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“Yes on H”!  The San Francisco Clean Energy Act is a measure appearing on the November 4, 2008 ballot that amends the city and county charter to require the City to transition from fossil fuels to clean, non-nuclear, sustainable energy production at affordable rates.

“Yes on H” directs the SF Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) to establish one document laying out the long-term integrated resource plan for transmission, distribution and electricity resources.

The plan will assess the most effective means of providing clean, sustainable, reliable, and reasonably priced electric services to residents, businesses and City departments.

This Act {”Yes on H”} provides policy direction to achieve the City’s existing goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 20% below 1990 levels (per the 2002 GHG resolution) and to procure 51% of the City’s energy needs through renewable energy and conservation by 2017 (per the 2007 Community Choice Aggregation ordinance). Specifically, the Act directs the City to analyze, identify and pursue strategies that:

• Maximize greenhouse reductions from the electricity sector at the minimum cost including the following clean energy mandates: by 2012 ensure at least 107 megawatts; by 2017 ensure 51%; and by 2030 ensure 75%. The SFPUC shall ensure that 100% or the greatest amount technologically feasible or practicable are met through clean energy by 2040. Nuclear is prohibited from being included in the definition of clean energy.

• Investigate ways to improve electric service and reduce costs to customers, including through measures such as Community Choice Aggregation.

 

• Establish an Independent Ratepayer Advocate to represent the interests of ratepayers and ensure affordable and reliable service.

• Develop a Green Jobs plan providing workforce development for clean energy, construction and operations in PUC jurisdiction. Any PG&E employees who become City employees as a result of this Act will not suffer any reduction of compensation or seniority.

• Evaluate the financial and environmental benefits of locally controlled electricity services, including renewable energy and energy efficiency. This includes a cost-benefit analysis of municipalizing the electric system, as well as shorter-term measures such as Community Choice Aggregation.