shows your ability to draft or analyze a power purchase agreement or regulatory compliance document.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with energy contracts (EEI/WSPP) and CAISO market operations, with concrete examples.', "Passion for clean energy and public service, aligning with CPA's mission to empower communities with renewable choices.", 'Ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and provide strategic legal advice that balances risk and innovation.', 'Your collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams, particularly in a remote environment.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Clean Power Alliance's most recent Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and power supply portfolio to understand their current contracts and future needs.
  • → Familiarize yourself with CPA's board structure and recent public meetings, especially any discussions on procurement strategies.
  • → Study the CAISO tariff provisions related to resource adequacy, congestion management, and generator interconnection that are most relevant to PPAs.
  • → Look into CPA's community engagement efforts and how legal decisions might impact local ratepayers and environmental justice.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a complex power purchase agreement you negotiated. What were the key terms and challenges?
2 How would you advise the Power Supply team on managing CAISO congestion revenue rights or resource adequacy requirements?
3 Describe a time you had to explain a technical energy regulation to a non-legal audience. How did you ensure understanding?
4 What is your approach to balancing cost-effectiveness with environmental goals in energy procurement?
5 How do you stay updated on changes to CAISO tariffs and California energy policy, and how would you apply that knowledge here?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter; avoid phrases like 'I am passionate about law' without tying it to energy or public service.
  • Don't overlook the requirement for active California Bar membership; if you're not licensed in CA, address your plan to become licensed.
  • Avoid being too academic; this role requires practical, deal-making legal skills, so emphasize transactional experience over theoretical knowledge.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Clean Power Alliance!

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