San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Citizens' Advisory Committee
Power Subcommittee

MINUTES

Tuesday, October 3, 2006
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
1155 Market Street, 4th Floor Conference Room
San Francisco, CA

Members present:  David Hochschild, Aaron Israel, Kimia Mizany, David Pascal, Nick Carlin

Members not present: Ken Cleaveland, Ken Monteiro

Staff:    Jim Marks, Communications

Public: Dick Morten, Ken Smokoska, Jennifer Robbins (SFSU)

1. Lacking a quorum, the subcommittee began with an informational presentation at 5:00 pm.  Karen Kubick, provided a brief update on the current status of SFPUC solar projects.
   
2. Fourth member arrived at 5:10 PM.  Quorum achieved.
   
3. Minutes of meeting of July 6, 2006 adopted unanimously without revision.
   
4. There was no public comment.
   
5. PowerPoint Presentation on Tidal Power.  Karen Kubick, Manager of Infrastructure Development for the Power Enterprise, began the presentation.  She pointed out that a recent Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) study found that the Golden Gate, entrance to San Francisco Bay, had been identified as a prime candidate for the development of tidal power.  The Mayor’s recent (Sept. 19th) press event on tidal power has pushed this topic to the forefront.  Ms. Kubick described the roles and relationships of key players in San Francisco’s effort to explore development of tidal power.  SF’s Environment Department is looking into policy issues; the SFPUC is undertaking the technical investigation.  The initial budget for FY 2007-2007 for this effort is $146,000.  Ms. Kubick described current activities and provided an overview schedule for future activities.  She then introduced Dr. Tom Wagner, the project manager for the evaluation of tidal power technologies.  Dr. Wagner described several technologies, pointing out that many of them are still prototypes.  The elements – environmental, licensing, permitting, etc. – involved in the preliminary screening of project alternatives (technology, location, depth, size, etc.) were described.  It was pointed out that the EPRI study had asserted that a 35 megawatt tidal power installation likely would not have serious environmental consequences, but that this would have to be thoroughly analyzed and evaluated to finally determine what capacity system could be safely installed.  A system that size might cost up to $100 million.  The study’s current high-priority activities include convening an advisory group, drafting a work plan and schedule, seeking grant funding, identifying stakeholders, determining how much tidal energy extraction could be accomplished without harmful effects on the Bay, and assessing emerging tidal technologies.  It was pointed out that the Oceana Corp. had received a license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) providing them an exclusive right to develop tidal power at the Golden Gate until 10/2008.
   
6. Subcommittee members and members of the public asked a number of questions about this effort and the various technologies being investigated.
   
7. Committee members discussed future agenda.  It was agreed to have a full review of the SFPUC’s solar energy program and projects at the next meeting.  Since the regular meeting date falls on election day next month, members agreed to postpone their meeting until Tuesday, November 14th at the usual time and place.
   
8. Meeting was adjourned at 6:40 PM.