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SFPUC reports $404 million spent so far on 22 Hetch Hetchy capital projects; major shutdowns completed
Summary
The PUC reported progress and cost forecasts for 22 Hetch Hetchy projects, noted recent 100‑day system shutdown completion, and outlined cost increases on Moccasin and reservoir projects.
Katie Miller, director of water capital programs, summarized the Hetch Hetchy Capital Improvement Program through Dec. 31, 2024. The program now tracks 22 projects across water, power and joint categories with a combined budget of $1.9 billion; $404 million has been spent to date and $65 million was spent during the first two quarters of the fiscal year.
Miller told commissioners that 14 projects are in preconstruction, seven are in construction or multi‑phase including construction, and one is in closeout. She described several specific items: a forecasted $15 million cost increase for the Moccasin powerhouse rehabilitation (higher anticipated costs on a third subproject) and a $23 million forecast increase for the Moccasin Dam reservoir long‑term improvement project largely due to concrete and steel escalation.
Miller said the recent 100‑day shutdown of the Hetch Hetchy system, from Dec. 5 to March 10, concluded and enabled work on 10 major construction projects and several smaller projects. During that period, the system was supplied by Bay Area reservoirs and treatment plants; Miller thanked operations and construction staff for supporting the extended outage.
She reported progress on O’Shaughnessy Dam outlet works (fabrication and installation of new bulkheads, deep‑water inspections), in‑stream flow release valves (installation of new axial control valves), Mountain Tunnel lining repairs (100% of tunnel lining repairs completed during the shutdown and about 50% of contract grouting completed), and the Tesla surge tower (60‑inch pipeline installed and new tower placed on its base). Miller said the Moccasin penstocks rehabilitation project remains in planning, with alternatives under evaluation among deep shafts/tunnels and various pipeline options; geotechnical investigations will inform selection.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the alternatives analysis, contractor nonconformance on the mountain tunnel contract (Miller said the contractor received a nonconformance notice and must rework a shaft cover and crane support structure), and the Warrenville substation work; Miller said the Warrenville settlement is complete and the next contract is planned to be advertised for commission approval this winter.
No vote was required on the report; commissioners thanked staff for the site visits and progress update.
