Utilities' Department News

Here are our latest news stories.  Click on the headline or picture to find out more.
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2013
Water Quality and Service Events
Water main break on Alma--service now restored. One northbound lane of traffic is closed on Alma as many Utilities trucks and crews are onsite dealing with road restoration. No estimated time of completion. For updates, follow Twitter: @PAUtilities
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Digging into Newly Repaved Alma Street

Unfortunate water main break made this action unavoidable.


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PG&E Gas Pipeline Projects in Palo Alto
Northbound Foothill closed May 17-19. Starting mid-May-work at Alma & Oregon. Thru June---work at Matadero Creek (Miranda & Foothill). Thru July---work on Junipero Serra Blvd continues.
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PG%26E Gas Pipeline Testing

Finance Committee Recommends Renewable Solar Power Purchase Agreements
The full City Council will consider the recommendation at an upcoming meeting.
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Palo Altans Protecting the Planet---2013 Update
Celebrate the Earth all the time! See the community's progress on our Climate Protection Plan and find links to events, programs and services you can take advantage of now!
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How Does Your Water Use Compare?
Save water for all of our futures. Find out how your water use compares with others.
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Great Race for Saving Water Made a Big Splash!
Photos and more from the recent Great Race for Saving Water. See the fun, community camaraderie and be inspired to help the cause of preserving our water resources.
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Keeping Cool In the Summer
Stay comfortable and save energy with these tips.
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Register for these FREE Palo Alto Workshops
Find out more about tree care, Bay Friendly Gardening, composting, attractive alternatives to lawns and new EcoHome. EcoHome open houses on May 2 and June 6 from 3 to 5 p.m.
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Palo Alto ranks in Top 10 for Nationwide Water Conservation Challenge
Over 16,000 residents made the pledge to be more efficient.
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Your Home
How we can help you at home.
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Home Energy Reports
A way to get information about your energy usage is available in Palo Alto.
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EcoHome is Open for Guided Tours
Tours are usually scheduled by request, so call (650) 329-2241 to coordinate your tour. Next open houses on May 2 and June 6 from 3 to 5 p.m.
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Financing for Residential Efficiency Projects
Find out about our financing program for residential efficiency programs.
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How Can a Renter Save Energy and Water?
As a renter, you can't make major upgrades to your home. How do you save water and energy?
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Avoid Wasting Energy Through Vampire Loads and Game Consoles
Find out how to avoid wasting energy through "phantom loads" and how much energy your video game console uses when it is OFF! Did you know that your set-top cable box uses as much energy as your refrigerator?
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Things You Should Know When Hiring a Contractor
Protect yourself from solar and energy efficiency scammers; use our contractor certification program at www.egia.org/paloalto or look here for more information.
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MYCPAU Utilities Department App for Your Smart Phone
Download our new free app to find the services and resources you need!
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Power to the People!
Read about your Electric Utility achieving "Gold Level" Reliable Public Power Provider status. Plus discover the many benefits of having community-owned electric, gas, water and sewer utilities.
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Palo Alto Plugs into 100% Carbon Free Electricity
Your City Council voted for a Carbon Neutral Electric Resource Plan--an important step down the path to a healthier planet.
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Causes for High Utilities Bills
Find ways to save on your Utilities' bills!
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Furnace and Hot Water Heater Replacement
Do you want to reduce your gas bill? Upgrade your furnace or hot water heater!
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Reduce High Winter Gas Bills
Now that cold weather is here, use as many of these tips as possible to stay warm and save on natural gas!
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Facility Manager Meetings
Meeting Agendas and Presentations here
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Mayor's "Green Leader" Business Recognition Awards
25 facilities honored for high energy efficiency achievements!
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LED Streetlights Shine
Note all the LED street lights around town!
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Sewer Clog - Call Us First!
Before clearing a clog in your sewer service, call (650) 496-6995 to have the City check the line for a crossbore. This safety service is provided 24/7.
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Smart Landscape Watering
Hot summer days are the perfect time to consider giving your landscape an irrigation make-over.
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How Does Your Water Use Measure Up?
During Irrigation Month, do you know if you use a typical amount of water? Or should you try to reduce your water use?
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Federal Stimulus Funds Projects
Update on the projects paid for by the Federal Stimulus funds
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Average Electric Rate Comparison
Curious on how the City of Palo Alto Utilities' electric rates compare with others?
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El Camino Park Closed During Water Reservoir Construction
From now through December 2013, El Camino Park will be closed for construction of a new underground reservoir and well for our emergency water supply; park renovation will follow.
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Customer Service Center Hours
Handy listing of days and times.
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Read Your Own Meter? Annual check-ups are in May!
Every year in May, the Utilities Department needs access to your meters to conduct its mandatory annual meter-reading audit on households where customers usually self-read the meters.
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Power, Gas & Fiber Optic Service Disruptions
No outages at this time. Be prepared for outages with these tips. Also, receive notifications on emergencies impacting your neighborhood via AlertSCC at http://www.alertscc.com/.
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Planned Electrical Outages for System Improvements
Get information on major planned outages and why they are necessary.
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Home Energy Analysis
The new Home Energy Reports provide comparative information on your energy use. Information about the Home Energy Report is available.

Click here to reach an on-line energy audit service.
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Crossbores---Gas & Sewer Safety Inspection Program
Since July 2011, the Utilities Department has been actively implementing the next phase of its gas-sewer crossbore inspection program.
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Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Info and Report
Learn more about the City of Palo Alto's partnership with the federal Environmental Protection Agency's Responsible Appliance Disposal program and view the 2010 report.
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Project PLEDGE Donations Welcome
By making a voluntary donation via your utilities bill you can help your Palo Alto neighbors who are experiencing an unexpected hardship and can't pay their bill.

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Right Tree-Right Place Program
Trees and power lines can co-exist! If you have a private tree conflicting with power lines, you have several options, including possible free removal and rebates for replacement.
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Credits for Solar Electric (PV) Customers
State law mandates how customers who have solar electric or PV systems get credited for their system's generation. Let us know how you wish to receive this credit.
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Bay Friendly Landscapes
It's never been easier to have a beautiful, water efficient garden--Be Bay-Friendly!
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2013 GREENLIGHT Earth Day Film Festival and Fashion Show
Find out information about the 2013 Greenlight Film Festival
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2013 Fashion Display

Watt Meters at Library
Find out how much energy you are using and SAVE!
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Energy Upgrade California
Interested in upgrading your home? Questions about the Energy Upgrade California program? We have answers here.
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Water Cloudiness Does Not Impact Safety
Every year there is work on the water supply system, typically in January. During this time, there may be a slight and temporary change in your water. This will not impact its safety or quality.
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Palo Alto's Solar PV Program is a National Achiever Again
National rankings show Palo Alto is again among the top utilities nationwide for solar electric installations.
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Earthquake Safety Tips
Getting ready for an earthquake
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Photographer: J.K. Nakata, U.S. Geological Survey; image is public domain%2Fof free use

Identity Theft
A Guide To Prevention and What To Do If You Are a Victim
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Fiber Optic Services Pricing Overview
General information and examples of how the City's Fiber Optic Service pricing works.
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Gas System Planned Outage
Most gas pipeline repair and replacements do not require a disruption in service.
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Meter Reading Info & Schedule
Find out more about the meter-reading schedules and options.
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Lucie Stern Demonstration Garden
A beautiful, healthy space for the whole community to enjoy.
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How To Keep Your Sanitary Sewer Working Properly
Ways to prevent sewer backups and avoid expensive emergency plumbing.
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FAQs Related to El Camino Park Reservoir, Pump Station and Well Project
FAQs Related to El Camino Park Reservoir, Pump Station and Well Project
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Fiber Optics Glossary of Terms
For businesses interested in the City's Fiber Optics program, we provide this handy explanation of common terms.
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Lead and Copper Monitoring
Information on Utilities' programs to monitor the levels of lead and copper in Palo Alto's water supply.
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My Utilities Account
See information about your utility bill and usage online.
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