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SFPUC reallocates $5.1M study 'bucket,' approves $2.8M for water conservation and funds energy feasibility work
Summary
The Commission directed $3 million toward power feasibility studies at redevelopment sites and approved $2.8 million for expanded water conservation efforts (including staffing and incentives), while holding some transmission study funds pending further review.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission voted to allocate funds from a previously directed $5.1 million "bucket," advancing energy-efficiency and water-conservation programs. Assistant General Manager Barbara Hale said the Commission had originally placed $5.1 million into a study "bucket" and recommended dividing that money into two project accounts: $3,000,000 for power feasibility studies at redevelopment sites and $1,600,000 for a General Fund energy-efficiency account.
On the water side, Assistant General Manager Michael Carlin outlined a proposed conservation program that would add three staff positions and about $600,000 in financial incentives to expand residential, commercial and municipal conservation programs. "That would bring us up to about $2,800,000," Carlin said of the proposed conservation budget.
Commissioners debated the priority of transmission studies versus energy efficiency; staff explained some Transbay Cable–related funds are restricted and must be spent on transmission unless the Board of Supervisors transfers the funds. To preserve flexibility while honoring prior direction, commissioners agreed to keep certain funds in the budget pending further Commission authorization.
A motion to allocate the revised amounts and to authorize the conservation and feasibility work passed on a voice vote. "All those in favor? Aye. The motion carries," the chair said after commissioners moved and seconded the conservation allocation.
The actions approved at the meeting direct staff to return with work plans and to prioritize energy-efficiency spending in parts of the city identified during the discussion, including southeast neighborhoods where the Commission has emphasized greater outreach and programmatic focus. Staff also noted that the Transbay Cable operating fund has a second pot of money that will be more flexible once the cable is in operation.
The Commission also approved multiple consent-calendar contract closeouts and professional-service awards in the same meeting.
Next steps: staff will prepare the detailed feasibility studies, implement the additional conservation staffing and incentives if authorized in upcoming budget steps, and return to the commission with program details and timing prior to expenditure.
