San Francisco PUC to partner with developers for electric infrastructure contracts

In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, officials discussed a significant ordinance aimed at streamlining the installation of electric infrastructure in new development projects. The proposed amendment to the administrative code, primarily sponsored by President Walton, would allow the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to contract directly with developers for the installation of electric equipment, bypassing the usual competitive bidding process under specific conditions.

This ordinance is particularly relevant as San Francisco seeks to revitalize public housing in District 10. Percy Burch, a key figure in the discussion, emphasized that this administrative change is crucial for keeping development projects on schedule while promoting the use of green energy solutions. The PUC's manager of redevelopment projects, Manuel Ramirez, explained that the ordinance would enable developers to install electric facilities, which the PUC would typically handle, thus expediting the construction process.

The amendment includes safeguards to ensure that the developers adhere to workforce protections, including non-discrimination policies and the payment of prevailing wages. This is designed to prevent overspending and ensure that the installation meets the city's standards for quality and efficiency.

During the meeting, Supervisor Chan raised concerns about the expertise required for such installations, to which Ramirez responded that there are many qualified contractors available, and that it is often more efficient for developers to manage this work themselves while on-site.

The ordinance received unanimous support from the committee, with additional co-sponsorship from Supervisor Mandelmann, who noted that the legislation aligns with the city’s long-standing policies to promote clean, green municipal power in new developments.

As San Francisco continues to address its infrastructure needs, this ordinance represents a proactive step towards enhancing the efficiency of public utility services while supporting local development initiatives. The next steps will involve further discussions and implementation of the ordinance to ensure its effective integration into ongoing and future projects.