Padilla brings expertise in strategic planning, power procurement and policy
Sunnyvale, Calif. – The Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) Board of Directors has selected Monica Padilla as the community choice energy agency’s next Chief Executive Officer. Padilla has worked at SVCE for five years leading power policy, planning, procurement, regulatory, operations and compliance as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Power Resources. In August, current SVCE CEO, Girish Balachandran, announced his plan to retire on March 31, 2024. Padilla’s appointment as CEO was approved by the SVCE board and she will start her new role on April 1, 2024.
“I am excited to expand my role and help lead SVCE’s efforts to decarbonize our communities,” said Padilla. “Our efforts here will be monumental, requiring continued innovation, collaboration, engagement with stakeholders, new partnerships and strong leadership by all. By continuing the development and deployment of cost-effective, leading-edge and sustainable policies and programs, we will make real transformations and progress towards our communities’ goals of creating a healthy and safe region.”
As COO and Director of Power Resources, Padilla has led the negotiation and execution of over 20 power purchase agreements for clean, renewable energy and storage projects representing over $3.6 billion in long-term contracts. With these projects, SVCE is on track to achieve a 75% Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 2030, surpassing the state requirement of 60% RPS by 2030. Padilla and her team have been overseeing the successful management and scheduling of load and resources in the wholesale market as these clean power projects become operational. On behalf of SVCE, Padilla led the staff project oversight committee for the California Community Power long-duration energy storage procurement, which at the time was the largest effort of its kind.
“Monica encompasses two characteristics that are critical for successful leadership – genuine caring for people and bottom-line value,” said Balachandran. “She is constantly asking ‘how does this make sense for customers?’ and that shows through in every decision she makes. SVCE has established itself as a leader in the industry and Monica will without a doubt maintain this reputation and strive to develop key partnerships to benefit SVCE and its customers.”
Beyond the agency’s power supply, Padilla’s leadership and industry expertise is exemplified in her work with the board and staff on agency-wide strategic planning, and policy and procurement collaboration with CCAs across the state.
“Monica is the right choice for our next CEO,” said George Tyson, SVCE Board Chair and Los Altos Hills Councilmember. “As COO, she has shown in-depth knowledge of procurement and a deft hand in managing people and relationship building within the whole industry. Monica has put us in a very powerful position and represents a strong point of continuity – we have had a wonderful time with our CEO Girish Balachandran and I think the board’s decision positions the agency for a smooth transition.”
As CEO, Padilla will lead the dynamic agency in collaborating with the SVCE Board of Directors and communities to achieve their vision of decarbonization. Padilla will also serve on the boards of several statewide organizations, including the California Community Choice Association, California Community Power and the California Community Choice Financing Authority.
Prior to SVCE, Padilla worked at the City of Palo Alto Utilities for 30 years and supported the development and implementation of Palo Alto’s Carbon Neutral Plan in 2013 and the management of Palo Alto’s electric portfolio. Padilla received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at California State University East Bay.
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About Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a not-for-profit, community-owned agency providing clean electricity from renewable and clean sources to more than 275,000 residential and commercial customers in 13 Santa Clara County jurisdictions. As a public agency, net revenues are returned to the community to keep rates competitive and promote clean energy programs. Silicon Valley Clean Energy is advancing innovative solutions to fight climate change by decarbonizing the grid, transportation, and buildings. Learn more at SVCleanEnergy.org.
Media Contact
Pamela Leonard | Deputy Director of Marketing & Communications
pamela.leonard@svcleanenergy.org
(408) 549-2671
