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Power

Why the SFPUC Celebrates Public Power

SFPUC Power Crews.
  • Donald Pollitt

When October rolls around, our minds often turn to apple picking, cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and spooky Halloween decorations. Yet, there’s another reason to get excited this month: Public Power Week!  

Every year, during the first full week of October, public power utilities across the United States celebrate Public Power Week. This annual event shines a light on the many benefits of community-owned electricity providers, including affordable rates, cleaner energy, and a strong community oversight. 

Powering San Francisco with Clean Energy for Over a Century 

At the forefront of this celebration in San Francisco is Hetch Hetchy Power, the public power utility operated by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). For more than a century, Hetch Hetchy Power has proudly delivered 100% greenhouse gas-free electricity to the City.  

SFPUC Power Crew changing a lightbulb.

Today, Hetch Hetchy Power serves approximately 8,000 customer accounts, including essential municipal facilities like libraries, City Hall, San Francisco International Airport, public schools, public housing, affordable housing sites, and even iconic landmarks like the Ferry Building. All these customers benefit from Hetch Hetchy Power’s affordable rates, which continue to be the lowest electricity rates in San Francisco. 

Hetch Hetchy Power isn’t San Francisco’s only source of community-driven electricity. The SFPUC also operates CleanPowerSF, the City’s community choice energy program. CleanPowerSF provides clean, affordable energy to more than 380,0000 residents and businesses. Together, Hetch Hetchy Power and CleanPowerSF meet about 75% of San Francisco’s electricity needs. 

SFPUC’s programs are also designed to put community first. Our power programs do not need to focus on generating profits for shareholders; instead, our revenues are reinvested back into services and programs that benefit customers and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. 

A Legacy of Climate Leadership 

San Francisco’s leadership in clean, reliable energy is nationally recognized. That legacy includes: achieving the City’s 100% renewable electricity goal two years ahead of schedule; cutting greenhouse gas emissions from electricity use by 98% since 1990, and launching innovative programs like Electrify my Ride (rebates for e-bikes), expanding EV charging stations, and offering bill credits to help customers switch from gas to efficient electric water heaters.

These efforts not only reduce emissions but also improve air quality, lower energy costs, and support a healthier, more sustainable San Francisco. 

Celebrating the People Behind the Power 

So, as we celebrate Hetch Hetchy Power and public power utilities nationwide, let’s tip our hats to the dedicated employees of the Power Enterprise like Jason Siebert, and all our SFPUC colleagues who help deliver our public power services with pride. Their work keeps San Francisco running, reliably, affordably, and sustainably. 

This October, as you sip your pumpkin spice latte and prepare for Halloween festivities, take a moment to appreciate the power of community-owned electricity. Follow the #PublicPowerWeek conversation on our social media channels to learn about how the SFPUC is expanding clean energy opportunities for all San Franciscans. 

Happy Public Power Week from all of us at the SFPUC!