Committee backs $4.5M appropriation for Clean Power SF food‑service efficiency program

The Budget and Finance Committee voted April 5 to forward a supplemental appropriation of approximately $4.5 million in California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)‑restricted revenue to fund a Clean Power SF Community Food Service Energy Efficiency Program.

Mike Himes of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) said the program will help restaurants, grocery stores, corner stores and nonprofit meal providers obtain free energy assessments and install efficient equipment — such as efficient refrigerators, induction stoves and lighting — at no upfront cost to participating businesses. The program model relies on an implementing energy services company that brings capital to the projects and is paid based on measured energy savings; program incentive payments will be tied to energy‑savings performance and CPUC reporting requirements.

Supervisors sought details about who pays for work, how the energy services company model operates, and how the City will prioritize harder‑to‑reach, less affluent businesses. Himes said the SFPUC will issue a competitive RFP to select the implementing company, and that the program is designed to meet CPUC cost‑effectiveness tests while targeting gaps in existing efficiency offerings.

Public comment supported close coordination with the Department of the Environment and existing outreach partners. The committee voted 3‑0 to forward the appropriation and place approximately $3 million in a controller reserve pending receipt of funds.

Next steps: SFPUC plans an RFP for an energy services company and annual CPUC reporting; the resolution will go to the full Board for final action.