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PUC adopts compact‑fluorescent conversion program for city facilities
Summary
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission approved a resolution directing the general manager to implement a program to replace incandescent bulbs in PUC facilities with compact fluorescent lamps, targeting 50% penetration by Dec. 31, 2007 and a work plan and budget due Oct. 31, 2007.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on Aug. 14 approved a program to convert incandescent lighting in PUC facilities to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), directing staff to deliver a work plan and budget by Oct. 31 and to target 50% CFL penetration in PUC facilities by Dec. 31, 2007.
Commissioners framed the measure as an inexpensive, visible energy‑efficiency step the city can take immediately. Gary Oddo, manager for energy efficiency services in the Power Enterprise, told the commission the PUC has resources to identify opportunities and implement the program but cautioned that some technical and administrative constraints exist. "Compact fluorescents are great, but they don't always fit into the fixture," Oddo said, noting dimming incompatibilities and the need to identify which applications are convertible.
Commissioners discussed scope and enforcement: the resolution tasks the general manager with producing a work plan that will identify where conversions are feasible in PUC‑operated facilities and develop a public relations campaign to educate city departments and residents. Staff said the PUC can advise other departments and promote the measure but cannot unilaterally mandate conversions in facilities it does not operate; funding sources for fixture replacements will be recommended in the work plan.
The commission voted in favor of the resolution after questions about feasibility and funding. The outcome sets a timeline for staff to return with specifics on which facilities will be converted, expected savings estimates, and proposed pay‑for mechanisms. The resolution also calls for staff to develop an outreach program to encourage wider adoption across city departments and the public.
The commission did not specify an immediate funding source in the motion; commissioners instructed staff to include budget options in the Oct. 31 work plan. Staff emphasized that some conversions will be low‑cost lamp swaps while other opportunities will require fixture replacement and capital funding.
