Planning commission reports SFPUCPG&E asset acquisition conforms to county general plan

The San Mateo County Planning Commission on May 14 voted unanimously to report that the San Francisco Public Utilities Commissions proposed acquisition of Pacific Gas & Electric distribution assets and related distribution-system separation conforms to the county general plan.

Project planner Chanda Singh described the proposal as a city-led effort to separate SFPUC and PG&E distribution networks so the SFPUC can serve City of San Francisco customers independently. Singh said the work in unincorporated San Mateo County could involve separating wires between poles, placing cables in underground vaults where feasible, and reinforcing poles to maintain stability. Singh said the projects draft environmental impact report identifies areas with sensitive habitat overlays and lists mitigation measures to address any impacts that arise during construction.

The commission was shown maps identifying project work in areas including the Olympic Club property and portions of San Bruno Mountain Park. Staff told the commission that no construction is proposed inside San Bruno Mountain Park and that the City of San Francisco planning department serves as lead agency for the projects environmental review. The countys report of general plan conformity is an advisory determination and, according to staff, exempt from environmental review.

Commissioners asked whether SFPUC would supply electricity to San Mateo ratepayers and how the project would affect existing community choice aggregator arrangements such as Peninsula Clean Energy. Chanda Singh said, "the purpose of the project is to serve City Of San Francisco customers entirely." Julie Moore of the San Francisco Planning Department confirmed the intent "is really just to separate as, as was mentioned, these 2 systems," and said the project would not change billing arrangements for customers served by Peninsula Clean Energy or similar programs.

Commissioners also asked about construction timing and management. Staff said the overall program will be implemented over several years but that work at individual sites in unincorporated areas would likely be limited to weeks or a few months; construction within the county would be managed by SFPUC and be subject to mitigation measures in the draft EIR. Staff noted the project may later return with specific permits, including a coastal development permit where applicable.

Commissioner Ramirez moved that the commission report the SFPUC-PG&E power asset acquisition project conforms to the adopted county general plan; Commissioner Hansen seconded. The commission voted: Commissioner Gupta—Aye; Commissioner Hansen—Aye; Commissioner Ramirez—Aye; Chair Serrano Quan—Aye. The motion carried.

Staff recommendation and the commissions report do not approve construction permits; they address whether the projects location, extent and purpose are consistent with county policy and signal the countys findings to the lead agency and applicant.