Clean Power SF officials describe staffing, budget pressures and third‑party scheduling costs
March 17, 2023 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
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Deputy Assistant General Manager Michael Himes told the San Francisco Local Agency Formation Commission on March that Clean Power SF is part of the SFPUC power enterprise and funds a mix of operations, programs and capital projects across the utility.
Himes walked commissioners through an organization chart and a snapshot of Clean Power SF’s operating and capital budgets, saying the top portion of the budget covers revenues from electricity sales and the largest single expense — power purchases — while the lower portion funds customer programs such as EV Charge SF and solar inverter replacement. He said quarterly budget status reports are posted in the SFPUC packet and offered to refer commissioners to the SFPUC budget director for vacancy statistics.
Commissioners asked about staff vacancies and who performs California Independent System Operator (CAISO) scheduling. Himes estimated 10–15 vacancies across Clean Power SF-funded positions and said the utility uses in‑house operations staff plus a certified third‑party scheduling coordinator to submit daily schedules to CAISO, calling that combination a common practice in California electricity markets.
Vice Chair Jackie Fielder raised a recent Board of Supervisors action that amended a scheduling‑coordinator contract “by 636,000,000 over a five‑year term,” and asked why the cost rose so steeply. Himes said Clean Power SF underestimated capacity needs when the original contract was set and that unprecedented market volatility — including higher natural‑gas prices tied to global events and extreme weather spikes in demand — has driven higher costs, noting the contract is essential for reliable participation in CAISO.
Commissioners said the percentage increase cited in the record was “alarming” and asked for follow‑up on long‑term plans for scheduling and contract oversight. Himes said staff will continue to present vacancy and contracting information to the SFPUC and can share supporting materials with LAFCO.
The presentation concluded with commissioners thanking Himes and requesting more detailed budget and contract information at a future meeting.
Himes walked commissioners through an organization chart and a snapshot of Clean Power SF’s operating and capital budgets, saying the top portion of the budget covers revenues from electricity sales and the largest single expense — power purchases — while the lower portion funds customer programs such as EV Charge SF and solar inverter replacement. He said quarterly budget status reports are posted in the SFPUC packet and offered to refer commissioners to the SFPUC budget director for vacancy statistics.
Commissioners asked about staff vacancies and who performs California Independent System Operator (CAISO) scheduling. Himes estimated 10–15 vacancies across Clean Power SF-funded positions and said the utility uses in‑house operations staff plus a certified third‑party scheduling coordinator to submit daily schedules to CAISO, calling that combination a common practice in California electricity markets.
Vice Chair Jackie Fielder raised a recent Board of Supervisors action that amended a scheduling‑coordinator contract “by 636,000,000 over a five‑year term,” and asked why the cost rose so steeply. Himes said Clean Power SF underestimated capacity needs when the original contract was set and that unprecedented market volatility — including higher natural‑gas prices tied to global events and extreme weather spikes in demand — has driven higher costs, noting the contract is essential for reliable participation in CAISO.
Commissioners said the percentage increase cited in the record was “alarming” and asked for follow‑up on long‑term plans for scheduling and contract oversight. Himes said staff will continue to present vacancy and contracting information to the SFPUC and can share supporting materials with LAFCO.
The presentation concluded with commissioners thanking Himes and requesting more detailed budget and contract information at a future meeting.
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