Mayor Gavin Newsom today hailed San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) plans to construct a small 200 kw renewable hydroelectric project at the University Mound Reservoir, which is currently undergoing seismic retrofit. This innovative hydroelectric plant – the first of its kind in San Francisco – will generate clean, renewable energy from excess water pressure in the City’s water distribution system. This energy, which would otherwise be lost, will meet the strictest requirements for California’s renewable portfolio standards (RPS) and green energy markets. The project will be funded by $2.5 million in Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBS) recently awarded to the SFPUC through a low-interest loan program administered by the Federal Government to encourage renewable energy projects. Read more