Pittsburg Power Company is a California municipal Joint
Powers Authority (“JPA”) established in 1997 between
the City of Pittsburg and the City’s Redevelopment
Agency. As a California JPA, Pittsburg Power Company
(“PPC”) performs as an electric and natural gas
municipal utility, with the authority to provide wholesale
and retail electric and gas utility services under
authorized franchise agreements within California.
ISLAND ENERGY
Shortly after PPC’s establishment in 1997, the US Navy
awarded PPC a franchise service agreement to provide
electric and natural gas retail services on Mare Island, a
decommissioned US Navy base and part of the City of
Vallejo. The franchise service agreement included the
granting of easements for buildings, electric and gas
equipment and the related infrastructure necessary to
provide utility service on Mare Island.
In a special arrangement, Pittsburg Power Company
established and does business as “Island Energy” on
Mare Island. Island Energy has been providing Mare
Island customers reliable electric and gas services at
competitive pricing for over 12 years.
In an ongoing effort to attract new residential,
commercial and industrial businesses to Mare Island,
Island Energy has strived to keep rates competitive and
flexible in its rate structures. Historically, businesses
have benefited in locating on the Island receiving lower
utility rates than those provided in other locations in the
surrounding Bay Area. Today, numerous businesses of
varying types operate on Mare Island. Some
businesses are planning to expand current operations.
This economic growth is supported and encouraged by
Island Energy and eagerly awaited by the Mare Island
community.
Island Energy also plays an important role in promoting
Mare Island’s prosperity within the community by
sponsoring local community organizations, such as
sponsorship of the Global Center for Success and other
local organizations.
Under the coordinated efforts of Lennar Mare Island, the
Island's Master Developer, Mare Island has evolved into
a thriving and economically diverse development
community with over 250 new families and approximately
100 industrial and commercial businesses now located
on the Island. It is estimated that more than 1,200
single-family homes and a myraid of commercial and
industrial enterprises will be built on Mare Island in the
near future.
Island Energy continues to support and encourage an
economically strong and vibrant Mare Island community.
ENERGY PROJECTS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Pittsburg Power Company is aggressive in both
identifying and participating in new, energy related
business opportunities. PPC has been an advocate for
local industrial and commercial energy customers and
also project developers by facilitating and participating
in power generation, transmission and related energy
projects. PPC is willing and able to help create energy
solutions for local California.
Of particular note is PPC’s participation in the
development of two, major natural gas power generation
facilities in Pittsburg: the Los Medanos Energy Center
(LMEC – 540MW), and the Delta Energy Center (DEC –
880MW). Both LMEC and DEC are now owned and
operated by Calpine Corporation.
PPC’s project development participation proceeds were
used to fund a variety of the City of Pittsburg’s ongoing
capital projects. Funds have also been used as a local
economic development tool for the City.
Pittsburg Power Company’s most recent trademark
endeavor is the Trans-Bay Cable project. The Trans-
Bay Cable project or “TBC” is an energy infrastructure
project chosen by the Californian Independent System
Operator (CAISO) to provide a reliable and redundant
high voltage transmission path to serve the electric
needs of the City of San Francisco.
The TBC project is a high voltage, direct-current
submarine cable that originates at a switchyard in the
City of Pittsburg and travels more than 53 miles under
the San Francisco Bay to transfer power from
generation resources in the Pittsburg area to the City of
San Francisco. Astonishingly, the cable has the
capability of delivering over 40% of San Francisco’s
electric requirement and will play a pivotal role in
ensuring the City of San Francisco’s power supply
reliability and security.
The Trans Bay Cable project was named the North
American “Project Finance Project of the Year” for 2007
by “Project Finance” magazine.
THE FUTURE
In addition to promoting the growth and viability of Island
Energy, PPC continues to aggressively pursue regional
energy projects while diligently working with local
industrial and commercial companies and entrepreneurs
to promote new power generation technologies,
renewable energy resources and other unique energy
project applications.
In closing, Pittsburg Power Company strives to play an
active role in furthering energy initiatives and promoting
the City of Pittsburg. Among other community events,
PPC sponsored a spectacular fireworks extravaganza at
downtown Pittsburg’s final “Hot Summer Nights”
community celebration series. Such events help enrich
the local community and make Pittsburg a desirable
place to live.