Curbside EV Charging
Program Introduction
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has launched a Curbside Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Permit program intended for San Franciscans who don’t have access to a private garage — especially renters and people living in multifamily buildings.
The goal of the permit program is to give more residents an “at home” charging experience using public curb space, by allowing qualified vendors to install curbside chargers. These chargers are not private parking spots — they’re shared, public chargers, and are “first come first serve,” and require active charging at all times.
All posted parking regulations still apply (eg. Street sweeping and Residential Parking Permit). The program includes requirements for accessible chargers.
How to Connect to Power
Curbside EV chargers can typically be connected to power in one of two ways:
Existing Electrical Service: The charger is connected to available electrical capacity at a nearby building or facility. This can be referred to as a "behind the meter" approach.
- New Electric Service: A new, dedicated electric service connection is installed specifically for the charging station.
- Note that connecting to streetlight circuits is not offered in San Francisco at this time.
How to Power Your Curbside EV Charging Station
If you are ready to power your new curbside EV charging station, we have you covered. See your SFPUC electricity options below.
Hetch Hetchy Power
Hetch Hetchy Power is San Francisco's publicly owned electric utility operated by the SFPUC. You can energize your charging station with Hetch Hetchy Power and connect via either:
- The SFPUC-owned electric grid, primarily in redevelopment areas and at City-owned sites
- A Wholesale Distribution Tariff (WDT) service through Hetch Hetchy Power that utilizes PG&E's distribution system.
CleanPowerSF
CleanPowerSF is San Francisco's community electricity program, also operated by the SFPUC. You can power your charging station with CleanPowerSF in most areas throughout the city.
- Your new electric account for your charging station will be automatically enrolled in CleanPowerSF's Green service for generation, while using PG&E's distribution system.
- You could upgrade your electric account to CleanPowerSF's SuperGreen service to ensure your charger is powered entirely by 100% California-certified renewable energy
You may already be a CleanPowerSF customer. Not sure? Contact us at cleanpowersf@sfwater.org or call (415) 554-0773.
You may also elect to get service from PG&E if you are not currently a CleanPowerSF customer or could be served by Hetch Hetchy Power.
Get Started Today
Step 1: Identify a Site
Select a location that meets SFMTA requirements for curbside EV charging.
Step 2: Determine Your Electric Service Provider
Not sure who would provide electric service at your site? Submit a Statement of Interest on our Hetch Hetchy Power Developers webpage to request verification (submit a separate form for each new charging station).
Already know your provider? Submit your application directly to your current service provider for sites associating with existing service.*
Step 3: Apply for Service
- All requests must be submitted through an Application for Electric Service. The application, and more information about the process and possible fees, can be found on our Hetch Hetchy Power Developers webpage.
*Note: Utility verification by the SFPUC does not guarantee project viability, confirm available service capacity, or construction efforts required to serve the customer. Verification is limited to confirming the applicable service provider. Project-specific service availability and approvals must be reviewed through the formal application process.
Policies
Learn more about our various policies related to curbside EV charging.
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SFPUC: Streetlights
For more information about streetlights and streetlight requirements, visit our Streetlights webpage.
- SFPUC streetlight circuits are not sized appropriately to serve EV load. SFPUC Streetlight Standards require 40-amp circuits and #8 cables sized only for streetlighting and one other miscellaneous load, like DAS.
- SFPUC streetlight conduits are not accessible for use by EV charging circuits. Older streetlight systems were constructed with 1.5-inch rigid steel conduit along the circuit, which further limits the ability to add or upgrade wiring. Newer standards use 2-inch PVC conduit between pull boxes, but still rely on 1.5-inch rigid steel conduit between the final pull box and the streetlight pole, which can constrain upgrades.
- SFPUC-owned service transformers are not accessible for EV charging as they are dedicated to an existing customer.
- SFPUC owned distribution transformers are accessible for EV charging, but any necessary upgrades to equipment will be borne by the applicant.
- EV charging equipment mounted on SFPUC poles must be served by Hetch Hetchy Power. At this time there is no legal pathway to allow mounting of EV charging equipment on SFPUC poles.
- Cost liability for any distribution system upgrades and equipment installations will be dictated by the Rules and Regulations Governing Electric Service.
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California Public Utilities Commission: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Rule 29
- Electric Rule 29 applies to utilities regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), such as Investor-Owned Utilities and Community Choice Aggregations.
- Electric Rule 29 is used by PG&E for connecting electric vehicle charging infrastructure to its electrical system. It outlines cost responsibilities, design requirements, and the process for a new or upgraded electric service.
- If your project is served by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (Hetch Hetchy Power), Electric Rule 29 does not apply. The SFPUC is a Publicly Owned Utility and operates under City policies rather than PG&E tariffs, and is therefore exempt from Electric Rule 29.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is San Francisco's Curbside EV Charging Permit Program?
The Curbside EV Charging Permit Program is for San Francisco residents who do not have access to a private garage, especially renters and people living in multifamily buildings. Developers can install curbside EV chargers in public parking spaces, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis while actively charging. These spaces are not reserved for individual drivers.
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What electric service options are available for a curbside EV charging station?
The SFPUC offers two electricity options:
- Hetch Hetchy Power: San Francisco's publicly owned electric utility, which may provide service through the SFPUC-owned electric grid or through PG&E's distribution system under a wholesale distribution arrangement.
- CleanPowerSF: San Francisco's community electricity program, which serves most locations in the city. New charging station accounts are automatically enrolled in Green service, with the option to upgrade to SuperGreen for 100% California-certified renewable electricity.
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How do I determine which electric utility will serve my curbside EV charging site?
If you're not sure who can provide electric service at your proposed charging location, submit a Statement of Interest to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. If you already know your electric service provider, you can submit your application directly to that provider.