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SFPUC, LAFCO set Nov. 30 joint meeting as Clean Power SF staff outline outreach and tentative July launch
Summary
SFPUC staff told the Local Agency Formation Commission they have contracted a communications vendor and are planning a pre-enrollment and opt-out rollout for Clean Power SF, with staff recommending policymakers define the initial audience at a Nov. 30 joint meeting; outreach to hard‑to‑reach and low‑income customers and bond‑oversight concerns were raised by public commentators.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission staff told the Local Agency Formation Commission on Oct. 2632 that they have authorized a customer‑notification and education task order with Daryllyn Davis Associates and are developing a targeted outreach plan for the Clean Power SF Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program.
Barbara Hale, Assistant General Manager for Power at the SFPUC, said the PUC expects to present a proposal to its commission on Nov. 13 and to meet jointly with LAFCO on Nov. 30. "We are developing at the staff level how we think we should go forward with targeting the customer group," Hale said, and added the rollout could reach customers with service "as early as July 2013." The presentation framed a two‑phase approach that includes a pre‑enrollment period followed by the statutorily required opt‑out notices.
Why it matters: The joint meeting will shape the geographic scope and the size of the initial rollout, which in turn determines the communications strategy and timing. Commissioners and staff described the pre‑enrollment phase as an opt‑in‑like effort to identify interested customers early and reduce the risk of "accidental customers."
LAFCO's Executive Officer Nancy Miller said stakeholders and additional Rate Advisory Board meetings are scheduled so staff can provide more complete rate and timing information at the Nov. 30 meeting. "We will be able to have a more complete package to give you in terms of dates, rates, and other information," Miller said.
Commissioners pressed staff on outreach to communities that are harder to reach. Commissioner Pimentel asked whether outreach would include community meetings and mailers; Hale replied the PUC intends an "all of the above" approach and to work with community‑based organizations and the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services. "We're factoring in a pre‑enrollment phase ahead of that opt out," Hale said, adding that the program will shift toward more "hand‑to‑hand engagement" with community partners.
Commissioner Schmelzer reviewed sample flyers and suggested staff emphasize why a renewable premium yields public‑health benefits, noting it may help explain a higher price for renewable power. Vice Chair Albulas said social media and both opt‑in and opt‑out pathways should be considered for outreach.
Public commenters urged caution on timing. Eric Brooks of the San Francisco Green Party said recently received data from Local Power will take time to analyze and recommended flexibility before finalizing rates or moving ahead with bonding for build‑out. Brooks also flagged "serious issues" he said exist with the Revenue Bond Oversight Committee and urged that those be resolved before large‑scale bonding begins.
Staff also flagged regulatory context: Hale recommended briefing commissioners on legislation proposed since Marin's CCA launch, telling the commission that Senator Mark Leno had proposed a code of conduct for CCAs and investor‑owned utilities that affects rules of engagement.
What’s next: Staff will present a recommendation and targeted materials at the Nov. 13 PUC hearing and the Nov. 30 joint meeting. LAFCO staff and PUC staff offered to meet with commissioners the week before the hearing to gather policy feedback on the proposed audience and outreach approach.
