Power outages likely today

CAISO, the State’s grid operator, is projecting energy shortfalls today due to record heat. If electric demand across the State does not decrease, the CAISO could issue a Stage 3 emergency, which requires all electric utilities to begin rolling outages, including AMP. 

Rotating outages would occur every 30 minutes. The first three locations that would be affected include:

1. Mid-island, west of Sherman to 9th Street; east of Sherman to Paru; south to Dayton, and north to parts of Marina Village
2. East end, everything east of Broadway
3. Bay Farm, north and west sections of Bay Farm

Last night’s power outage on the west end was not planned and not connected to the CAISO warning. AMP is investigating possible damage to an important riser pole. 

Save energy now

The State is under a Flex Alert for the next two days. Record heat is placing continued stress on California's electric grid and utility consumers should prepare for the likelihood of rotating electric outages. Please do what you can to conserve energy through 10pm tonight. Here are a few recommendations:

• Close windows and shades during the day
• During the evening, open windows (when safe) to cool your home
• Try not to use major appliances like your oven, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, as they all give off heat when used. Also, please don't use them between 3-10pm when the electric grid will be under the most strain
• If you have air conditioning, run it overnight at 72° and in the morning to pre-cool your home. From 3-10pm, make sure to set it to no lower than 78°
• Turn off unnecessary lights
• Use fans when possible
• Limit time the refrigerator door is open

You can check energy demand in real time here.

Potential PSPS outage September 8 & 9 unrelated to CAISO outages

There is a Public Safety Power Shut-Off warning for this Tuesday and Wednesday, September 8 and 9. This warning is not related to CAISO’s recent alert for potential rotating power outages. AMP operates and maintains the distribution and transmission grid inside the City of Alameda, but the larger transmission grid brings AMP’s energy to Alameda—and it could be affected because some of these transmission lines run through high-threat fire areas. 

Learn how to prepare here.

Cooling center open today, Sunday, September 6, 1-5pm

While libraries are closed, a Cooling Center has been set up in the back of the Main Library on Oak Street Sunday, September 6, from 1-5pm. Masks are mandatory. No books, food, or entertainment is available.