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Board opposes PG&E-backed ballot proposal that would raise municipal vote threshold for community choice aggregation
Summary
The Board adopted a resolution opposing a proposed statewide initiative circulated by PG&E that would require two-thirds voter approval for municipalities to adopt local energy-aggregation changes; supervisors described the measure as deceptive and contrary to local choice.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to oppose a statewide ballot measure being circulated by PG&E that would raise the voter-approval threshold to two-thirds for certain municipal energy decisions, a change opponents said would hinder community choice aggregation.
Supervisor McRaeamy (recorded on the floor) introduced the resolution, saying the measure — billed as the "Taxpayers' Right to Vote Act" in petition language — is deceptive and designed to undermine municipalities pursuing community choice aggregation. McRaeamy said the state legislature had already authorized local jurisdictions to consider community choice and that the initiative would improperly impose a supermajority requirement.
Supervisor Ellsberg said he agreed the two-thirds requirement would be inappropriate and that the city should insist on transparent and honest engagement with ratepayers; he also urged that any local community-choice effort be communicated clearly as an opt-in or opt-out program.
Supervisor Campos urged the city attorney’s office to evaluate legal remedies and to prepare for possible litigation or other legal steps in response to PG&E’s initiative. The mayor’s position was not recorded on the floor during the discussion.
Vote: The resolution was adopted by roll call with the transcript recording 10 ayes and one no (Supervisor Elliot O'Pier). The board’s resolution registers formal opposition to the statewide measure and affirms the city’s support for local authority to pursue community choice aggregation under state law.
Why it matters: Community choice aggregation (CCA) enables municipalities to procure electricity on behalf of residents and businesses; proponents say it offers local control over energy mix and rates, while utilities and opponents argue the shift can pose operational or financial risks. The board’s opposition is intended to protect local authority to pursue aggregation without a higher voter threshold.
