02-06-2001 - Electrical Power Conservation Resolution ApprovalCity of 'ltlest Covina
Memorandum
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
SUMMARY:
BACKGROUND:
Daniel G. Hobbs
City Manager & City Council
Steven L. Samaniego
Environmental Management Director
AGENDA
ITEM NO. E-1
DATE February 6, 2001
® PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
ELECTRICAL POWER CONSERVATION RESOLUTION
APPROVAL
The League of California Cities is asking all cities to support the
Governor's office by approving the attached electric energy
conservation resolution.
The State of California is currently facing an electric energy power shortage. The power
shortage is impacting local jurisdictions and businesses when the electricity power is shut off.
On January 12, 2001 the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) requested
that all cities immediately begin reducing energy consumption by 5% and to continue efforts
to meet the Governor's 7% conservation goal. The League has also suggested that the City
pass the attached resolution to publicly demonstrate West Covina's commitment to electricity
conservation. The League has informed the Governor's office of its commitments to: work
with the administration in this critical area. This action per the League is necessary in order to
avoid rotating outages and demonstrate California's commitment to conservation to the U.S.
Secretary of Energy, Bill Richardson, so that he will continue to order out -of State electricity
supplies to sell power to California.
DISCUSSION:
Because of the power shortage, California power utilities turn off electricity within certain
areas of a local jurisdiction. When the utility cuts off power within a certain area, it is called a
"blackout." These blackouts have been creating public safety concerns for cities and loss of
revenues by many businesses. Many cities have been preparing for blackouts by coordinating
with the utilities.
The City of West Covina is prepared for electrical power shortage blackouts within our city
limits. Our Police and Fire Departments have been meeting with Southern California Edison
in preparation of blackouts. here in West Covina. The City's effort in preparation for a
blackout is to assure that this does not become an emergency crisis.
We have been assured by Edison that most blackouts will be for about one hour. If that is the
case, City Hall and residents should have no problem dealing with the blackouts. The City is
prepared to provide the highest level of public emergency services to our citizens during
electricity blackouts.
The following is a summary of tasks the City is taking on in preparation of the power
shortage, blackouts and energy conservation:
1. Public Works is developing an energy conservation plan that would reduce 5% to 7%
of the City's energy consumption.
2. Environmental Management is promoting community outreach information programs
on things that the public can do to help conserve energy.
3. The Fire Department is coordinating public safety planning for blackouts.
Attached is a resolution recommended by the League of California Cities for the City
Council's approval to publicly . demonstrate West Covina's commitment to electricity
conservation.
F:
FISCAL IMPACTS:
No fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following resolution.
Resolution No.200/ /Jb A resolution of the City Council of the City of West Covina,
California, demonstrating its commitment to electric energy conservation.
Steven L. Samaniego
Environmental Management Director
Thomas M. Mayer
Public Works Director/City Engineer