California officials are encouraging ocean-going vessels not to plug into shore power for several days, in order to reduce demand on the electric grid during a record heat wave.
According to Gov. Gavin Newsome, he issued a new emergency proclamation to preserve power capacity that gives vessel operators flexibility not to plug into on-dock electric power stations through September 11.
In fact, vessels berthed between September 3 and September 7 will not be required to use shore power until next September 10.
Current regulations require 80% of container, cruise and refrigerated vessels that call at the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland to use shore power, or alternative “bonnet” technology that covers a ship’s exhaust stacks to contain and treat harmful emissions.
The governor’s executive order said that arriving vessels can temporarily use auxiliary engines to power onboard systems, such as lights, refrigerators, computers and pumps, during loading and unloading. Vessels already at berth also have permission to disconnect from the electric system during the heat emergency.
Current regulations require 80% of container, cruise and refrigerated vessels that call at the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland to use shore power, or alternative “bonnet” technology that covers a ship’s exhaust stacks to contain and treat harmful emissions.