The Port of Long Beach will “take a pause” on shore power facilities for vessels following a mandate by the state of California to free up energy supply.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an emergency proclamation on 30 July to free up energy supply as the state deals with extreme heat levels.
The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and Governor’s Office of Emergency Service has provided notice to “reduce use of grid-based electrical power,” the proclamation wrote.
“Ships that are berthed in California ports while the CAISO Grid Warning or Emergency notice is in effect shall not be required to use shore power until 11:59 p.m. on the third day following the last consecutive day on which the CAISO issued a Grid Warning or Emergency notice,” it added.
According to the proclamation the state could face a shortage of up to 3,500 megawatts (MW) this summer during extreme weather events of drought, and a 5,000 MW shortfall in summer 2022.
In a press conference on 5 August, Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero said he does not see operations being impacted and electric crane operations will continue.
“The impact of the order will be on shore power. We will take a pause on shore power capabilities as we have seen the shortfall of electricity predicted this summer,” he said.
From 17 to 20 August 2020, the ports of California were directed by state government to halt all onshore power facilities following high demand on the electricity grid due to hospitals dealing with COVID-19, in addition to a lengthy heatwave and wildfires.
