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SFPUC adopts technology policy after edits to broaden scope to bureaus
Summary
The commission approved a revised SFPUC technology policy that incorporates input from advisory committees, clarifies life‑cycle cost accounting and sustainability goals, and passed an amendment to add the phrase 'and bureaus' to several transparency bullets.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission voted to adopt a revised technology policy after staff incorporated feedback from the Citizens Advisory Committee and the Revenue Bond Oversight Committee and after commissioners approved a small amendment to the draft.
Todd Reedstrom, assistant general manager and chief financial officer, summarized the redlined policy changes, saying the revisions tightened the policy, reflected life‑cycle cost assessment and broadened the policy’s scope to include tangible and intangible technologies, facilities and procedures. Reedstrom said advisory committees encouraged staff to seek opportunities to reuse and recycle equipment and to track policy compliance costs and capitalization where appropriate.
Commission discussion centered on language in the environmental prudence principles that previously referenced seeking technologies that 'optimize sustainability' and had included the phrase 'in the treatment and delivery of utility service.' Commissioners agreed the policy should remain focused on the SFPUC’s utility mission while allowing room for complementary workforce and community benefits. A commissioner moved to amend the policy to add the words 'and bureaus' after the word 'enterprises' in bullets four and six; the amendment was seconded, carried by voice vote, and then the policy as amended was approved by the commission.
The adopted policy directs staff to continue tracking total cost of ownership, consider sustainability and community benefits in procurement, and publish the policy for public reference.
