Public Power Week is a time to celebrate publicly owned utilities like the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and the dedicated people who make them work. From affordable rates to reliable service, public power delivers real benefits to our community, and it’s only possible because of the hardworking professionals behind the scenes.

Today, we’re spotlighting one of them: Jesse Syse, Assistant Electronic Maintenance Technician with SFPUC’s Power Enterprise.

Jesse describes his role simply, “I’m a meter tech.” But the work is far from simple. He installs and troubleshoots meters across San Francisco, ensuring that a customer’s power usage is measured accurately. He also helps maintain SFPUC’s substations, inspects equipment, and supports high-voltage teams, electricians, and contractors when needed. In addition, Jesse and his team maintain backup generators on Treasure Island, keeping critical infrastructure energized.

Serving the City He Loves

For Jesse, accuracy and reliability are at the heart of the job. “Verifying customers are getting the amount of power that their bills say they are... that's the big one.”

What he loves most, though, are the people he works with and the city he serves. “Everyone’s really friendly. There’s a lot of genuine teamwork, and we all help each other. I love San Francisco and enjoy being out in the field, so it’s nice to go around the City and do my job wherever I am needed.”

When asked why public power is so important, Jesse’s answer is simple but powerful. “Keeping the lights on,” he said. "Power literally keeps the City going, especially a tech-heavy city like San Francisco.”

Before joining the SFPUC, Jesse served in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician, then studied at San Jose State with an eye towards aviation. That interest hasn’t flown away; he’s currently working towards earning his pilot’s license as a personal goal. 

Advice to Earning a Career in the Utilities Industry

Though he’s still in his first year at the SFPUC, Jesse says the support from his colleagues has made a big impact. “Everyone has been really helpful and knowledgeable. I’m really impressed with the entire workplace. We have a good team dynamic; it really feels like a dream team.”

For those considering a career in utilities, Jesse offers this advice, “Study hard, but don’t forget the people skills. Know how to talk to others, work as a team, and lean on people with more experience."

This Public Power Week, and all year long, we’re proud to recognize Jesse and all SFPUC staff who keep San Francisco energized with reliable, affordable, and clean power. Thank you, Jesse, for being a shining example of dedication and service to the community!