San Francisco Clean Power SF sees 30% increase in Care and FERA enrollments since March

In a recent meeting held at San Francisco City Hall, city officials discussed significant developments in energy assistance programs and innovative projects aimed at enhancing the city’s clean energy initiatives. The meeting, which took place on July 4, 2025, highlighted the growing enrollment in the Care and FERA programs, which provide bill assistance to low-income residents. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, enrollments surged from approximately 38,000 to over 50,000, marking a notable increase from 10% to 13% of Clean Power SF customer accounts.

The discussion also focused on a collaborative effort between the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and the Department of Environment to apply for a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. This grant aims to develop a pilot virtual power plant at affordable housing buildings, which would utilize advanced technologies to optimize energy consumption and reduce reliance on natural gas. The project seeks to demonstrate the potential for decarbonization and improve energy efficiency in multifamily buildings.

As part of this initiative, the city plans to recruit a flexible demand aggregator to manage energy usage in response to market price signals. This innovative approach could allow buildings to adjust their energy consumption dynamically, contributing to a more efficient power grid.

Additionally, the meeting addressed concerns regarding the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA), a fee impacting all electricity customers in California. A letter signed by 99 elected officials, including Mayor London Breed, was sent to the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) urging reforms to reduce costs and enhance transparency regarding these fees. The PUC is currently reviewing a proposal from PG&E to recover a significant under-collection, which could lead to a rise in the PCIA fee in 2021.

As the city moves forward with these initiatives, officials expressed optimism about the potential benefits for residents and the environment. The next steps will be closely monitored, with updates expected at future meetings, including a detailed report on the Care and FERA programs in November. The ongoing efforts reflect San Francisco's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and support for its most vulnerable communities.