San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Meeting – June 23, 2026

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) held a regular meeting on June 23, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 3:45 PM. The meeting included a land acknowledgment, approval of minutes, public comment, several key presentations and discussions, and votes on multiple items. Notable events included the announcement of General Manager Dennis Herrera’s retirement, the presentation of the Clean Power SF 2026 Integrated Resource Plan, adoption of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan, and approval of contracts and grant programs.

Consent Calendar

• Item 3: Approval of Minutes – The minutes of June 9, 2026, were approved unanimously (4-0, with Commissioner Jamdar excused).
• Item 7: Consent Calendar (7A–7E) – Items were approved unanimously (4-0). During public comment, Douglas Benton of Sierra Mountain Construction protested the award of contract for HH 1019, arguing that the low bidders did not meet experience requirements. Staff responded that the protest had been reviewed and found without merit. The commission proceeded to approve the consent calendar.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public comments were received at multiple points during the meeting:

• Francisco de Costa (general public comment) criticized SFPUC for lack of standards and accused the commission of lying and retaliation.
• Peter Drackmeyer, Policy Director for Yosemite Rivers Alliance, discussed salmon runs on the Tuolumne River and urged support for the Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan over voluntary agreements.
• A former commercial fisherman commented on the salmon decline and invited commissioners to see spawning grounds.
• Denise Louie (Center for Biological Diversity) criticized the PUC’s obstruction of the 2018 Bay-Delta plan, stating that Delta Smelt have gone extinct.
• Eileen Boken and David Schramm (multiple commenters on Urban Water Management Plan) opposed adoption, citing overestimates of demand, the eight-and-a-half-year design drought, and insufficient environmental protection.
• Charlene Woodcock and Mary Butterwick commented on water management and the need to preserve Delta ecosystems.
• Denise Louie (again) and others also spoke on the Urban Water Management Plan, urging more realistic projections.

Discussion Item: Clean Power SF 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (Item 5A)

Firaso Buslene, acting manager for Power Enterprise Resource Planning, presented the 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The plan evaluates three portfolios:

1. 100% Renewable Portfolio – $91 per MWh, adding 1,220 MW of new resources.
2. 90% Time Coincidence by 2030 Portfolio – $121 per MWh, requiring 2,580 MW.
3. 90% Time Coincidence by 2035 Portfolio – $113 per MWh, requiring 2,300 MW. The CPUC’s demand forecast is 36% higher for 2030 and 63% higher for 2035 compared to the 2022 IRP, driven by data centers (40%) and electrification (60%). Staff noted that the 100% renewable portfolio aligns best with current financial plans. Commissioners asked about data center requirements, storage, and geothermal resources. The commission will vote on adoption on July 14, 2026.

General Manager’s Retirement Announcement

General Manager Dennis Herrera announced his retirement effective December 2026. He stated that after 25 years of city service (5 at PUC), he felt it was time to leave. Commissioners expressed gratitude for his leadership in restoring trust, advancing PGE municipalization, and managing the agency. Commissioner Stacy suggested a transition process with the Mayor’s office and Department of Human Resources.

Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) Report (Item 6)

Tom Smegel reported on regional resilience planning, including interagency cooperation for emergencies such as wildfires, floods, and infrastructure failures. He highlighted a recent water quality emergency in Mountain View where SFPUC assisted.

Discussion Item: 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Adoption (Item 8)

Jennifer Lee presented the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). The plan includes the 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan and the Affordable Housing Development Water Service Priority Policy. Staff received 31 comments (9 written, 3 verbal at CAC, 19 at public hearing). Issues raised included water affordability, population projections, design drought length (8.5 years), and opposition to the Bay-Delta Plan. Staff responded that demand projections come from the Planning Department and that the UWMP is not a capital planning or rate-setting document. After extensive public comment, the commission approved the plan 4-0, with Commissioner Stacy noting the document’s role as a state compliance tool that uses mandatory projections.

Approval of Contracts and Grant Programs

• Item 9: Environmental Review Services Contracts (PRO 0333) – Five contracts (up to $15 million each, total $75 million) for CEQA/NEPA, permitting, and construction compliance, was approved unanimously. The presenter, Karen Fry, announced this was her last meeting after 19 years.
• Item 10: Treasure Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Duration Increase – A 275-day extension (no cost increase) was approved to address equipment procurement and commissioning delays.
• Item 11: Urban Watershed Stewardship Grant Program – Two tracks (infrastructure up to $250,000, stewardship up to $75,000) were approved, with funding of $400,000 (first cycle) and $600,000 (second cycle). The program is being brought in-house.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of June 9, 2026 approved.
• Consent Calendar (Items 7A–7E) approved.
• Clean Power SF IRP – presentation received; vote scheduled for July 14, 2026.
• General Manager Retirement announced; transition planning to begin.
• 2025 Urban Water Management Plan adopted (4-0, Commissioner Jamdar excused).
• Environmental Services Contracts awarded (4-0).
• Treasure Island WWTP schedule increase approved (4-0).
• Urban Watershed Stewardship Grant Program established (4-0).
• Closed Session – The commission asserted attorney-client privilege and later voted not to disclose the discussion.
• Meeting adjourned at 3:45 PM.