Sierra Club urges full audit of San Francisco Public Utilities Commission amid rate hikes

San Francisco County officials are facing increasing pressure to conduct a full external audit of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPC) following public comments during a recent government meeting. Advocates, including representatives from the Sierra Club, voiced concerns over the SFPC's recent rate increases, which they argue disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities already struggling with high living costs.

Molly from the Sierra Club urged the committee to recommend the audit to the Board of Supervisors, highlighting that the SFPC has implemented another rate hike despite having sufficient water storage. She criticized the commission for its financial management, suggesting that internal audits are insufficient and likening the situation to "the fox guarding the hen house."

Another caller, Dave Warner, echoed these concerns, warning that rates could rise even higher than projected due to a lack of understanding among SFPC leadership regarding financial risks. He emphasized the need for more thorough discussions on risk mitigation during budget and rate-setting meetings.

The committee acknowledged the public's concerns and decided to continue the discussion, scheduling a follow-up hearing for July 20, 2023. This decision reflects a commitment to addressing the financial oversight issues raised by community members and ensuring that ratepayers are protected from further increases. The outcome of the upcoming hearing could have significant implications for the SFPC's financial practices and the affordability of water services in San Francisco.