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Celebrating Michael Hyams – A Champion of Clean Energy and Good Government

Congratulations to the winners of SPUR’s Good Government Awards. These individuals set a high standard for what government can and should be. They are strengthening public safety, delivering essential services, and driving innovation. Thank you to Judi Mosqueda, Maria H. McKee, Michael Hyams, Maureen Robinson, and Amanda Sobrepeña for your dedication to San Francisco.
  • Donald Pollitt

For over four decades, SPUR’s Good Government Awards have recognized outstanding managers within the City and County of San Francisco—leaders whose commitment, innovation, and integrity have elevated public service and improved life in our communities. This year, we are proud to celebrate Michael Hyams, Deputy Assistant General Manager at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), as a 2025 honoree. 

Hyams' career is a bright example of what good government looks like: smart, mission-driven, and deeply impactful. His leadership launching and growing CleanPowerSF has helped transform San Francisco’s energy future, one bold step at a time. 

From Vision to Reality 

For years, San Francisco contemplated a community choice aggregation (CCA) program, but Hyams finally made it happen. In 2015, he established the foundational CleanPowerSF Business Practice Policies, followed by a Business Plan and Risk Assessment, and a Growth Plan that charted a responsible path toward serving the entire city. In May 2016, CleanPowerSF served its first 7,800 customers. Just a few years later, the program now serves over 380,000 customer accounts—delivering 100% renewable electricity to every one of them as of 2023, two years ahead of the City’s climate goals. 

Hyams didn’t just start a program—he built a legacy. What began with a few staff has grown into a team of 41 employees managing a $420 million annual budget, delivering 3,000 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity per year.

Environmental Impact, Financial Responsibility 

Under Hyams' leadership, CleanPowerSF has achieved extraordinary results: 

  • Helped reduce San Francisco’s greenhouse gas emissions from electricity by 98% compared to 1990 levels. 
  • Secured over 600 megawatts of new clean energy from solar, wind, and geothermal sources – that’s equivalent to more than 120 Sunset Reservoir Solar projects! - and over 200 megawatts of energy storage, without adding upfront infrastructure costs to ratepayers. 
  • Saved San Francisco customers over $50 million in electricity costs in 2023 alone compared to PG&E rates. 
  • Oversaw the City’s largest wind energy development deal with Scout Clean Energy’s Gonzaga Ridge project—bringing 150 megawatts of new wind power and 50 megawatts of battery storage online.

Hyams has never viewed clean energy as just an environmental solution—it’s also a community solution. Programs like the Solar Inverter Program, which supports customers with low incomes in maintaining their solar installations, earned CleanPowerSF the CalCCA Community Impact Award with his strong support and direction. 

Leadership That Inspires 

Hyams' approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and trust. He tries to foster a “think tank” culture where staff are encouraged to challenge norms, test ideas, and improve how public utilities serve residents and businesses alike. His technical expertise is matched by his mentorship and humanity, offering guidance while empowering his team to lead and grow. 

Mike Hyams receives the award with Barbara Hale and Ron Flynn.

Asked about receiving the award, Hyams shared: “To be called out for our work, it means a lot to me, but I also think about how much of a group effort it is to do something like CleanPowerSF... I am honored to be recognized by our agency and SPUR in this way, but I also want to be clear that what we’ve accomplished couldn’t have been done without the hard work of a team of brilliant and committed people.” 

He added: “I want to judge my career by the positive change I’ve helped make happen. This award feels like a pretty amazing recognition that I’ve helped do that in some way.” 

A Legacy of Public Service 

Hyams credits his parents—both career public servants—for inspiring his own journey in government. Beginning his career in social services, he eventually found his calling in environmental policy and energy right here at the SFPUC, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. 

Today, CleanPowerSF and Hetch Hetchy Power together supply 75% of San Francisco’s electricity, making the SFPUC the City’s dominant energy provider. And as the City pursues full public power and grid ownership, Hyams' work stands as a testament to what thoughtful, visionary leadership can achieve. 

Please join us in congratulating Michael Hyams on this well-deserved recognition from SPUR. His work is not just good government—it’s exceptional public service.