Release

Release: IMMEDIATE, October 4, 2006

Contact: M. T. McCabe, (510) 748-3911
Alameda Power & Telecom/City of Alameda

D. Maclean, (510) 251-9765
Sandré Swanson for State Assembly

ALAMEDA POWER & TELECOM HOSTS FACILITIES TOUR FOR LOCAL OFFICIALS

Alameda, October 4, 2006 – Sandré Swanson, former Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Barbara Lee and candidate for the 16th California State Assembly District, joined Alameda Mayor Beverly Johnson, Alameda Public Utilities Board President Ann McCormick, and guests on a tour of Alameda Power & Telecom facilities Tuesday morning.

Mayor Johnson noted, “Alameda takes great pride in its municipal services and the unique benefits provided by our own electricity and telecommunications enterprise. We’re always happy to share our experiences!”

Alameda Power & Telecom is the oldest municipal electric utility west of the Mississippi. At only 5 years of operation, its telecommunications business line is rapidly maturing.

Mr. Swanson, an Alameda resident, and his staff have expressed great interest in municipal utility services and hope to carry their observations to Sacramento in the near future. The candidate is looking seriously at membership on the Committee on Utilities and Commerce and has cited Alameda Power & Telecom's particularly successful approach to delivering effective electric power and cable communications. Mr. Swanson stated, “I am particularly interested in innovations that will be instrumental in continuing dependable services and reasonable prices to our community.”

Highlights of the tour included the Alameda Power & Telecom Dispatch Center and discussions of system reliability and environmental responsibility. Typically, the utility’s monthly electric reliability is 99.9999%, well in excess of the national average. Guests also learned that over 85% of the power consumed in Alameda is generated using clean, renewable resources, representing one of the best environmental records in the industry.

The group also visited the Customer Service Call Center and heard the specifics of the lower rates provided for electric, cable television, and AlamedaNET Internet services, as well as for the broad array of telecommunications product offerings, some of which are available only in Alameda.

“We also covered the substantial returns to our City’s General Fund, the benefits of local control, and the leadership role our community has taken.” Mayor Johnson added.

Public Utilities Board President Ann McCormick added, “We have been honored by Mr. Swanson’s visit today and welcome this interest. We’re confident that our operations can serve as a model for all electric and telecommunications providers, both public and private.”

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	Release: IMMEDIATE, October 4, 2006 Contact: M. T. McCabe, (510) 748-3911 Alameda Power & Telecom/City of Alameda D. Maclean, (510) 251-9765 Sandré Swanson for State Assembly
	ALAMEDA POWER & TELECOM HOSTS FACILITIES TOUR FOR LOCAL OFFICIALS
	Alameda, October 4, 2006 – Sandré Swanson, former Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Barbara Lee and candidate for the 16th California State Assembly District, joined Alameda Mayor Beverly Johnson, Alameda Public Utilities Board President Ann McCormick, and guests on a tour of Alameda Power & Telecom facilities Tuesday morning. Mayor Johnson noted, “Alameda takes great pride in its municipal services and the unique benefits provided by our own electricity and telecommunications enterprise. We’re always happy to share our experiences!” Alameda Power & Telecom is the oldest municipal electric utility west of the Mississippi. At only 5 years of operation, its telecommunications business line is rapidly maturing. Mr. Swanson, an Alameda resident, and his staff have expressed great interest in municipal utility services and hope to carry their observations to Sacramento in the near future. The candidate is looking seriously at membership on the Committee on Utilities and Commerce and has cited Alameda Power & Telecom's particularly successful approach to delivering effective electric power and cable communications. Mr. Swanson stated, “I am particularly interested in innovations that will be instrumental in continuing dependable services and reasonable prices to our community.” Highlights of the tour included the Alameda Power & Telecom Dispatch Center and discussions of system reliability and environmental responsibility. Typically, the utility’s monthly electric reliability is 99.9999%, well in excess of the national average. Guests also learned that over 85% of the power consumed in Alameda is generated using clean, renewable resources, representing one of the best environmental records in the industry. The group also visited the Customer Service Call Center and heard the specifics of the lower rates provided for electric, cable television, and AlamedaNET Internet services, as well as for the broad array of telecommunications product offerings, some of which are available only in Alameda. “We also covered the substantial returns to our City’s General Fund, the benefits of local control, and the leadership role our community has taken.” Mayor Johnson added. Public Utilities Board President Ann McCormick added, “We have been honored by Mr. Swanson’s visit today and welcome this interest. We’re confident that our operations can serve as a model for all electric and telecommunications providers, both public and private.” ###