SFPUC amplifies conservation push as commissioners weigh targeted rationing

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on April 24 pressed ahead with a citywide water‑conservation campaign and began framing potential mandatory rationing as a long‑term response to climate change.

Laura Banton, assistant general manager for external affairs, told commissioners the PUC will send a mailer to about 371,000 households, a business mailer to roughly 20,000 commercial customers and place conservation messages in the May–June bill insert and other outreach channels. Staff said the communications aim to secure a 10% systemwide reduction in water use.

Commissioner Sklar urged the commission to design rationing to reduce incremental summer water use rather than adopt a flat percentage across all customers, arguing that targeting irrigation and summer discretionary uses reduces harm to core winter water needs. “Any plan…ought not be just simple percentage across the board reductions,” Sklar said.

Several commissioners and staff also argued the message should make clear that shortages are a structural consequence of climate change, not a single bad year. “We did say that it was not just people should plan that this is not just a one‑time thing,” General Manager Susan Liao said, adding that 65% of the system’s storage is in mountain snowpack.

The Rate Fairness Board presented staff recommendations on rate design tied to conservation: inclining block rates for single‑family residential accounts, a uniform block for multifamily buildings and further study of submetering and rent‑board pass‑through mechanisms. The commission set a formal rate hearing for May 8.

Public commenters raised equity concerns, arguing inclining blocks can penalize larger families and renters who lack meters. Landlord and apartment‑owner groups urged mechanisms to allow pass‑through of water charges and to relax constraints in rent control when appropriate. Staff noted upcoming state legislation (AB 1173) that would require metering or submetering of new residential construction.

The commission directed staff to return with more implementation details and a communications plan that emphasizes long‑term climate framing and practical steps for residents and businesses. The agency also agreed to share the draft economic impact and drought‑analysis materials at the next meeting.