Peninsula Clean Energy’s new CEO is committed to reducing carbon emissions and energy prices

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Throughout her career, Shawn Marshall says she has tried to make sure her work reflects her personal values. Now, as the new CEO of Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) she hopes to continue centering people while providing more affordable energy options. 

Marshall stepped into the position last July after previously serving as PCE’s chief operating officer. She succeeds Jan Pepper, who led the agency since its inception in 2016. 

As a nonprofit community choice aggregation agency, CCA, PCE procures electricity on behalf of its customers. It aims to put energy on the grid that is cleaner, greener, and more affordable. PCE is the official electricity provider for San Mateo County and the city of Los Banos. 

Moving into her new role felt like a full circle moment for Marshall. “I understand this agency from the kernel of the idea all the way through: to its name, to its legal founding, to its core mission and strategic plan,” she said. 

As a ‘70s kid, Marshall’s childhood dream was to become a singer, or maybe an actress. But, over time, she became more aware of the growing climate crisis. After college, Marshall got involved with local climate action organizations advocating for land conservation, open space, and clean air. In the late ‘90s, she spent six months traveling through Asia, Africa and the Middle East, an experience she said showed her firsthand the impact of climate change around the world. 

Marshall grew up, and continues to live, in Marin County. While serving as a n elected official in Mill Valley City council member, she got involved with California’s CCA initiative. There, she helped found Marin Clean Energy, the state’s first CCA, despite opposition from energy provider Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E). 

“It was both a tremendously difficult and also exciting time,” Marshall remembered. 

To help other institutions throughout California form their own CCAs, Marshall then formed the Local Energy Aggregation Network, LEAN. The organization has helped start up 10 of the largest CCAs in the state, including PCE. 

At PCE, Marshall said she wants to help people see that renewable energy can be a good choice for both the community and the planet. By 2025, the agency hopes to provide 100% renewable energy at no extra cost.

Last July, during the hottest summer on record, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the “era of global boiling has arrived.” With reports like this, it’s easy to feel powerless about the current climate crisis. But Marshall says she tries to focus on helping consumers do their part. 

“I try to stay away from being totally worried all the time because we’re all in a position to do what we can to make a difference,” the CEO said. “One of the hallmarks of community choice is all about engaging the community and engaging the customer.”

PCE organizes workshops to educate the public about what renewable energy programs are available, like an electric vehicle rebate or 0% loan to electrify one’s home. Marshall praised PCE’s community advisory committee for its efforts to seek feedback on these initiatives. 

One of the biggest questions she receives is how clean energy can be affordable. 

“The affordability issue is front and center for us right now,” Marshall said. “We all experience rising energy costs, and just (the) general cost of living in this area is getting harder and harder all the time.” 

In response, PCE announced in January that it would freeze its rates at 2023 levels. The decision, Marshall says, will result in a 10-15% discount on electric generation charges compared to PG&E. 

Still, the cost of power can be twice as much as anticipated, Marshall added. She explained that PCE is able to keep its rates low in part because, as a nonprofit CCA, it is able to access the wholesale power market. According to Marshall, the agency devotes 90% of its budget to procuring energy that is then delivered to consumers by PG&E. Because the agency does not have to pay shareholder dividends, it can spend more on community reinvestment. 

Marshall said she is aware that the consumer response to PG&E has largely been negative.

“I think there’s just been a general sense of (upward) spiraling costs that are very frustrating to our shared customers,” the CEO added. She hopes that PCE will give these customers another option. 

In the coming year, PCE plans to continue expanding its community outreach efforts and increasing access to local renewable power sources like batteries and solar power. 

Ultimately, Marshall says it feels great to be in her new position with an “amazing” team behind her. She is proud to have a career where she works toward environmental justice while being a supportive mother to her two boys.