No More Excuses for 500+ Outages: Leveraging SB 332 to Demand Real Accountability from TIDA & SFPUC on Treasure Island
Lights Out on Treasure Island: Can Utility Accountability Ideas Finally Bring Solutions?
For residents of Treasure Island, the promise of a revitalized community is often overshadowed by persistent, frustrating problems. High among them are the recurring power outages, meticulously documented by residents on sites like treasureislandsfpoweroutages.com. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a sign that the systems meant to support the community are falling short, leaving residents feeling failed by both the Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA) and, seemingly, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) which manages grid operations.
The question is: How do we fix this accountability gap? While TIDA oversees development and SFPUC handles utility operations, the result for residents is unreliable power. Perhaps we can find inspiration for stronger oversight in SB 332, the Investor-Owned Utilities Accountability Act.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB332
Let's be clear: SB 332 targets massive private utilities. TIDA is a public development agency, and SFPUC is a city department. You can't just copy the law. But the principles of accountability within SB 332 offer a powerful model we could adapt specifically for TIDA's oversight role on Treasure Island, forcing a resolution to issues like the power outages:
1. Mandated Independent Audits – Focusing on the Real Problems:
SB 332 Idea: Audits of utility equipment.
TIDA Application: Legislation could require TIDA to fund independent, third-party audits specifically targeting critical island infrastructure, especially the electrical distribution system. These audits wouldn't just look at new development but assess the reliability, maintenance, and resilience of the power grid serving residents right now. They could also cover other key areas like environmental remediation progress and development agreement compliance.
2. Performance Standards – Setting Clear Expectations for Power Reliability:
SB 332 Idea: Standards for utility safety and reliability.
TIDA Application: Legislation could establish binding, measurable performance standards for TIDA related to essential services. Crucially, this would include metrics for power grid uptime and outage restoration times. TIDA would be mandated to publicly report performance against these standards, making it clear whether the system (regardless of who operates the wires day-to-day, like SFPUC) is meeting basic needs. Reports would go to the Board of Supervisors and be easily accessible online, giving teeth to resident complaints documented on treasureislandsfpoweroutages.com.
3. Accountability for Fixing Deficiencies – No More Excuses:
SB 332 Idea: Addressing equipment past its "useful life."
TIDA Application: When independent audits identify deficiencies – like specific weaknesses in the power grid causing outages – legislation could require TIDA to develop, fund, and publicly report on corrective action plans with clear timelines. This ensures TIDA takes ownership of ensuring fixes happen, coordinating with entities like SFPUC as necessary, rather than problems lingering indefinitely. Enforcement mechanisms would be needed if TIDA fails to act.
4. Enhanced Transparency – Giving Residents Real Power:
SB 332 Idea: Curbing abuses partly through transparency.
TIDA Application: Legislation could mandate radical transparency from TIDA regarding infrastructure status, maintenance schedules (especially for the electrical grid), and audit results. This includes proactive communication before predictable issues arise and clear channels for residents to report problems and receive substantive responses – moving beyond the frustration that fuels sites like treasureislandsfpoweroutages.com. An independent resident advocate or ombudsman could also be established.
Solving the Problem:
Applying these adapted principles directly to TIDA creates a lever for change.
It forces an independent, objective look at the root causes of the power outages.
It sets non-negotiable standards for reliable electricity that TIDA must ensure are met.
It requires concrete plans and action to fix identified problems, holding TIDA responsible for coordinating solutions, even involving partners like SFPUC.
It empowers residents with information and clear pathways for recourse.
This isn't about blaming one entity. It's about recognizing a systemic failure where residents bear the brunt. By adapting the strong accountability mechanisms found in utility regulation and applying them to TIDA's unique oversight role, we can create a framework that demands results, ensuring that the lights – both literally and figuratively – stay on for the people of Treasure Island. Neither TIDA nor any other involved entity should be able to fail the citizens any longer.