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SFPUC reports low opt-outs for Clean Power SF, debates linking GoSolarSF incentives and workforce rules
Summary
SFPUC staff said only 22 customers had opted out so far from the Clean Power SF May 1 launch and outlined enrollment phases; commissioners and stakeholders discussed aligning the city’s GoSolarSF incentives, workforce rules and training with Clean Power SF and CityBuild’s First Source hiring program.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission staff reported enrollment progress for Clean Power SF and opened a broader discussion about linking the program to the GoSolarSF solar incentive program and the city’s workforce policies.
Barbara Hale, Assistant General Manager for Power, said the second of four required customer notifications for Clean Power SF had been mailed and reported that "we've seen so far only 22 customers opt out" of roughly 7,574 service points scheduled to be served on May 1. Hale said the first phase covers about 30 megawatts of the program’s initial 50 MW target, with later enrollments planned to bring additional customers online in the fall.
Staff also reviewed GoSolarSF -- a city program established under earlier ordinances to incentivize rooftop solar -- and presented program outcomes: 3,667 installations and 12.3 megawatts of capacity installed in San Francisco since 2008, and $22.9 million in incentives paid. Hale said the cost to install solar has dropped substantially and staff recommended simplifying GoSolarSF’s incentive table and considering a modest step down of incentives so limited program funds can reach more projects. She also recommended aligning workforce administration with CityBuild and San Francisco’s first-source hiring rules.
Commissioners and stakeholders focused questions on workforce details. Commissioner Courtney and other speakers asked for data on wage rates, training and certification requirements, and whether the programs produce long-term careers rather than short-term placement. Community-based organizations and contractors urged prioritizing training dollars for local pre‑apprenticeship programs and suggested bonus incentives to encourage customers to enroll in Clean Power SF or choose Super Green offerings.
Next steps: staff said it will prepare a jobs report and return with further proposals to align GoSolarSF with Clean Power SF enrollment and workforce objectives. Any program changes would be returned to the commission for guidance and formal action.
