San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Meeting - November 10, 2026

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) met on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, covering quarterly reports on water and wastewater capital programs, an update on the General Manager selection, approval of the Warnerville-Newark Transmission Expansion Project (WAN-TEP) configuration, and a contract award for Moccasin Dam improvements. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment and Report of the General Manager (Items 4 and 5):
  • Francisco da Casta criticized water quality in reservoirs and operations.
  • Mike Black expressed strong support for CleanPowerSF and electrification efforts in San Francisco.
  • Dave Warner critiqued commission governance, stating the board is "too deferential to staff," citing the approval of a 12.5% water rate increase. He recommended hiring a board governance expert. Later, during the GM report, he proposed three requests for the 10-year capital plan: 1) presenting multiple capital spending scenarios with 20-year affordability outlooks; 2) lower-cost alternatives for projects over $100 million; and 3) having the CFO comment on large project decisions.
  • An additional speaker critiqued spending on water capital projects, stating the water is ultimately "polluted" and that "water is life" is not being respected.
• General Manager Selection Process (Item 7):
  • A public speaker criticized the selection process, comparing it to Washington, DC politics, and stated the new general manager should be "very, very talented and have institutional experience," expressing a preference for an engineering background.
• Warnerville-Newark Transmission Expansion Project (Item 8):
  • A speaker from the room critiqued the presentation as unclear and questioned the role of CAISO. Remote caller Yervan spoke in favor of the project, citing wildfire prevention and grid reliability. Peter Dreckmeyer of the Tuolumne Rivers Alliance expressed confidence in staff but urged the commission to hold workshops to build trust and noted that SFPUC declined to participate in a Palo Alto water study session.
• Items 5C, 6, 9: No public comment.

Discussion Items

• Water Enterprise CIP & Water System Improvement Program (Items 5a/5b):
  • Katie Miller presented the combined Q1 FY 26-27 reports. The program now encompasses 51 projects. $359 million was spent over the past year, the highest level since 2014. Combined water program spending reached $471 million. A net cost increase of approximately $21 million was forecast. Key milestones included completion of the San Antonio Pump Station Motor Control Center, the Town of Sunol pipeline replacement, and the Geary Boulevard sewer and water work.
• Wastewater Capital Programs (Item 5c):
  • Bessie Tan presented the Q1 FY 26-27 report covering 123 projects. Commissioner Thurlow inquired about the Lower Alamany stormwater project, which received no bids initially and then a very high second bid, with Tan noting the project is "not affordable" at the current bid price. Commissioner Stacy asked about cancelled/deferred projects (Tennessee Pump Station, Davison, Pine Lake), which Tan explained are under review or in a pre-planning phase. Notable progress was reported on the Channel Force Main project (90% complete) and the Southeast Plant Nutrient Reduction Project with PCL Jacob Engineering.
• Update on General Manager Selection Process (Item 7):
  • Staff provided a brief verbal update stating "the process is still moving forward." No further details were provided during the meeting.
• Warnerville-Newark Transmission Expansion Project (WAN-TEP) (Item 8):
  • Adam Azurkowitz requested approval of Alternative B2 and authorization to apply to CAISO for Participating Transmission Owner (PTO) status. The project replaces 100-year-old 115 kV lines with a 230 kV line over 70 miles. Commissioner Thurlow questioned the risk of CAISO not approving cost recovery; Azurkowitz noted the approval was for further analysis, with cost recovery expected over more than 10-15 years. Commissioner Stacy asked about necessary associated upgrades (Lines 5/6) and the impact of PTO status, which allows others to use the lines but shifts some compliance to CAISO. Stacy also asked about load losses in a report table, which staff agreed to follow up on.
• Award of Moccasin Dam Long-Term Improvements Contract (Item 9):
  • Jimmy Lang requested approval to award a CMGC contract to the Myers-Sukut Joint Venture for $85.1 million total not-to-exceed, with $2.7 million authorized for pre-construction services. The project addresses flood risks revealed during a 2018 event by building a new side-channel spillway. Commissioner Arce disclosed that Myers and Sons has a seat on his employer's board of directors.

Key Outcomes

• Item 3 - Minutes: Approved (4-0). (Commissioner Arce stepped away for this vote.)
• Item 6 - Consent Calendar: Approved (5-0).
• Item 8 - WAN-TEP Alternative B2: Approved (5-0). Staff are authorized to continue planning with the B2 configuration and to submit an application to CAISO for participating transmission owner status.
• Item 9 - Moccasin Dam Contract: Approved (5-0). Contract HH-1020 was awarded to the Myers-Sukut Joint Venture. Only pre-construction services were authorized; staff will return for construction authorization following environmental and Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) review.