This is an investigative series about San Francisco’s power struggles.
Power lights up our homes and businesses, but it also animates the gaps between our city officials’ promises and their self-interest, and between government and private corporations over control of our energy future.
We’re supposed to have a more affordable, livable city with less pollution, congestion, and street mayhem. SF’s promises include elimination of street deaths by 2024. Net-zero emissions by 2040. And a pledge to be “transit first” – made 50 years ago. Our city often fails to keep its promises, while many obstacles and competing interests block the way. Kristi Coale reports.
Part 1: Kristi gives a full accounting of delayed projects and PG&E’s tactics to wrest more revenue from San Francisco.
PG&E Controls San Francisco’s Grid. Here’s Why This Is a Problem for the City’s Electric Future
Affordable housing. A safe homeless shelter. Plug-in buses. Even a tiny bathroom. The giant utility’s delays and demands have affected 150 projects, bleeding city coffers and hampering critical progress on many fronts.
Read the full story ->Part 2: As SF sues PG&E, the prospect of taking over the grid seems closer than ever. Kristi Coale investigates whether SF is ready for public power.
In A Quest for Public Power, SF Made A $2.5B Buyout Offer and PG&E Refused. The Real Price Could Come Soon
To control its electric future, the city’s utility agency has a head start. Whether SF can afford the switch isn’t the only big question.
Read the full story ->Part 3: Kristi Coale digs into the robotaxi safety record. Here’s what we know, and what we don’t know yet.
Cruise Robotaxis Were Banned From SF Streets. Now Self-Driving Cars Have Miles To Go To Win Public Trust
The city remains a key testing ground for the future of urban transport. While crashes make headlines, close calls and other unsettling incidents often go unreported.
Read the full story ->
Political Power Plays Are Short-Circuiting San Francisco’s Climate Goals
Delivery vans are everywhere. The city needs more places for vehicle fleets to plug in, but officials are putting up roadblocks.
Read the full story ->We’d love your feedback. Email hello@thefrisc.com with the subject line ELECTRIC, or find us on social media. Thanks for reading.