Dear Public Power Supporters,
We are pleased to share a major milestone in San Francisco’s effort to expand public power. Yesterday, March 19, City Planning published the draft Environmental Report (EIR) for the Public Power Expansion project. This report will provide key insights into the potential environmental effects of the project, measures to minimize any negative impacts, and alternative approaches for consideration.
This marks the beginning of a 45-day public comment period, during which we encourage you to review the document and share your feedback. A public hearing is also scheduled for April 17 at the San Francisco Planning Commission to further discuss the report’s findings.
The City is working to acquire PG&E’s electrical transmission and distribution assets that serve San Francisco. An independent assessment of the fair-market value of these assets is currently underway before the California Public Utilities Commission.
By transitioning to public power, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) aims to provide more affordable, reliable, and safer electricity for all San Franciscans. This shift will improve grid connections for essential City services – including public safety, affordable housing, schools, and transportation – while ensuring cost transparency and reinvesting revenues into the system to keep rates low.
In 2023 alone, SFPUC’s not-for-profit public programs saved customers more than $170 million compared to PG&E rates. These savings, combined with our commitment to clean energy and infrastructure reinvestment, reinforce why expanding public power is in the best interest of the City and its residents.
We look forward to engaging with you all throughout this process to ensure a responsible transition with minimal disruption to local communities.
To review the draft environmental impact report and submit comments, please visit sfplanning.org/sfceqadocs.
