Laserfiche WebLink
COUNCIL RECESS AT 7:20 P.M. <br /> <br />RECONVENED AT 7:28 P.M. WITH MAYOR PULIDO ABSENT <br /> <br />UPDATE ON ROLLING ELECTRICAL BLACKOUTS <br /> <br />Teri Cable, Public Works Administrative Services Manager, presented <br />Council with an update on the rolling electrical blackouts. She explained <br />that the following factors contributed to the current situation: <br />· Statewide peak demand exceeds supply generated in California <br />· Prosperous business climate, no new power plants built in the State <br /> in ten years, and existing plants are old <br />· Some generation facilities are currently down for maintenance or <br /> refueling <br />· Edison was forced to sell many of its generation facilities to <br /> unregulated private companies <br />· Utilities are on the verge of insolvency and have difficulty buying <br /> power <br />· There is evidence that power generators have manipulated the <br /> market <br />· Christmas lights added to the heavy evening demand in December <br /> <br />Ms. Cable reported that the projected rolling blackouts will not impact fire <br />stations, police facility (including jail), or City Hall because these facilities <br />provide essential services. However, the outages will impact other city <br />facilities, traffic signals, sewer lift stations, water system, and street lights. <br />Ms. Cable noted that the City Yard is the only affected facility with a <br />generator, and that the Police Department will handle traffic control during <br />a blackout, and Public Works will provide stop signs for intersections. The <br />outages are expected to last approximately one hour in each affected area. <br /> <br />The current procedure provides that Edison will inform the City of the <br />potential for rolling blackouts 10 to 30 minutes ahead of time. The Police <br />Watch Commander is the City's designated point of contact. During an <br />emergency the City will be informed of areas that will be affected. <br /> <br />Ms. Cable reported that the City has made many reductions as part of the <br />Strategic Energy Plan completed in 1998 and will take additional energy <br />conservation steps including the following: <br /> <br />Changed out motors and rewinds at the City's well sites (70% <br />completed) Will complete change out <br />Changed out water facilities to use more efficient lighting <br />Changed water services to use lower energy rates <br />Reset street light clocks to reduce "on" time <br />Changed out lighting at McFadden Library <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 32 JANUARY t6, 2001 <br /> <br /> <br />