Supervisors back charter amendment to create independent ratepayer advocate for water rates

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on July 16 voted 8–3 to submit a charter amendment creating an Office of the Independent Ratepayer Advocate to evaluate utility rate proposals from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from the ratepayer perspective.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin introduced the proposal, saying the office would be “charged with evaluating the efficiency, equity and fiscal feasibility of all PUC rate proposals,” and would be appointed by the city administrator and funded from PUC revenues. Peskin said the office was structured to be independent and smaller in scale than the California PUC’s division of the ratepayer advocate.

Supporters said the office would provide a dedicated, independent reviewer for rate proposals and improve public engagement on water and sewer rates. Several supervisors who spoke in favor emphasized that the office would be funded by the PUC and that the city administrator would appoint the advocate, to insulate the position from political influence.

Opponents argued the change did not require a charter amendment and could be established by ordinance. Supervisor Daley urged the legislation be enacted as regular law, saying the board could create the function without putting a charter amendment to voters.

After debate and a failed motion to continue the item for one week, the board voted to submit the charter amendment to the ballot. The clerk announced the vote as 8 ayes and 3 noes; the item was submitted.

Ending: With submission, the charter amendment will appear on a future ballot; supporters said it will give ratepayers an independent, ongoing voice in PUC decisions.