San Francisco urges Governor Newsom to extend utility shutoff moratorium and debt forgiveness

In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, officials discussed a critical resolution urging Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to extend the utility shutoff moratorium and forgive utility debt accrued since March 2020. This resolution comes as the deadline for the current moratorium approaches on June 30, 2021, raising concerns about the potential impact on thousands of residents and small businesses struggling with unpaid utility bills.

Vice Chair Chan, who sponsored the resolution, highlighted the alarming increase in utility debt during the pandemic, which has surged from $500 million to over $1 billion statewide. In San Francisco alone, Clean Power SF customers owe nearly $2 million in unpaid bills. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that many residents rely on electricity for essential medical devices and for supporting their families' daily needs, including distance learning and food preparation.

The meeting featured presentations from various stakeholders, including Michael Himes from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), who provided data on the growing number of customers at risk of disconnection. As of March, approximately 16,800 residential customers were more than 90 days delinquent on their electricity bills, with delinquency rates reaching as high as 14% in certain neighborhoods.

Brian Goble, Executive Officer at the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), emphasized the historical context of utility disconnections in San Francisco, noting that the issue predates the pandemic. He pointed out that many residents were already struggling to pay their bills before COVID-19, and the current crisis has exacerbated these challenges.

The resolution aims to address the immediate needs of residents and businesses facing disconnection by advocating for the extension of the moratorium and exploring local funding sources for debt forgiveness. The meeting also highlighted the importance of ensuring that utility services remain accessible, particularly for vulnerable populations, including low-income families and individuals reliant on medical equipment.

As the board prepares to take action, the discussions reflect a broader commitment to safeguarding the well-being of San Francisco residents and ensuring that essential utility services remain uninterrupted during these challenging times. The outcome of this resolution could significantly impact the lives of many, reinforcing the notion that access to utilities is a fundamental right tied to health and safety.