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1. What makes a smart meter different from my old meter?

A smart meter, like your old meter, registers how much electricity you use. The main difference is that it will send your consumption information wirelessly back to Alameda Municipal Power's (AMP) service center, eliminating the need for someone to visit your home or business to collect the meter reading. The smart meters are able to collect more usage information than the old meters, allowing you to see how you use electricity daily or hourly.

2. Are smart meters accurate?

Because they are digital, smart meters are often more accurate than mechanical meters, which tend to degrade and slow down as they age. Smart meters are subjected to strict design standards when they are manufactured, and Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) tests meters on a random basis both before and after installation to confirm accurate operation.

3. How big is the smart meter, and where will it be located?

A smart meter fits into the existing size and shape of the meter base currently at your location. Meter location cannot be changed.

4. How is Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) paying for the smart meter installations?

There is no direct charge for this or other utility system upgrades. Meters, like other equipment upgrades made to the utility system, are already included in AMP’s capital expenses.

5. What will Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) do with the old meters that are being replaced?

AMP is recycling all the meters that are being exchanged.

6. Will smart meters be installed on solar/net energy metering systems?

If your home or business has a solar/net energy metering system, your electric meter will be replaced with a smart meter. It will not affect your compensation.

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1. Do you have any assistance programs to help me pay my electric bill?

Alameda Municipal Power funds a number of programs to help customers who are having difficulty paying their bills, or have a medical condition. Learn more about our financial assistance programs.

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1. Will you check my credit before connecting service?

We use available information from our own records to determine credit worthiness. We may require a deposit if our records indicate that you've had an unsatisfactory credit history with us.

2. Why am I asked to pay a deposit?

Residential customers whose service was shut off for non-payment may be required to pay a deposit. Residential customers with a bad payment history from a previous account will be required to pay a deposit to reestablish service. Commercial customers are required to pay a deposit to start service. If an active customer declares bankruptcy we will require a deposit to continue service.

3. When do I get my deposit back?

After 12 consecutive months of on time payments your deposit will be applied to your account. If your account is closed before then, your deposit will be applied to the final bill, and any remaining credit will be refunded by mail in 4 to 5 weeks.

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1. What are the costs?

Delinquent accounts subject to service disconnection for non-payment of bill must pay the entire outstanding balance (current and past due amount) along with a $45 field action charge and a deposit to avoid service disconnection. In the event service has already been discontinued, the same amount is required to restore service.

2. Will I be warned that my service will be disconnected?

Your regular monthly bill gives you 23 days to pay. Five days after the due date, a 7-Day Notice is mailed. This serves as your final notice to pay. Whenever possible, you may also receive a courtesy call prior to service disconnection. Calls are made to the phone number on file. If you do not have one on file with us or need to update the existing one, please call our Customer Service Department at 510-748-3900.

3. I paid my bill - why was my power disconnected?

Depending on how you made your payment, it may not have posted in our system on time. If your account is in danger of being disconnected, payment by phone with a representative or in person are the best options to avoid the inconvenience and additional fees that come with disconnection of service.

4. Why does my service remain off even though I have paid my bill?

You may see a meter load card when this happens. This is a notice we leave on your door when any of the following occurs:

• In your absence we performed routine maintenance work on your meter resulting in a short interruption of your electric service.
• We unsealed your meter but the main disconnect (breaker/fuse) remains off for safety reasons. In order to restore service you will need to flip the breaker switch on the main electric panel.

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1. Will my income documents be returned to me?

We're not able to return your original documents, so please submit copies of any income/sources of money/benefit documentation with your application.

2. Where can I get the benefit/award letter?

Most agencies/programs have websites that you can use to verify and print your letter.

• Department of Veteran Affairs Department of Veteran Affairs
• Employment Development Department (EDD)
• My Benefits CalWorks/CalFresh
• Social Security

3. How current do my incomes/sources of money documents need to be?

The documents must include pay period dates covering a minimum of two consecutive months within the last two months. Benefit/award letters should indicate year of coverage. Outdated documents will not be accepted.

4. How long will it take for my application to be processed?

A completed application package is usually processes within 2 to 4 weeks of being received. After you've been enrolled, the Energy Assistance Program discount will be printed as a line item on your Alameda Municipal Power bill each month.

5. How long will I receive the discounted rate?

Customers must re-apply every two years. When it's time to re-apply, we'll mail you a recertification application, which will require current copies of income sources of money/benefit documentation. Seniors or those on permanent disability must re-apply every four years

6. What should I do if I no longer qualify for the discount?

If your income/sources of money or circumstances change and you no longer qualify, please notify us by mail or give us a call at 510-748-3900.

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1. What types of renewable generation are supported by AMP?

Answer

2. What are the benefits of installing a solar PV generating system?

Answer

3. Can I install a battery storage system with my solar system?

Answer

4. Is my property a good fit for solar?

Example

5. Will my solar system generate all the power I need?

Example

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1. How much is your energy bill?

Are you paying an average of $120 or more for your electricity each month? Knowing how much you pay for electricity is the first step in deciding whether you are a good candidate for Solar PV. The more you currently spend on electricity, the faster the payback will be on a Solar PV system. You can decide to get a PV system that matches some or all of your load.

You might be thinking of increasing your electric load, which will make you a better candidate for Solar. Are you thinking of adding one or more Electric Vehicle? Are you considering changing gas appliances, such as dryers, stoves or ovens, with electric ones?

This increase in your electric load can put you in a higher bill bracket, making Solar a more attractive alternative.

2. When do you use the most electricity?

Most people use more electricity in the winter when the days are shorter, the sky is more cloud-covered, and the heat is on (even gas furnaces use electricity if they have a fan). Electricity usage also tends to go up at night. On the other hand, Solar panels generate electricity during the day when the sun is shining.

The more you can match your electricity use to the time you are generating electricity, the better deal you get:

• If the timing is out of synch, you will be selling your electricity back to Alameda Municipal Power during the day and throughout the summer, and buying it back at night and in the winter.
• You can always invest in a battery storage system to help line up the timing better, but this technology is still young and costly. Work with a solar provider to do the math to figure out if Solar makes sense for the way you live and use energy.

3. Does your budget allow for a big ticket item like solar photovoltaic that may have a long payback?

Buying a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is a big investment, one that may not pay back for 10 to 15 years. Ideally, you would want to live in the home long enough to get a payback on your investment. If you pay for your Solar PV system using a PACE loan, the loan stays with the house:

• If you are thinking of moving, it is difficult to predict whether the solar panels will add value to your home at selling time. It depends on how old the panels are and how much potential buyers value the solar panels.
• Other options exist that allow you to avoid the big initial investment, and instead pay a flat monthly fee for the use of your solar panels with an annual true-up charge. Work with a Solar provider to find out which options works best for you.

4. Is your roof suitable for solar panels?

There are several things to consider, including:

• Do you have strong, durable roofing material, such as composite or asphalt shingle, concrete tile or standing seam metal? These are the ideal roof surfaces that most installers are comfortable working with.
• How many more years of life does your roof have? Since solar panels are expected to last 30 or 40 years, you want to install them on a roof that is relatively new and in good condition.
• Does your roof receive enough sunlight at the right time of day? Use Google’s Project Sunroof to find out what your roof looks like from above and how much usable space you are likely to have. You will still need an on-site consultation with a solar professional to determine whether your roof is solar-friendly. The things that will be evaluated include the direction the flat surfaces of the roof face - south is best, but west is good for producing electricity in the afternoon - and whether you have shade blocking your roof.
• Also, some roofs have many pipe, chimney or skylight penetrations, getting in the way of panel installation. If your roof is particularly steep or has many gables or dormers, it is more difficult (and expensive) to install solar.

5. Do you have other reasons to install Solar that are less tied to economics?

For example, you might want to do your part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. From 2020, Alameda Municipal Power will be providing you with 100% Clean Energy so you might want to take advantage of other ways to do your part for the planet.

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1. I think I may be experiencing an outage. Whom do I contact?

Your lights are flickering? There are low wires hanging from a utility pole. Please call System Operations at 510-748-3902. See our Outages page for more information.

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1. How can I make payment arrangements?

Customers facing financial hardships may request to delay payment by making a payment arrangement with one of our representatives. Please call Alameda Municipal Power Customer Service at 510-748-3900.

2. Why do I still get notices after I make a payment arrangement?

Notices automatically go out after the due date on your bill if previous balance is left unpaid. If you’ve made a payment arrangement with our representative please disregard these notices.

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1. How do I submit my application and supporting documents?

Applications are accepted at Alameda Municipal Power's (AMP) Service Center from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday and Fridays. On Wednesdays, applications are accepted from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. We recommend that you call our customer service agent at 510-748-3900 to prequalify over the phone before bringing your application to our office.

2. Will my income documents be returned to me?

We're not able to return your original documents, so please provide copies of any income/sources of money/benefit documentation with your application.

3. Where can I get the benefit/award letter?

Most agencies/programs have websites that you can use to verify and print your letter.

• Department of Veteran Affairs Department of Veteran Affairs
• Employment Development Department (EDD)
• My Benefits CalWorks/CalFresh
• Social Security

4. How current do my incomes/sources of money documents need to be?

The documents must include pay period dates covering a minimum of two consecutive months within the last two months. Benefit/award letters should indicate year of coverage. Outdated documents will not be accepted.

5. How long will it take for my application to be processed?

Applications are processed on the spot.

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1. What does a rate cover?

The rates you pay for electricity and the customer charge cover the costs to run the electric utility, including purchasing electricity or building generation projects, transmitting power from generation locations to Alameda, setting aside prudent financial reserves, reading meters, responding to service calls, maintaining and improving electrical circuits, billing, installing new poles and wires, and repairing damage caused by vandalism, storms and auto accidents.

2. Why does Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) have a monthly customer charge?

AMP has a monthly customer charge to help recover the true costs of basic customer service including meter reading, computers and databases, bill print and mailing services and customer account maintenance. There are a few other costs covered by the customer charge, but it does not cover the distribution system. These costs are recovered through the rates.

3. Who sets the rates for my electric service?

While public utility commissions set rates for investor-owned utilities, Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) is the City of Alameda's not-for-profit electric utility. The City's Public Utilities Board, which is appointed by the City Council, approves AMP's rates for electric service.

4. How often are rates adjusted?

The Public Utilities Board reviews rates annually.

5. What does my utility bill actually pay for?

Alameda Municipal Power's (AMP) entire budget to operate Alameda's electric system comes from our rates. Here's where your dollar goes, as of July 1, 2022:

• 28 cents for purchased power
• 23 cents for services and materials
• 18 cents for labor
• 16 cents for transmission delivery
• 8 cents for capital projects
• 7 cents is transferred to the City of Alameda

Capital projects are spread across services, labor, and materials.

6. How do you calculate the charges on my bill?

Based on your total usage the residential rate will vary depending first on your primary heat source and then on the associated tier levels. The kilowatt hour (kWh) allowance per tier has a corresponding rate for the summer and winter seasons and is prorated based on a 30-day billing cycle. Additional charges for residential customers are: customer charge, State Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Program Charge and Utility Users Tax.

7. When demand for electricity falls and sales decline, shouldn’t my rates also go down?

Not necessarily. Utility rates are tied to the cost of providing utility service-for example, the cost of building and maintaining distribution lines and poles. The cost to build and maintain these assets are there regardless of how much electricity is used during a given year. Customers can, however, reduce their electric bills by using less. Using less means customers don't pay the costs that vary with usage. A customer's electric bill can and will decrease by using less, even though the utility rates increase. The customer charge covers the cost of billing and meter readings costs-costs which are incurred regardless of how much energy a customer uses. If you want to know more about how your electric dollar is spent, click here. 

8. Why can’t the revenue from the short-term sale of renewable energy credits (RECs) and cap-and-trade allowances be used to lower bills?

The City of Alameda's Public Utilities Board, which oversees Alameda Municipal Power (AMP), has approved the short-term sale of renewable energy through 2019 of renewable energy that is not required to comply with AMP's Renewable Portfolio Standard. However, the Board has explicitly directed that the resulting revenue from those sales be used for additional greenhouse gas emission reductions in support of the City's Climate Action And Resiliency Plan. 

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1. Are smart meters safe? Have they been tested?

Alameda Municipal Power's (AMP) smart meters, manufactured by Landis and Gyr, undergo extensive safety testing.

• A subset of Landis & Gyr meters are tested as part of the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certification process. (UL is an independent, not-for-profit, product safety testing and certification organization.)
• Multiple independent labs have performed meter safety tests for Landis & Gyr. In addition, Landis & Gyr conducts internal safety tests on its meters.

2. What are radio frequency (RF) waves?

Smart meters use low-energy radio frequency waves to transmit information across distances. Radio frequency (RF) waves are a form of electromagnetic energy. They move through space at the speed of light and can be man-made or occur naturally. They move through space at the speed of light and can be man-made or occur naturally.

RF itself has become synonymous with wireless and high-frequency signals, describing anything from AM radio between 535 kilohertz (kHz) and 1605 kHz to computer local area networks (LANs) at 2.4 gigahertz (GHz). However, RF has traditionally defined frequencies from a few kHz to roughly 1 GHz. If one considers microwave frequencies as RF, this range extends to 300 GHz.

RF and wireless have been around for over a century with Alexander Popov and Sir Oliver Lodge laying the groundwork for Guglielmo Marconi's wireless radio developments in the early 20th century.

3. How are people exposed to RF radiation?

People can be exposed to radio frequency (RF) radiation from both natural and man-made sources. People can be exposed to RF radiation from both natural and man-made sources. Natural sources include:

• The earth itself - most radiation from the earth is infrared, but a tiny fraction is RF
• Outer space and the sun
• The sky - including lightning strikes

Man-made RF radiation is used for many different things, such as:

• All devices using Bluetooth such as wireless speakers, headphones, and security systems, Amazon Echo, Google Home
• Broadcasting radio and television signals
• Cooking food (in a microwave oven)
• Home/Public WiFi
• Laptops
• Millimeter wave scanners (a type of full body scanner used for security screening)
• Radar
• Remote control devices such as TV remotes, keyless entries for automobiles
• Smart meters
• Transmitting signals from cordless telephones, cell phones and cell phone towers, satellite phones, and 2-way radios

Most people are exposed to much lower levels of man-made RF radiation every day due to the presence of RF signals all around us. They come from radio and television broadcasts, WiFi and Bluetooth, cell phones (and cell phone towers), and other sources. RF from smart meters is just one of the many sources people are exposed to every day.

4. What is the radio frequency of Alameda Municipal Power's (AMP) smart meters?

AMP’s meters use a low-powered radio, which operates in the 902 to 928 megahertz (MHz) frequency.

5. How does the radio frequency (RF) radiation emitted by smart meters compare to other electronic devices that emit RF?

• Cell phones: 1,000 to 5,000 microwatts
• FM radio/television broadcast: 0.5 to 1 microwatts
• Microwave ovens: 50 to 200 microwatts
• Smart meters at a distance of 10 feet: 4 microwatts
• Smart meters at a distance of 3 feet: 40 microwatts
• Wireless routers at a distance of 4 feet: 0.2 to 1 microwatts

6. How often do Alameda Municipal Power's (AMP) electric smart meters release radio frequency waves?

AMP's electric smart meters, which are manufactured by Landis & Gyr, emit about 83 seconds of total transmissions per day during normal operations.

• The meters transmit data packets an average of seven times per day. There are additional maintenance and sync transmissions each day.
• 270 maintenance transmissions per day and 1,440 sync transmissions per day. Duration of each maintenance transmission is 46 milliseconds, for a total of 12.52 seconds per day.
• Each sync transmission is 48 milliseconds, for a total of 69 seconds per day.
• These additional transmissions along with the original meter-read transmission total 83 seconds per day.
• The power output and duration of signal are well within Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines for emissions exposure.

Regardless of the number of transmissions, the duration and power output of AMP's smart meters are well within FCC safe exposure levels. When we tested our meters, our readings were between 1 and 6 microwatts per square centimeter when 2 feet away from the meter, compared to the FCC limit of 601 microwatts per square centimeter.

7. How do the radio frequency waves of AMP’s smart meters compare to the radio frequency waves of PG&E’s smart meters?

PG&E's electric smart meters and Alameda Municipal Power's (AMP) electric smart meters have the same level of radio frequency waves at 902 to 928 megahertz (MHz).

AMP's meters use a low-powered radio which operates in the 902 to 928 MHz frequency. The power output is less than 0.6 watts and the meter transmits for milliseconds at a time, amounting to about 83 seconds of transmissions each day. Some of PG&E's gas smart meters in our area operate on a lower frequency (450 to 470 MHz) but have a higher power output, which increases the radio frequency exposure. AMP's meters are well within the guidelines for permissible exposure levels set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for health and safety standards.

8. Is a person’s exposure to radio frequency waves impacted by how close he or she is to the meter?

Radio frequency emissions weaken significantly as the distance between you and the device increases. The casing of a smart meter, as well as wall construction materials, also decreases the level of radio frequency waves in the vicinity. Continuously standing in front of a smart meter would result in the highest exposure a person could experience, and even then the exposure would be approximately 70 times less than the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) limits.

9. Is the radio frequency level of Alameda Municipal Power's (AMP) smart meters approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?

Yes. The FCC sets radio frequency limits and requires that all radio communicating devices be tested to ensure that they meet federal standards before they are allowed to transmit within the radio spectrum.

10. Can smart meters cause illness?

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society, which has published information on its website related to smart meters, says the possibility of smart meters being connected to an elevated risk of cancer is very unlikely. The organization explains that smart meters have lower levels of radio frequency waves than cell phones.

It would be nearly impossible to conduct a study to prove or disprove a link between living in a house with smart meters and cancer because people have so many sources of exposure to RF and the level of exposure from this source is so small, according to a statement from the American Cancer Society, which is posted on the organization's website. Because, the amount of RF radiation you could be exposed to from a smart meter is much less than what you could be exposed to from a cell phone, it is very unlikely that living in a house with a smart meter increases risk of cancer.

World Health Organization

In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published the following statement on its website: Despite extensive research, to date there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low level electromagnetic fields is harmful to human health.

Other Independent Agencies

Reports from several other independent agencies, including the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) and the California Public Utilities Commission, have also found that smart meters have lower levels of radio frequency waves than those of everyday appliances, such as cell phones (PDF).

11. Are smart meters a fire hazard?

Alameda Municipal Power's (AMP) smart meters, manufactured by Landis & Gyr, have no history of fires. They detect abnormal temperatures and/or conditions and send an alert to AMP so staff can investigate. An older generation of smart meters - that were not manufactured by Landis & Gyr - were associated with fires in the past.

There was an accident in Stockton, California, in 2015, in which a high-voltage line dropped on a distribution circuit. In some cases, the meters, and/or meter covers, were dislodged from the socket as a result of the surge. Since the surge caused the damage, the meter issues would have occurred regardless of the meter type.

AMP's Landis & Gyr smart meters undergo safety testing as part of the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) certification process. UL is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization, serving the public for more than a century. AMP's smart meters are in compliance with federal health and safety standards.

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1. How will Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) keep my information secure?

AMP treats the privacy and security of our customers' personal information as a top priority. AMP uses encryption to keep meter data confidential, transmitting it to the utility over a wireless network with multiple layers of security incorporated throughout the system.

The performance of security measures are tested and reviewed regularly to guard against unauthorized access to systems. Moreover, AMP works with federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to strengthen privacy and security standards to provide even more safeguards for consumer protection.

2. Do you have an updated privacy policy covering the data collected from the meters?

Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) has a new privacy policy that covers the data collected from the meters. The policy was approved by the City of Alameda's Public Utilities Board at its June 26, 2017 meeting. View the privacy policy (PDF).

3. What data is collected and stored by a customer’s smart meter?

No customer-identifying information - such as names and addresses - is stored in the meters or transmitted across the network. Just like Alameda Municipal Power's (AMP) old analog meters, smart meters collect how much electricity a customer uses. The main difference is that smart meters collect more of that information.

4. Who will have access to customer information?

Access to information is restricted to authorized Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) personnel, who need that data to satisfy a business function, such as improvements in billing and customer service.

5. Will Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) sell my private information?

AMP will never sell customer information to third parties for their use in marketing their products or services to our customers.

6. Will smart meters interfere with my other wireless devices?

The wireless communications for the smart meters use the 900 megahertz (MHz) frequency range, which is common to many household devices. Home Wi-Fi networks and wireless phones are typically in the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) to 5 GHz range, so they should not be affected.

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1. Will there be new website features?

Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) is developing new account-management tools that will allow customers to pay their electric bill from any device, anywhere, and anytime. Plus, they will have the option to track their energy use for every hour of the day.

2. How will Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) present smart meter readings?

We're capturing energy usage in 15-minute intervals. Once we launch our new web portal in the coming months, residential customers will be able to log in to see their usage in 1-hour increments and commercial customers will be able to view it in 15-minute intervals.

3. Additional questions about AMP’s smart meters?

If you need more information on smart meters and the Energy inView Program, please call our customer service representatives at 510-748-3900.

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1. Can I opt out of having a smart meter?

The fees for opt out are $125 to enroll and $10 monthly.

2. How do I opt out of having a smart meter installed?

Customers are encouraged to notify Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) ahead of their scheduled installation to prevent incurring additional expenses for duplicate meter exchanges. Learn how you can opt out of the Energy inView Program.

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1. What happens when I become a solar customer?

• When you use solar power to generate your own electricity, the energy needs of your home or business will be served first, reducing the amount of energy you pull from the grid.
• Any surplus energy you generate but do not use will be delivered back to the electric grid.
• In the same way, any additional power you require - day or night - is automatically supplied by AMP.
• Interconnection to the grid allows you to continue to receive the reliable service you are accustomed to as an AMP customer.

2. What types of renewable generation are supported by Alameda Municipal Power?

Alameda Municipal Power's solar and renewables program supports all small-scale renewable electricity generation systems. While solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are the most common in Alameda, wind turbines and other renewable generation are eligible for the same programs as solar. Please call Alameda Municipal Power at 510-748-3900 if you are interested in installing another type of renewable electricity generation system and need more information.

3. What are the benefits of installing a solar photovoltaic generating system?

You can generate some of your own electricity with energy that is from clean, renewable sources. This is good for the environment, and can save you money on your electric bill!

4. Can I install a battery storage system with my solar system?

Yes. A battery storage system must be paired with a renewable energy system, like a solar power system, in order to qualify for interconnection to the electric grid. The battery storage system must not send energy back to Alameda Municipal Power’s distribution grid.

5. Is my property a good fit for solar?

In order to have an effective solar generation system, your roof must receive enough sunlight. Your property should have clear, unobstructed access to the sun for most of the day and throughout the year. Because shading will reduce the amount of electricity your system will produce, photovoltaic panels should be installed in a location that is not shaded by trees, chimneys or nearby structures.

In California the sun is in the southern half of the sky. The best orientation for a photovoltaic system therefore is on a south- or southwest-facing roof. Flat roofs can also work because the photovoltaic array can be mounted on frames tilting south or southwest. Photovoltaic array can also be mounted on the ground.

6. Will my solar system generate all the power I need?

Renewable generation is variable because of the resources it relies on. In California, a photovoltaic system will produce the most electricity in spring through fall when sunlight hours are the longest and the sun is positioned higher in the sky. It will produce less in the winter months or when the sun is obstructed by poor weather.

It will stop generating all together at night. Because of this, you need backup generation to provide power when your system is under-generating, or to absorb power when your system is over-generating. If sized correctly, your system can generate all the energy your property needs over the course of a year.

7. How big should my system be?

In order to get the maximum benefit for your installation, your system should be sized to generate approximately the same amount of energy that your property uses in a year. Compensation for excess energy you generate that you do not use in a year will not justify the cost of installing a larger system that generates more energy than you need.

8. How much space will my system need?

The amount of space needed is based on the size, or generating capacity, of the solar energy system. Residential solar energy systems can vary in size from 50 square feet to 1,000 square feet. A rule of thumb is that a square foot of photovoltaic module area produces 10 watts of power in bright sunlight. For example, a 2,000 watt system would require about 200 square feet of roof area.

9. How much will it cost?

The cost varies depending on many factors, including the solar energy system’s size, equipment options and labor costs. Typically, the installed costs are determined based on the size of the system’s output. The cost per watt is often used for comparing systems of different sizes.

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1. How can I obtain a Residence Verification / Credit Letter?

We issue verification letters for school admission or other proof of service. We can also provide a credit letter to waive deposit requirements from another utility company. Please call Alameda Municipal Power Customer Service at 510-748-3900.

2. Why do you need my Social Security Number when setting up my account?

This information is requested in order to establish your account with Alameda Municipal Power in accordance with federal regulations. We use this information to verify your identity. While we do not use it to check your credit upon account establishment, we will report collection accounts to the credit bureaus. We also use this information as an identifier to protect you from unauthorized activity on your account. This information is kept in a highly secure and encrypted database.

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1. How does the undergrounding process account for future impacts of sea-level rise?

The plans and specifications for the conversion of overhead to underground electric lines will incorporate guidelines set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) when installing electric service to buildings (FEMA 348). In addition, at a minimum our plans and specs will include the following FEMA mitigation measures:

• Providing looped underground distribution services.
• Elevating pad-mounted transformers and switches above base flood elevation (BFE).
• Installing cables with EPR insulation per ICEA S-94-649. This manufacturing standard for EPR insulated cable covers cables suitable for indoor, outdoor above and below grade, direct buried and in ducts, wet and dry, and for submarine applications. The standard underground cables manufactured for Alameda Municipal Power per ICEA S-94-649 are designed to function in wet (i.e., submerged) applications and will be used on this UUD project. In addition, standard underground cables used at Alameda Municipal Power pass the production water penetration tests per ICEA-T-31-610 at 15 psi for 60 minutes.

In addition, the next phase of the update to the city's climate action plan will consider adaptation, including sea-level rise.

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1. What other companies are involved with the undergrounding program?

AT&T, Comcast and any other utility companies that use the power poles will partner with Alameda Municipal Power in locating or relocating existing underground utility pipes.

2. Will there be a different trench for each utility?

No. The impacted utilities will use and shore a single trench.

3. Will the streets in my neighborhood have trench marks as a result of the trenching work?

No. Streets will be re-surfaced or slurry sealed.

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1. Is there any cost to property owners for the undergrounding of utility lines?

The property owner won’t be charged if the service lateral does not exceed 100 feet. In addition, the property owner must provide utility companies access to their property by signing an agreement. If these conditions aren’t met, the property owner must pay for the costs to move the lines underground from the street to their house or business starting at the property line.

2. What is the cost for moving all utility lines underground in Alameda?

About half of the city’s power lines are currently underground, with 93 miles of overhead power lines remaining. Undergrounding can cost as much as $5.3 million per mile. When you consider the costs, you can see why Alameda is moving lines underground on a gradual basis instead of all at once.

3. Can customers pay out of their own pockets to get their utility lines moved underground?

Yes, but the cost of moving overhead utilities underground can be very high. Customers who are not within an underground utility district may request undergrounding of their overhead utilities but must bear the expense of the conversion. For example, a rough cost estimate to convert the electrical overhead facilities to underground facilities for one block (approximately 600 feet) could be $600,000.

This cost does not include converting other utility providers’ (AT&T and Comcast) overhead lines to underground. The customer would be responsible for coordinating any conversion work with other utility service providers. Additionally, Alameda Municipal Power might require easements for location of equipment and facilities.

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1. What are transformers?

Transformers are devices that take the electricity of one voltage and change it to another voltage. Transformers convert the distribution line voltage (12 kilovolt) to the voltage used by homes and businesses (120 volts to 480 volts).

In Alameda’s electric system, there are two categories of transformers. Transformers that look like cylinders are mounted on utility poles. Other transformers are contained in green boxes, which are mounted on the ground. Undergrounding district transformers fall into the second category.

2. Where will Alameda Municipal Power locate the transformers? Will they be on my property?

The exact locations of necessary above-ground equipment, such as transformers and switches, will be determined during the design stage. It is Alameda Municipal Power’s practice to place equipment within public right-of-way areas whenever possible. Should it be necessary to locate equipment on private property, Alameda Municipal Power will work with the property owner to obtain an easement. Details regarding equipment placement will be available prior to the start of construction.

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1. If my street is selected, how long does it take to underground the utility lines?

After City Council approval, the design phase will take up to 18 months, followed by 24 to 36 months for construction.

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1. Why was the program revised?

In 2012, the Public Utilities Board recommended stopping work on underground utility district 31 and tasked Alameda Municipal Power with revising the undergrounding process due to concerns voiced by residents and Board members. The City Council accepted that recommendation at a Council meeting on July 7, 2012. Specific concerns included:

• Customers were concerned about the out-of-pocket costs associated with undergrounding projects
• The criteria for prioritizing a district were not clearly defined
• Public participation in the program was limited

2. How are the next areas for undergrounding being selected?

The Alameda Municipal Code (Chapter 19) sets the regulations and procedures for the conversion of overhead utility facilities to underground utility facilities through the development of underground utility districts (UUD). In 2017, a district nominating board (DNB), made up of four members of the public and one member of the Public Works Department, reviewed dozens of proposed areas and made recommendations.

A technical advisory committee (TAC) met to examine the technical feasibility of moving lines underground. In the coming months, the TAC will present the recommended underground utility districts to the City Council for approval.

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1. What is the utility underground district program?

The city of Alameda’s underground utility program was established in 1984 to place overhead main lines and service lines - including telephone, electric, cable television and other telecommunications - underground in a trench. The purpose is not only to beautify the streets but also to improve and enhance the city’s electric system.

2. What are the benefits of undergrounding?

The benefits include:

• Improves the visual look of Alameda
• Enhances public safety by removing utility poles and undergrounding utility lines
• Reduces power outages caused by vehicular traffic accidents
• Reduces costs of tree trimming and utility pole replacement
• Reduces power outages caused by weather, animals, metallic balloons and kites.
• Improves residential and commercial property values
• Improves electric system reliability and operational flexibility with installation of new equipment

3. Are there any drawbacks of undergrounding?

The drawbacks could include:

• Higher costs to install or repair underground lines
• Longer times to repair underground lines
• Increased chance of damage due to dig-ins by those who do not follow proper procedures to identify the location of underground facilities before excavating