(a) Entry into Any Other Business. Notwithstanding any provision in the Charter to the contrary, the Council, upon making a finding that it is in the best interests of the City, may by ordinance authorize the department to engage in any lawful business enterprise that is in the best interests of the City’s inhabitants and that will not interfere with the department’s role as a provider of water and power to the City’s inhabitants.
(b) Entry into Public Utility Competition. Without limiting the provisions of subsection (a), the Council may by ordinance adopted by a two-thirds vote and approved by the Mayor, or passed by three-fourths vote of the Council over the veto of the Mayor, authorize the department to provide electricity service or any other service, which may be provided by another utility or direct competitor to any person or entity, whether situated inside or outside of the City or the State of California.
(c) Prohibition of Entry into Water Service Outside Service Area. Water service or products that would be provided outside the department’s retail service area are specifically excluded from the provisions of this section.
(d) No Limitation on Department. Nothing in this section limits any right, power or authority granted to the department or to the board elsewhere in the Charter.