Clean Power SF reports stable enrollment after time‑of‑use transition; new rates and customer programs coming

Mike Himes, deputy assistant general manager for power overseeing Clean Power SF, presented enrollment and program updates to the San Francisco LAFCO. Himes told commissioners the TOU default transition concluded its 12‑month bill protection period in July, and "approximately 85% of the eligible customers, or 143,000 accounts, stayed on the rate for the first 12 months." He said only 88 customers received bill‑protection credits after the analysis.

Himes described an upcoming residential "pro‑electrification" generation rate to pair with PG&E’s E‑elect distribution rate; Clean Power SF plans to bring the generation‑rate proposal to the SFPUC commission for adoption in January. He said the new approach aims to ensure customers who add electric vehicle charging, batteries, or heat‑pump systems can manage costs while supporting emissions reductions.

On customer programs, Himes reviewed ongoing and planned offerings: net energy metering and GoSolar SF incentives for low‑income households, an inverter‑replacement program for earlier GoSolar SF recipients, budget billing, a peak‑day pricing demand‑response season for commercial customers (11 of 12 event days called this season), and a regional heat‑pump water‑heater incentive program (27 incentive applications to date). Himes described a new Super Greensaver tariff for qualifying low‑income customers in state‑defined disadvantaged communities that provides 100% renewable energy and a 20% bill discount; preliminary enrollment is about 165 customers.

Commissioner questions focused on outreach and program targeting. Vice Chair Jackie Fielder asked how the pro‑electrification rate will be communicated; Himes said outreach plans will be developed and integrated with program promotions such as heat‑pump incentives. Commissioner Williams asked about who outreach targets (contractors, homeowners, tenants); Himes said the heat‑pump water‑heater program is "midstream," targeted at contractors, and the agency will coordinate with regional partners to ramp up outreach and contractor training.

Himes and commissioners also discussed feasibility‑study costs; Himes estimated such studies can range from roughly $25,000 to several hundred thousand dollars depending on scope and complexity. He said Clean Power SF would report further on program performance and procurement plans next year.

Next steps: Clean Power SF expects to return with a proposed generation rate for adoption consideration in January and provide additional program performance updates early next year.