San Francisco Moves to Break from PG&E for Power

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

San Francisco is escalating efforts to sever its longstanding relationship with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and transition to a publicly-owned utility system, following a series of widespread power outages that left hundreds of thousands of residents without electricity. State Senator Scott Wiener introduced Senate Bill 875 to remove legal obstacles that have historically hindered cities seeking to acquire their utility infrastructure from PG&E.

Why it matters

The push for a publicly-owned utility is fueled by comparisons to other Californian cities with municipal utilities that offer significantly lower rates, despite what San Francisco officials describe as inadequate infrastructure maintenance and service from PG&E. The prospect of lower costs is a key driver, as residents face consistently high electricity bills.

The details

SB 875 seeks to streamline the process for cities like San Francisco to pursue a public acquisition of their utility services. Currently, the process is complicated by legal challenges and lobbying efforts from PG&E. The bill aims to create a more equitable framework for potential takeovers, addressing what Wiener described as a need to 'unrig' the existing process. The legislation does not mandate a public takeover, but rather facilitates a fairer process should the city choose to pursue one through eminent domain.

• State Senator Scott Wiener introduced Senate Bill 875 on Monday, February 23, 2026.
• The bill is expected to be heard by the state senate committee around March – April of this year.
• Prior to that, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is scheduled to present a resolution supporting SB 875.

What’s next

The bill is expected to be heard by the state senate committee around March – April of this year. Prior to that, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is scheduled to present a resolution supporting SB 875.