The chief electric utility officer for Santa Clara is headed to San Jose. The City of San Jose announced on March 17 that Manuel Pineda will join San Jose as the Deputy City Manager.
“We wish Mr. Pineda well as he takes a new step in his career,” City Manager Jovan Grogan told The Weekly. “Upon his departure, SVP’s Chief Operating Officer Nico Procos will serve as the Acting Director of Silicon Valley Power.
“Mr. Procos joined SVP nine months ago and brings over 25 years of experience in the electric utility field in a number of diverse roles, including 7 years as the General Manager of Alameda Municipal Power (AMP),” continued Grogan. “We anticipate no interruption of SVP services for Santa Clara residents and businesses during this transition.”
According to AMP website, Procos helped improve the financial strength of AMP, yielded lower than expected rate increases and helped the utility transition to 100% clean energy. Procos has also worked at the Port of Oakland Utilities, the City of Palo Alto Utilities and at the California Public Utilities Commission.
Pineda is expected to start his role as Deputy City Manager of San Jose on April 13, 2025. He previously worked in San Jose’s Public Works and Transportation departments.
Pineda also worked for the City of Sunnyvale and moved to the City of Santa Clara in 2017 to work as Assistant City Manager under then City Manager Deanna Santana. According to LinkedIn, he began his role as Chief Electric Utility Officer of SVP in June 2019.
Since taking over SVP, Pineda oversaw the substantial growth of the utility.
Pineda’s experience at SVP will be leaned upon heavily, according to the San Jose’s news release.
“His proven relationship building and collaboration skills will be essential as he takes on the Deputy City Manager role, overseeing our utility- and infrastructure-centric City service areas,” said San Jose City Manager Jennifer Maguire.
“As we gear up to compete for AI, manufacturing and data center investments, we’re excited to welcome Manuel Pineda to the team … Manuel brings deep experience from the energy utility sector that will position San José to partner more closely with large-load customers while also improving services for residents,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
Grogan says the City of Santa Clara has already started a nationwide search for a permanent director of Silicon Valley Power.
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