Foster City’s Electric Future: Echoes of Independence in the Face of PG&E Rates

In the 1970s, Foster City leaders conducted rigorous research into establishing a municipally-owned electric system to replace their reliance on PG&E. These historical feasibility studies suggested that energy independence would have generated millions in profit for the city’s general fund while utilizing a unique, self-contained infrastructure already funded by local developers. By revisiting these archival reports, the author highlights a legacy of proactive local leadership aimed at securing financial stability and lower costs for residents. This historical reflection serves as a modern-day reminder of the potential benefits of community control over essential utilities in the face of rising corporate energy rates.