FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PALM FROND CAUSES OUTAGE

ALAMEDA, Calif., January 7, 2005 - A brief interruption of service occurred at 9:40 a.m. today, when wind gusts pushed a palm frond into Alameda Power & Telecom lines.

The incident occurred in the 900 block of Willow Street, and approximately 3,200 customers were affected directly, losing power for less than one second.

Although power was restored automatically by system protective equipment, Alameda Power & Telecom crews removed the frond to prevent a recurrence.

Because of the anticipated strength and duration of the storm, Alameda Power & Telecom crews remain on alert.

Although the incident lasted less than a second, it may have caused electronic timers, such as on video recorders and digital clocks, to reset. Electronic timing devices and computer equipment are particularly sensitive to outages. Most timers will reset, and data may be lost from a computer's memory unless it has been previously "saved." Alameda Power & Telecom advises battery power backup where cost-effective, surge protection, and frequent "saves" of computer files.

Despite Alameda Power & Telecom's excellent reliability record, winter storms present challenges. If you fall victim to a power outage, the utility recommends that you:

• Check circuit breakers or fuses.
• Check with neighbors to determine if your home alone is affected.
• Have a flashlight and radio with fresh batteries stored in a readily accessible place.
• Call Alameda Power & Telecom at 748-3900 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 748-3902 at all other times.
• Unplug or turn off appliances.
• Don't open your refrigerator or freezer unless necessary.
• Don't plug a generator into a wall.
• Don't go near downed lines.
• After service is restored, check clocks and timing devices.