TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND
CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Councilmember Peter Ortiz
Councilmember Omar Torres
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE AMENDING
TITLES 2, 4, AND 26 AND
ADDING TITLE 28 TO THE
SAN JOSE MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ESTABLISH A
MUNICIPAL UTILITY FOR
ELECTRIC SERVICE
DATE: August 15, 2023.
Approved: Date: August 11, 2023
RECOMMENDATION
1. Defer consideration of this item until the September 12th City Council Meeting. a. Direct staff to actively engage with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 1245 (IBEW 1245), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 332 (IBEW 332), and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) regarding the proposed amendments to municipal code ahead of its consideration by City Council.
DISCUSSION
We thank staff for their hard work on addressing the future electrical needs of our residents and businesses. The creation of our own municipal utility for electrical service is an exciting one, with many positive ramifications for the city and its residents. However, in pursuing necessary and equitable changes, how these transitions are handled is vital. It is incumbent on the city to work transparently with those affected by a potential transition to avoid negative consequences that advance economic inequity in the city.
While San José Power can open new doors for high quality jobs for San José residents, we have seen some valid concern from workers with IBEW 1245 and IBEW 332 about potential displacement. We believe it is necessary for the city to do more work in engaging relevant stakeholders before the Council can properly decide the best path forward.
COUNCIL AGENDA: 8/15/2023
FILE NO. : 23-1032
ITEM: 6.1