Treasure Island Power Infrastructure Update !
Electric System Improvements Coming to Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island Improvements Will Reduce Blackouts and Enhance System Reliability Background: The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is the energy provider on Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island.
The Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA) owns the electric infrastructure, which the SFPUC uses to deliver power to residents and businesses on both islands. Typically, electric infrastructure has a lifespan of 25-30 years.
The infrastructure on Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island, which TIDA inherited from the U.S. Navy, ranges from 40-50 years in age. Because the Treasure Island infrastructure is old, diagnostic and repair work takes longer than it would for a typical power outage. Power outages on the island stem from a variety of causes, including fallen tree limbs, birds or other wildlife, and malfunctioning equipment due to the age of the system. Improving System Reliability and Response:
Treasure Island Community Development (TICD) is the master developer for Treasure Island and coordinates with TIDA on its design and construction activities. Together, TICD and the SFPUC have begun making electric system changes on Treasure Island to improve electricity service for all customers. The major improvements include constructing a new switchyard and installing new switchgear.
These near term infrastructure investments will enhance system reliability, decrease the number of blackouts, and reduce the duration and number of customers affected when there is a power outage. TICD will oversee construction of the switchyard, a fenced-off area where the main electrical equipment will be located. Upon completion of the new switchyard, the SFPUC will install new switchgear, which is equipment that helps detect an outage, isolate the affected area, and provide safe and reliable operation of the electric system. Proactive Steps to Improve Existing System: In addition to new infrastructure, the SFPUC continues to take proactive steps to maintain, operate, and repair the electric system on
Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island. These actions will help reduce the number of outages as well as the length of outages:
● Proactively trimming tree branches and other vegetation
● Replacing poles and ordering spare parts in advance
● Conducting regular inspections of the distribution system
● Installing reclosers to improve system resiliency
● Installing fault indicators to speed up repair time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPyiar_H1WA - explains re-closer" equipment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S8gAMUNV_4 - explains "fault indicator
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q-aVBv7PWM - explains substation and how this switch upgrade will also improve the grid.
Electric System Improvements and Timeline: Infrastructure upgrades and equipment replacement are underway, and Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island customers can expect electric system improvements to be completed by January 2021. Please see attached flyer for table with information on forthcoming improvement projects. Residents and businesses can expect minimal disruption during construction. No roads will be blocked or closed during construction. Questions? Contact: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission at: (415) 554-3233 or email peter.gallotta@SFWater.org