Alameda mayor: Here’s how to save electricity during heat waves

Published on September 06, 2022

Hot Days Ahead; Stay Cool and Don’t Stress the Grid — Alameda, like the rest of the state, is currently experiencing unusually high temperatures. Here are some useful tips from Governor Newsom’s California Volunteers Office to avoid excessive demand on the electric power grid which could lead to planned, or unplanned, power outages:

Avoid using major appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Also avoid charging electric vehicles during these hours. (Mayor’s tip: Don’t use a clothes dryer at all when the weather’s warm; invest in a clothesline, or drying rack!)

AMP (Alameda Municipal Power), our clean, green, municipally-owned electric utility reminds customers to set air conditioners to 78 degrees, health permitting, and turn off unnecessary lights. Also keep window coverings closed during the day and open at night to help cool your home. Find more useful information at alamedamp.com.

High temperatures can be a health risk, so stay well hydrated and try to avoid being outside when temperatures rise. If your home is unbearably hot, “chill out” at the library! Our Main Library, and West End and Bay Farm branch libraries are air conditioned, and the Main Library (1550 Oak Street) is open seven days a week. Library schedules are available at alamedafree.org.

Be a good neighbor, especially on hot days. If you know older adults, families with young children and babies, people with chronic medical conditions, or anyone who’s pregnant, they’re particularly vulnerable to heat. Call, text, or visit to offer to pick up groceries, medication, and other necessities.

Housing Progress — On September 15, the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda will celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Rosefield Village (727 Buena Vista Avenue). Originally built in the 1980’s as 53 affordable apartments and townhomes, the site has been transformed into 92 new affordable units - a combination of studios, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments - that are energy-efficient and universally designed. Rosefield Village residents will enjoy nearby West End and Webster Street amenities, including public transit, shopping, and the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park and Cross Alameda Trail. For more information contact the Housing Authority, 510-747-4300.

The Alameda Wellness Center on McKay Avenue is also moving forward, having overcome numerous challenges over the past three and a half years which delayed, but did not deter, this important project. By providing 100 units of permanent supportive housing for frail, elderly formerly homeless individuals, a 50-bed medical respite center, and a health clinic, this facility is an essential element of Alameda’s efforts to significantly reduce, and eventually end, homelessness. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2023.

Back to School Month Brings Student Loan Forgiveness - Under President Biden’s recently announced plan, you may be eligible for student loan debt relief on the remaining balance of your student loan, up to $20,000 (if you received a Pell Grant in college and meet income requirements), or up to $10,000 (if you did not receive a Pell Grant in college and meet income requirements). You are eligible for this relief if your 2020 or 2021 annual federal income was below $125,000 (individual or married, filing separately) or $250,000 (married, filing jointly or head of household).

Make sure your student loan servicer has your most current contact information. You may be eligible to automatically receive this relief if the U.S. Department of Education already has your income data. If not, an application form will be available in October 2022. Sign up for Federal Student Loan Borrower Updates at ed.gov.

Speaking of “Back to School,” Alameda students have returned to their classrooms and many are, admirably, walking and riding their bikes to school. They’re helping reduce automobile traffic and greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change, global warming, and sea level rise; it’s our responsibility to make sure they arrive safely. If you’re a driver, exercise extreme caution every time you approach an intersection, back out of a driveway, or are near a school. Expect the unexpected, stay focused, slow down. Let’s make Safety our #1 Goal!

Stay cool! Stay alert! Stay Alameda Strong!