Kleinman Philadelphia Energy Authority Fellowship

Details

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Company Description

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is an independent municipal authority focused on building a robust, equitable clean energy economy for Philadelphia. PEA has supported over $1 billion in investments in energy efficiency and clean energy projects, creating over 8,400 jobs. PEA implements residential clean energy programs including Solarize Philly, the nation’s largest solar installation program, and Built to Last, a nationally-recognized model for delivering high-efficiency improvements and other housing repairs for low-income homeowners. PEA’s workforce development initiatives provide training services for local workers as well as connections to PEA’s clean energy projects and to regional employers. PEA administers the Philadelphia Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program to assist clean energy commercial development. PEA also holds long-term energy contracts on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, from utility-scale solar installations to municipal building Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) projects. PEA acts as a technical support resource for the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, and others.

This Kleinman-funded fellowship will enable a Penn graduate student to spend 10-12 weeks working on issues related to energy policy and programs at PEA. Applicants should be highly motivated individuals with experience working on energy, finance, sustainability, government, and/or economic issues.

The PEA 2026 Kleinman Fellowship will focus on program evaluation, data analysis, and market research to advance equitable clean energy adoption in Philadelphia’s residential sector. Most of the Fellow’s time will be spent supporting evaluation of the Built to Last whole-home repair program and conducting applied research on the cost and performance of emerging residential technologies such as battery storage and heat pump HVAC systems.

Context

Under the supervision of staff at the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA), the Kleinman Fellow will support PEA’s efforts to evaluate and expand the impact of clean energy programs serving Philadelphia’s residential sector. PEA implements initiatives that promote clean energy adoption and integrate home repair, energy efficiency, and renewable energy solutions for low-income households. The Fellow will contribute to program evaluation, applied research, and strategic analysis to help advance equity, affordability, and decarbonization goals in the city. The exact scope of work will be tailored to the Fellow’s skills and interests.

Tasks Will Include a Combination of the Following:

• Conduct applied research on the outcomes and effectiveness of PEA’s Built to Last whole-home repair program, identifying lessons and opportunities for scaling.
• Evaluate the cost competitiveness and market potential of residential battery storage and heat pump HVAC systems in the PECO service territory.
• Research and synthesize policy frameworks, incentive programs, and market trends affecting residential clean energy deployment.
• Develop briefing materials, memos, and presentations to inform strategic planning and program design.
• Support the enhancement of evaluation methodologies and data systems that track health, equity, and energy outcomes across PEA programs.

Background and Skills Required

• Demonstrated interest in energy systems, sustainability, climate policy, or urban infrastructure.
• Strong quantitative, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with data analysis, modeling, or evaluation methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to clarity and detail.
• Ability to manage multiple work streams and operate independently in a collaborative environment.

The following past experiences would be advantageous:

• Experience with program evaluation, energy or housing data, or cost-benefit analysis.
• Familiarity with Philadelphia’s energy, housing, or community development landscape.
• Experience in a public agency, non-profit, or applied research setting.

Through intentional hiring practices, PEA is committed to fostering a respectful, diverse, and inclusive workplace. PEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not tolerate discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status.

Application Instructions

Applications for this fellowship must be submitted to the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy by 5:00 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026. Interested candidates should apply by submitting an online form with the following information:

• Unofficial Transcript
• Resume
• Writing Sample
• A 1-Page Cover Letter

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