On August 26, SFPUC’s Power Enterprise hosted a public webinar titled “Powering Tomorrow, Together: CleanPowerSF Integrated Resource Plan.” The free, one-hour event allowed CleanPowerSF staff to share updates on its clean energy roadmap, also known as the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), and to hear directly from the community. The event featured expert panelists, including Firas Abu-Sneneh, Acting Manager, Resource Planning and Compliance from CleanPowerSF and Justin Chebahtah, Resource Planning Specialist from CleanPowerSF. Here are some key takeaways attendees learned about the challenges and opportunities ahead.
1. Recapping CleanPowerSF’s 2022 IRP
During the last IRP cycle in 2022, CleanPowerSF issued a plan that prioritized 100% clean energy nearly 90% of the time. This portfolio also minimizes reliance on grid power during the 5-9PM window, when electricity is often generated from natural gas. The adopted plan was submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on November 1, 2022. A summary of the 2022 IRP can be viewed here.
2. Expanding CleanPowerSF’s Electric Portfolio
The purpose of CleanPowerSF’s IRP process is to create a diverse energy mix that balances reliability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness while meeting regulatory requirements. For example, geothermal provides consistent power throughout the day, solar peaks midday, wind output varies with wind speeds, and hydropower offers flexible, dispatchable energy that can be adjusted as needed. By diversifying our clean energy portfolio, we’re able to ensure dependable, clean, and affordable electricity for our customers.
3. Goals of CleanPowerSF’s 2025 IRP
CleanPowerSF’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan builds on the successes of past planning cycles with clear goals: ensuring sufficient energy supply over a 20-year horizon, maintaining reliability and regulatory compliance, upholding our commitment to 100% renewable energy, and keeping service affordable and competitive as customer demands grows with electrification. To meet these objectives, staff are proposing three portfolio scenarios for analysis.
The Base Case Portfolio prioritizes cost-effective local resources and ensures 100% renewable energy annually at the lowest cost.
The Time Coincident Portfolio focuses on when energy is generated, aiming for at least 90% time coincidence by 2030 while reducing reliance on grid power during peak evening hours.
The Climate Action Plan Portfolio aligns CleanPowerSF’s supply strategy with San Francisco’s broader electrification goals for buildings and transportation, ensuring the roadmap supports the City’s long-term climate commitments.
Missed Our Recent Webinar?
For those who missed the live event, a recorded version of the webinar is available on YouTube: Powering Tomorrow, Together: CleanPowerSF’s Integrated Resource Plan.
To explore CleanPowerSF’s clean energy roadmap and stay up to date on the IRP process, visit cleanpowersf.org/resourceplan.
Let’s build a clean energy future that reflects the needs and values of San Francisco’s communities.