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California Assembly Bill 1890, passed in 1997 and modified in 2000, mandates that
at least 2.85% of a publicly-owned electric utility's annual net revenues be spent
on activities in four categories:
- Cost-effective demand-side management services to promote energy efficiency and conservation
- New investment in renewable energy resources and technologies
consistent with existing statutes and regulations which promote
those resources and technologies
- Research, development, and demonstration programs for the public
interest to advance science or technology, which is not adequately
provided by competitive and regulated markets
- Services provided for low-income electricity customers, including, but not
limited to, targeted energy-efficiency service and rate discounts.
Public Benefits Expenditures
Before the passage of AB 1890, Alameda Power & Telecom was investing in renewable
resources and providing other public benefits such as energy efficiency programs,
therefore, Alameda Power & Telecom did not raise rates to comply with AB 1890.
For fiscal year 2004, Alameda Power & Telecom provided approximately $1.1 million for
Public Benefits Programs. Expenditures break down over the four program areas as follow:
Encouraging Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an important value for both Alameda Power & Telecom and
the community we serve. The following programs provide education, information,
and incentives for community members to use power more efficiently, and understand
sources of renewable energy.
- ENERGY STAR® Refrigerator Rebate and Recycle Program
- Second Refrigerator Pick-up Program
- Annual Great White Light Sale
- Weatherization Cash Grants
- Free Energy Audits - Commercial and Residential
- Food Service Technology Seminars
- In-Classroom Presentations and Teacher Training about Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
- Solar Schools Project at Lincoln Middle School
- Make*A*Circus Shows that Teach Renewable Energy Concepts
- Free Tours of Geothermal Power Plants and Steam Fields
- Commercial Retrofit Programs
- Commercial Customer Loan Program
Investing in Renewable Resources
Alameda Power & Telecom is committed to providing clean, green power from such
resources as geothermal, hydroelectric, wind, and landfill gas. For the past 5 years,
over 80% of our power has been generated from renewable resources.
More than 50% of Alameda Power & Telecom's power is geothermal. Public benefit funds
have been used to increase the efficiency and production of the geothermal facilities.
A top priority of Alameda Power & Telecom is seeking new means of providing
power in the most environmentally responsible means possible. We conduct studies
and support the research of other organizations working to provide power cleanly
and efficiently in the future.
- Geyser Effluent Project
To increase steam production and power generation levels
- Near Horizontal Injection Well
A new drilling technique to increase steam production
Supporting Research & Development
- Distributed Generation Study
To evaluate costs and benefits of generating power locally to feed directly into our distribution system
- Supporting Research
In conjunction with agencies like the American Public Power Association's
Demonstration of Energy-Efficient Developments (DEED) Program and the
Solar Electric Power Association
Assisting Low-Income Customers
Alameda Power & Telecom provides special programs for low-income customers
and those needing temporary assistance.
Energy Assistance Program
Helping low-income customers meet their energy needs at the lowest
possible cost; features include:
- A free energy audit
- Installation of up to four compact fluorescent light bulbs
- Energy-saving recommendations
- Replacement of one halogen torchière with a compact fluorescent torchière
- Replacement of an inefficient refrigerator (meeting certain criteria) with a new ENERGY STAR® qualified unit
- A 25% electric bill subsidy after all energy-efficiency measures have been completed.
Project EASE (Energy Assistance through Supportive Efforts)
Helping residential customers experiencing short-term financial emergencies
meet their energy needs, a source of assistance after other resources have
been depleted (customer contributions help fund this program.)
Serving Our Community
Alameda Power & Telecom, a department of the City of Alameda, is a municipal utility,
which means it is citizen owned and locally controlled through the City's Public
Utilities Board. After well over 100 years of providing safe, reliable, clean, and
economical electricity, it has begun offering cable TV and high-speed Internet
services to the citizens of Alameda.
Alameda Power & Telecom is dedicated to supporting the community by offering
everything from economic development to educational, environmental, and
low-income assistance programs. As a part of the community as a whole, Alameda
Power & Telecom also participates in many local events such as Alameda's Earth
Day Celebration, the Alameda Mayor's Fourth of July Parade, Park Street Art
& Wine Faire, Peanut Butter Jam Festival, Art in the Park, and others.
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