New Setback For SF Alternative Energy Plan; Mayor: 'Green Power Not Dead'
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Proponents of a green power alternative to PG&E in San Francisco are frustrated, but not deterred by delays to the city's long-awaited renewable energy program. However, this week's setback when the SF Public Utilities Commission refused to move forward on a key approval has sent the program back to the drawing board.
For nine years, the city has been putting together CleanPowerSF, which would cost customers more than PG&E, but would provide renewable or green energy.
Supervisor John Avalos, a big supporter, said it's been an uphill battle to come up with a program palatable for regulators, who on Tuesday, refused to sign off on a rate schedule.
"Since March there have been many efforts to not have a vote on approving rates. Every month it seems like, 'Oh, we will do it next month. We just have to answer a few questions,' and then the questions are answered and then new questions arise and then the commissioners say, 'Oh, we have other questions that we have to get answered,'" Avalos said.
San Francisco Mayor On PUC's Decision: 'Green Power Isn't Dead'
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said green power isn't dead, but that it's just not feasible in its current form. He said the PUC was right to question the new program to ensure that it's what's best for San Francisco.
"They were asking, 'how green is this? It looks like brown power. Where are the jobs that were promised?' People are looking for jobs, sustainable jobs in the green sector. They didn't see it here," Lee said.
Avalos blamed politics for holding up green power and suggested going to the voters to circumvent the city's regulators.
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