Questions and Answers
Power Supply Alternatives for Alameda |
Why is Alameda Power & Telecom looking at new, additional
sources for Alameda's power supply?
What is the source of Alameda's electric power today?
Why is Alameda Power &
Telecom planning to build its own power generator
rather buying power on the open market?
What guidelines were used in developing these alternatives?
Where can I find a copy of the entire report? |
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Why is Alameda Power & Telecom looking at new, additional
sources for Alameda's power supply?
A recent study commissioned by the Alameda Public Utilities
Board (PUB) estimates that, in the next five years, Alameda's
demand for electric power will exceed its supply.
With its growing demand and diminishing supply, Alameda Power & Telecom
must plan, finance, and construct new electric generation resources to reliably
and cost-effectively meet Alameda electric power needs.
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What are the sources
of Alameda's electric power today?
Western Area Power Admin (Central Valley Project)
Northern California Power Agency (NCPA)
Geothermal Power Plants (Geysers)
Combustion Turbines (2 of 5 in Alameda)
Calaveras Hydroelectric Project
Steam Injected Gas Turbine (Lodi)
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Why is Alameda Power &
Telecom planning to build its own power generator
rather buying power on the open market?
Alameda Power & Telecom will continue to purchase power on the
open market when economically feasible. But, California's electric-power
market, from supply to distribution, is extremely volatile, as the
rolling blackouts during the summer of 2001 illustrated. By building
its own power-generating facilities as a part of an overall strategic
plan for power resource development, Alameda Power & Telecom can
gain more control of the cost and availability of electric power and
greatly reduce its reliance on outside sources. Combustion turbine
power plants can be built at a lower cost than other large power plants,
but they are relatively inefficient in converting fuel into electricity.
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What guidelines were used in developing these alternatives?
The PUB commissioned Advanced Energy Strategies, a nationally recognized
consultant in the area of power generation, to define and develop power supply
alternatives that would address both supply and local independence/reliability
issues.
The company focused on clean and renewable resources. The recommended plan
had to be economic, support the economic-development strategies of the City
of Alameda, and meet the power usage needs of Alameda in a timely manner.
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Where can I find a copy of the entire report?
The report, "Power Supply Alternatives and Recommendations", is available
for review at all Alameda public libraries, the City Clerk's office,
the Alameda Power & Telecom Service Center at 2000 Grand St. (at
Clement Ave.), and on this site.
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