SFPUC defends Clean Power SF rates as PG&E bankruptcy and CPUC exit-fee changes loom

San Francisco Public Utilities Commission officials told the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 15 that they will reduce Clean Power SF generation rates to remain competitive with PG&E, and that they are preparing for financial risks tied to PG&E’s announced intent to file for bankruptcy.

The discussion focused on a California Public Utilities Commission decision that changed the methodology for PG&E’s so‑called exit fee — a recurring charge that can appear on customers’ bills after they enroll in a community choice aggregation (CCA) program — and on how those changes could affect Clean Power SF’s rates and cash flow.

Why it matters: Clean Power SF serves municipal customers and, increasingly, residential accounts through the city’s community‑choice aggregation program. The SFPUC described a two‑part approach: reduce its generation rates by the amount PG&E cuts its generation rates, and provide a monthly bill credit to cover any increase in PG&E’s exit‑fee charges. Commissioners said this will protect existing and newly enrolled customers while preserving the program’s ability to pursue clean‑energy investments.

Barbara Hale, assistant general manager for power at the SFPUC, said the commission is "leading with affordability" and that the agency expects…