FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GROUND TO BREAK ON UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING PROJECT

ALAMEDA, Calif., November 9, 2005 - Alameda Power & Telecom has announced that construction will begin on a showcase utility undergrounding project this coming Monday, November 14. Underground District No. 29 includes Lincoln Avenue, from Oak Street to Park Street, and features service to the new Alameda Free Library building.

City Manager Debra Kurita stated, "Our ability to coordinate utility undergrounding with another major community initiative demonstrates the significant benefits of both a collaborative approach and a local focus."

Alameda Power & Telecom has contracted with another Alameda-based firm, Triple S Electric Company, for installation of substructures. Their work is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of calendar 2006. Underground District No. 29 continues to receive priority attention from Alameda Power & Telecom, whose own installation work is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of calendar 2006.

City Manager Kurita continued, "We appreciate the patience of those based in or visiting the area during construction and look forward to completing undergrounding of utilities and removal of poles prior to the opening of the new Library building."

Alameda Power & Telecom reports that it has made great progress in its undergrounding program, and over half of the City already is served by underground facilities. Weather permitting and with full cooperation from all utilities, Underground District No. 21, which includes Franciscan Way between Willow Street and Grand Street, will be completed by the end of the year. The utility is looking forward to starting work on Underground District 30, which includes Bay Street and St. Charles Street south of Central Avenue, that neighborhood's portion of San Antonio Avenue, and Fair Oaks Avenue within the next few months.