Forbes’ has challenged San Francisco’s ban on using natural gas in new construction – opining that it is only possible due to the hydropower generated by the Hetch Hetchy water system.
Senior Contributor Ellen R. Wald describes Hetch Hetchy as “one of the most beautiful spots in the American west, a veritable Garden of Eden” and explains that “the city continues to live and prosper off of one of the most egregious violations of the planet in history.” She is right, of course.
Wald is only partly right, however, in asserting that the dam at Hetch Hetchy makes San Francisco’s ban on natural gas possible.
It is annoying, indeed, when San Francisco touts its hydropower as “clean”, and “emissions free” without acknowledging the destruction of Hetch Hetchy. Do City leaders think it is ok to destroy national parks, in general, or do they think only San Francisco is so entitled?
Should we also dam the Grand Canyon or install a steam turbine atop Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park?
The real story in electricity production in California is compliance with the Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires 60% renewable production by 2030, and 100% clean energy by 2045. Solar production alone has almost tripled over the last 5 years. Production in 2019 was 28,513 gWh, or about 17 times the total hydropower produced by San Francisco.
Hydropower production does not change unless a new dam is built or an old one removed. And no one is expecting changes in hydropower production, one way or another, to play a large role in the energy picture.
If a San Francisco resident signs up for Clean Power SF, no new hydropower is magically produced. Those dollars instead are dedicated to investments in solar, wind or other renewable power sources
Side notes:
- Under California law, most hydropower, including San Francisco’s, is not considered “renewable”. All together, the City produces about 1,700 gWh per year, a little more than 1/2 of 1% of statewide production, at its three plants in the Tuolumne watershed.
- Only about 20% of San Francisco’s hydropower will be lost when Hetch Hetchy Valley is restored – mostly at the Kirkwood Plant. The Holm and Moccasin Plants will be largely unaffected.
- If you prefer a gas range to a traditional electric stove, try an electric induction stove as an alternative to both. It’s a very different experience and you may love it.