The more electricity we save, the fewer power plants need to be built, the more reliable our energy supply becomes. Reducing consumption also is a much cheaper option than building more generation. For several years, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commision has been saving City departments and millions of kilowatt-hours of electricity through energy conservation and efficiency programs. Success stories include new efficient lighting at San Francisco General Hospital and at the Moscone Convention Center.

Energy efficiency is so important to San Francisco that in 2001 Mayor Willie Brown created the Mayor's Energy Conservation Account, which has directed $25 million to finance aggressive energy efficiency projects in city buildings and facilities.

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The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and Pacific Gas and Electric have partnered to test the next generation of streetlights—energy-efficient, light emitting diode (LED) streetlights. These lights are 40 percent more efficient than traditional high pressure sodium vapor lights, and produce a whiter, brighter light, aiding public safety. Your input is valuable to this process: we want to know what you think of these lights and whether you like them more than the traditional streetlights.

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Mayor Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission General Manager Susan Leal today announced a new effort to partner with Lennar BVHP to create San Francisco’s first neighborhood powered entirely by clean, renewable energy.      Read more 

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As one of four pilot cities participating in Earth Hour 2008 throughout the United States, San Francisco will be leading Earth Hour 2008 on the western coast. Organized by the World Wildlife Fund, this Earth Hour 2008 encourages citizens and businesses to turn off the lights for one hour on Saturday, March 29 from 8 to 9 PM. This worldwide event, taking place in 22 major cities around the globe, can demonstrate how taking one simple action can fight global warming.
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