Laserfiche WebLink
1)R.4FT DRAr7' I~R,~iF'T <br />NATURAL GAS AND ELECTRICITY <br />The "energy crisis" experienced by California in 2000 and 2001 following power <br />market deregulation was the impetus behind Pleasanton's involvement in energy <br />planning. In general, since the state regulates power utilities, it has more control <br />over energy-related issues than local governments. Nevertheless, because of the <br />opportunities for power generation and conservation at the local level, there is a <br />role for cities to play. The City's Energy Element includes measures which will <br />help address issues of energy demand and energy supply at the State as well as <br />local levels. <br />Renewables <br />Since the energy crisis, the State has taken a leadership role in promoting the <br />production of renewable energy. Renewables are sustainable energy sources that <br />cause relatively few environmental impacts and pose a low risk to human health <br />and include, but are not limited to, passive solar, photovoltaic power, and wind <br />power. In 2002 the State directed that the supply portfolio of all investor owned <br />utilities, such as Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), include 20% renewable energy <br />supplies by 2017. In addition, the State's Emerging Renewables Program <br />provides generous rebates for residential and commercial renewable energy <br />installations. <br />Transmission and Distribution of Electricity <br />An electric power system consists of power plants, transmission lines, distribution <br />substations, and distribution lines. Currently, the Tri-Valley's electric power is <br />supplied by a combination of private suppliers which sell power to PG&E for <br />resale. Electric power is "stepped up" to higher voltages at the generating source <br />to allow power to be delivered over a number of wires. The electricity is <br />transported via a network or "grid" ofhigh-voltage transmission lines. At <br />substations, transformers "step down" the voltage to lower levels for distribution. <br />There are five substations in/near Pleasanton: Vineyard; Radum; Kaiser; Cal-Mat; <br />and Luka. <br />Tri-Valley Capacity Increase Project <br />Most electric power is brought to Pleasanton and other Tri-Valley substations via <br />transmission lines connected to the statewide grid system. Electric power capacity <br />is looked at on a subregional rather than city basis. <br />Local electrical capacity is a function of the capacity of the transmission network <br />to bring this power to Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley, the capacity of the local <br />Page 2 <br />April 19, 2005 <br />