Oakland, Calif. – Oct. 16, 2025: The Port of Oakland proudly joined over 2,000 community-owned, not-for-profit electric utilities nationwide in celebrating Public Power Week, held October 5–11, 2025. Led by the American Public Power Association (APPA), this annual event honors the people and principles behind public power—reliable, affordable, and locally controlled electricity.

The Port’s Utilities division exemplifies the mission of public utilities to serve the public good. In alignment with this year’s national theme, “2,000 Utilities. One Purpose.”, the Port Utility division reaffirms its commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and community-focused future for Oakland’s waterfront and surrounding areas.

The Port of Oakland provides utility services to both tenant-operated and Port-operated facilities supporting Aviation, Maritime, and Commercial Real Estate operations. The Port Utilities division manages the publicly owned electrical utility system, overseeing its planning, operation, and upgrades. As a municipal utility, Port Utilities procures electric power at rates approximately 40% lower than Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), while ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.

“Public power is about local accountability and long-term value,” said Andre Basler, Port of Oakland Director of Utilities. “At the Port’s Utilities division, we’re not driven by profits—we’re driven by purpose. That allows us to invest in clean energy, grid resilience, and economic development in ways that directly benefit our community. Public power gives us the flexibility to innovate and the responsibility to lead.”

The Utilities division promotes energy efficiency, secures renewable energy for Port utility customers—more than twice the California average—and reduces greenhouse gas emissions through low-carbon electricity contracts and participation in the Cap & Trade market. These efforts support the Port’s Zero Emissions initiative.

As a member of APPA, the Port’s utility is part of a national network serving over 49 million Americans in 2,000 towns and cities. Public power utilities consistently deliver high reliability, lower-than-average electric rates, and faster outage restoration compared to investor-owned utilities.

“Today, community-owned utilities have a timely opportunity to expand, modernize, and strengthen customer connections,” said Scott Corwin, President & CEO of the American Public Power Association. “The Port of Oakland’s dedication to service is evident in the substantial savings and reliability customers enjoy. The ability to act on this vision begins with you, and some of the greatest opportunities in decades are now within reach.”

Throughout the week, the Utilities division recognized the dedicated professionals who keep the lights on and the Port running—from engineers and field personnel to sustainability experts and customer service teams. The Port also showcased its clean energy initiatives, including plans for battery energy storage, maritime electrification, and collaborative projects with regional public power partners.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits, and environmental innovation as it decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 regional jobs and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees the Oakland Airport (OAK), the Oakland Seaport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront, including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland Airport through Facebook and Twitter or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts
Matt Davis
Port of Oakland
Chief Public Engagement Officer
(510) 627-1430
[email protected]

David DeWitt
Port of Oakland
Media/PR Specialist
(510) 627-1169
[email protected]