Application Guide
How to Apply for California Clean Electricity Intern
at The Environmental Defense Fund
🏢 About The Environmental Defense Fund
The Environmental Defense Fund stands out for its pragmatic, science-driven approach to environmental challenges, combining rigorous research with market-based solutions and strategic partnerships to achieve measurable impact globally. Working here offers the unique opportunity to contribute to tangible policy changes in clean energy while collaborating with experts across science, economics, and advocacy.
About This Role
This internship focuses on supporting California's clean electricity transition through research on clean energy procurement, offshore wind development, transmission permitting, and western energy market design. You'll directly contribute to regulatory and legislative recommendations while developing presentations and memos that inform EDF's Decarbonizing U.S. Power Team and external partners.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching recent CPUC decisions on transmission projects, analyzing data on western electricity market operations, and drafting a briefing memo on offshore wind development challenges for team discussion. You'll likely participate in team meetings discussing regulatory strategy and collaborate on presentations about market design frameworks for internal and external stakeholders.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Environmental Defense Fund Is Looking For
- Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program with coursework in public policy, energy economics, or related fields, with demonstrated understanding of utility regulation
- Has specific knowledge or research experience in California energy policy, western electricity markets, or transmission infrastructure challenges
- Can provide concrete examples of analyzing regulatory documents or legislative proposals related to clean energy
- Demonstrates ability to translate complex energy concepts into clear written briefings and presentations for diverse audiences
📝 Tips for Applying to The Environmental Defense Fund
Highlight any coursework or projects specifically related to California energy policy, CAISO operations, or western regional transmission organizations
Include concrete examples of analyzing regulatory documents (like CPUC proceedings or FERC orders) in your resume
Demonstrate understanding of EDF's market-based approach by mentioning specific EDF initiatives like their work on western market design or transmission reform
Show how your background connects to both the technical (energy markets) and policy (legislative priorities) aspects of the role
Reference EDF's specific California clean electricity initiatives in your materials, showing you've researched their current work
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific interest in California's clean electricity challenges and how they connect to western regional market development", 'Examples of analyzing energy policy documents or regulatory proceedings (even from coursework)', 'How your background in policy, economics, or energy studies prepares you for the research and framework development aspects', "Why EDF's science-and-market approach resonates with your perspective on environmental solutions"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → EDF's recent work on western electricity market design and their specific recommendations for day-ahead markets
- → Current California legislation and CPUC proceedings related to clean energy procurement and transmission
- → EDF's partnerships with California agencies and utilities on decarbonization initiatives
- → The structure and current challenges of CAISO and how it interacts with other western grid operators
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic environmental enthusiasm without specific knowledge of electricity markets or California energy policy
- Focusing only on technical renewable energy aspects while ignoring the regulatory and market design components
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of how policy recommendations get implemented through legislative or regulatory channels
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to The Environmental Defense Fund!