San Francisco LAFCO votes to study Golden State Energy after residents and auditors press for alternatives to PG&E

The Local Agency Formation Commission on Thursday voted to direct its executive officer to prepare a brief study detailing what would be needed for a comprehensive review of implementing the Golden State Energy Act and the potential impacts of transitioning San Francisco’s electricity service away from Pacific Gas & Electric.

The motion, made by Vice Chair Jackie Felder and seconded by Commissioner Hope Williams, passed on a 3–0 roll call. The commission acted after presentations from community advocates and the California State Auditor that highlighted safety, accountability and cost concerns tied to investor-owned utilities.

Advocates with the Reclaim Our Power coalition told the commission that PG&E’s failures have led to fires, repeated power shutoffs and higher bills for frontline communities. Antonio Diaz of Poder urged LAFCO to ask the Board of Supervisors to act on the state auditor’s recommendations and to study alternatives to PG&E. “We are here to ask LAFCO to ask the board of supervisors to act on the state auditors’ recommendations and demand accountability for PG&E,” he said.

Mary Rose Tarek of Reclaim Our Power urged the commission to lead a city-level study of Golden State Energy — a statutory pathway that would allow a receiver or public authority to take over utility assets — noting the group represents nearly 90 organizations and arguing the city has both the legal tools and the civic interest to examine alternatives.

The commission’s directive instructs Executive Officer Jeremy Pollock to prepare a brief outlining what a comprehensive study would require, including anticipated scope and potential impacts to electricity service in San Francisco. The motion language directed staff to return with the brief for commissioners’ review; commissioners did not set a required deadline beyond the usual staff follow-up process.

Public callers who spoke in support of the motion cited rising rates and executive compensation at PG&E and urged swift study. A caller noted that the Golden State Energy Act was passed in 2020 to create a nonprofit alternative to investor-owned utilities and urged LAFCO to assess how that law could be used for San Francisco.

What’s next: The executive officer will prepare the requested study summary and return to the commission; commissioners and public participants encouraged continued engagement with LAFCO staff during the study process.