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Commission presses for clearer policy as staff outlines renewable-energy plan and WESIP progress
Summary
Deputy GM Tony Irons reported WESIP projects (Hayward Fault Crossing) are ahead of schedule and outlined a timeline for a comprehensive renewable-energy plan to be ready for commissioner review by July; commissioners pressed for explicit policy goals, clearer communication about an unusual rebid/negotiation for CT turbines and staffing to implement an aggressive program.
Deputy General Manager Tony Irons reported to the commission that the Water Enterprise Seismic Improvement Program (WESIP) — including the Hayward Fault Crossing project — is progressing ahead of schedule and on budget, with contractor Ranger performing responsively on a seismically critical project.
Irons also introduced a timetable for a comprehensive renewable-energy plan intended for commissioner review by July. The plan, he said, will document baseline electrical consumption, new load additions, load-forecast scenarios, technology options and financing strategies, with staff focusing late in the process on the financial calculations commissioners will need to prioritize projects.
Commissioners pressed for policy direction to guide the operational work. One commissioner asked what the policy goal should be — for example, a 25‑year vision with big/medium/small policy directions — so that the plan’s load forecasts and projects can be driven by explicit targets. Irons and commissioners agreed to a March check-in to review interim analysis and set direction.
President Sklar raised procurement concerns about 'CT turbines' being rebid and staff negotiations after two rounds of no bids. Sklar said he learned only recently that staff had entered negotiations following the rebid and asked that commissioners be informed when staff begins negotiations on high-profile procurements. Staff replied that, under the administrative code, negotiations with bidders who expressed interest are permitted after no formal bids are returned, and that staff has been negotiating with firms that provided letters of interest.
Commissioners emphasized the need for staffing and technical expertise if the commission pursues an aggressive renewable program, and discussed integration with other city energy planning efforts (SFE, existing energy resource plans). Irons noted coordination efforts with Barbara Hale and others to ensure alignment with existing plans.
No formal action was taken on the renewable-energy plan at the meeting; staff will return with interim materials in March and a fuller draft by midsummer.
