Planning Commission begins public review of draft EIR for city purchase of PG&E electric assets

The San Francisco Planning Commission on April 17 opened public comment on the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the city’s proposed acquisition of Pacific Gas & Electric’s electric transmission and distribution assets that serve San Francisco customers.

Planning Department environmental coordinator Julie Moore presented the document as a combined program‑ and project‑level EIR that analyzes physical changes needed to separate San Francisco’s distribution system from PG&E’s grid outside the city. The draft EIR evaluates work that would occur primarily along the southern San Francisco border, with construction near the Martin substation in Brisbane, a possible new substation or reconfiguration at the Daly City yard, and distribution feeder and duct‑bank work in southern San Francisco neighborhoods.

Moore summarized key findings: the draft EIR identifies significant and unavoidable impacts for construction‑ and operation‑related noise; other construction impacts on noise and vibration, air quality, biological resources, cultural and paleontological resources were identified but in the EIR could be mitigated to less‑than‑significant levels. The document also analyzes alternatives, including a “meter transmission” alternative and a new substation at Brisbane Baylands.

Moore said the draft EIR is intended to inform the city’s purchase and separation strategy and that no approval of acquisition or project actions was requested at the hearing. She urged members of the public and technical experts to submit written comments; the planning department extended the comment period and will accept written comments through 5 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025. Written comments should be sent to the project contact listed in the draft EIR.

Members of the public spoke in favor of city acquisition and urged rapid action. Byron Coffin, a local energy‑systems entrepreneur, called the proposal an “opportunity for San Francisco to take its leadership and open the door to an energy abundant future.” Another speaker, Jim Warshall, urged the city to “advance any option which can speed this up” and said he supported the Brisbane variant.

Why it matters: the proposal would give San Francisco ownership and control over the distribution grid that routes electricity supplies to city customers, a major operational and policy shift from PG&E to a city‑owned system. The EIR process will guide environmental mitigation and project siting decisions if the city pursues acquisition.

Next steps: the planning department will review comments and prepare responses; the final EIR and a certification hearing are expected in 2026. The draft EIR comment deadline is 5 p.m. on May 19, 2025.