LAFCO OKs $150,000 contract for renewable‑energy consulting to oversee Clean Power SF

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Local Agency Formation Commission on a unanimous vote authorized a contract, not to exceed $150,000, with a renewable‑energy consulting firm to strengthen the agency—s oversight of Clean Power SF.

Brian Goebel, LAFCO—s executive officer, told commissioners the panel convened to evaluate responses to a request for qualifications selected the top‑scoring firm after an interview process. "The panelists were really impressed with [the firm—s] presentation," Goebel said, and he recommended the commission approve the contract so LAFCO can "significantly strengthen our oversight role of Clean Power SF."

Public commenter Eric Brooks, speaking for Californians for Energy Choice and San Francisco Clean Energy Advocates, said he supported the award but urged the commission and contractor to use the engagement to plan a regional virtual power plant, describing that work as a long‑standing priority. "We need this contractor to be ready to be an expert on virtual power plants and queue us up to hire a contractor to build it," Brooks said.

Jenny Whitson, introduced by Goebel as the proposed lead staffer from the consulting team, told commissioners the firm submitted materials for multiple service areas and can help develop scope for Service Area 3. "We are willing to help develop the scope for Service Area 3," Whitson said, and offered to incorporate stakeholder recommendations into LAFCO—s work.

Commissioner Gordon Marr asked whether the contract covers all three service areas laid out in the RFQ; Goebel clarified the approved contract covers Service Area 1—LAFCO—s oversight role for Clean Power SF—but could support scope development for other service areas going forward.

Chair Sandra Lee Feuer moved to approve the contract; Commissioner Marr seconded. The roll call vote recorded Commissioners Haney, Marr, Feuer and Singh voting "aye," and the motion carried.

The contract award authorizes LAFCO to retain outside renewable‑energy expertise to advise on Clean Power SF implementation and oversight. The meeting packet cited the firm as minority‑ and woman‑owned and identified Whitson as the lead staff member. The contract is limited to Service Area 1 work unless LAFCO later amends or awards additional contracts.

Next steps: the commission authorized the contract and the executive officer will finalize the agreement and begin work with the contractor and stakeholders on the scope for oversight activities and potential further work on other service areas.