October is a time for plump pumpkins, spiced lattes, and frightening costumes. But did you know that this month also celebrates Public Power Week?

Every year during the first full week of October, public power utilities across the country celebrate Public Power Week to highlight the benefits of community-owned electricity providers like lower rates and better reliability (compared to private utilities that answer to investors). It’s during this time that we celebrate our own Hetch Hetchy Power.

Hetch Hetchy Power is San Francisco’s public power utility, which has been providing the City with renewable electricity for over 100 years. Hetch Hetchy Power serves all municipal facilities, from public libraries and schools to the San Francisco Zoo and International Airport, affordable housing units, and an increasing number of large or private developments like the Salesforce Transit Center and The Shipyard in Hunters Point.

Despite a challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hetch Hetchy Power continued to support its customers and protect the environment. We saved customers $37 million compared to what they would have paid with other utilities, provided over 40% of our residential customers with electric bill discounts, and upgraded our billing system for a better customer experience. We also offered $1.1 million in energy efficiency incentives and improvements over the last 12 months and constructed new solar arrays at public schools, and municipal buildings like the War Memorial Opera House.

We’re celebrating Hetch Hetchy Power and public power utilities all week long. Join us and follow the #PublicPowerWeek conversation on our social channels.

You can also learn more about public power from the American Public Power Association or read about how we’re working to expand public power in San Francisco.