The Dynamic History of Palo Alto’s Evolving Gas Utility

Join us for an educational evening with environmentalist and mechanical engineer, Tom Kabat. For a century, Palo Alto has run the largest island of city gas service in a vast sea of PG&E. Shortly after incorporation, Palo Alto’s electric and water utility founders started looking for ways to improve thermal services. Along the way, they changed the type of gas sold (thrice), the distribution pipes, local storage (thrice), leakage repair, business model, roles of the city, approaches to fuel switching and efficiency, gas procurement method, portfolio strategy and environmental responsiveness. How might they next show leadership with a municipal thermal services utility? Attend this lecture to find out what Tom’s thoughts are.

About the speaker: Tom Kabat started his utility career 35 years ago in Palo Alto after studying environmental engineering at Cal Poly and earning his mechanical engineering license. He started as a Solar Engineer for Palo Alto’s utilities working on efficiency planning, power resource planning and integrated resource planning. Tom helped transition the utility out of the energy crisis and into 100% carbon neutral electricity. Since retiring from Palo Alto, he now consults for the federal government helping to optimize hydropower marketing. He also works with local nonprofits on efforts to fight climate change. Among his many sustainability related hobbies, he serves on the boards of Sunwork.org and Carbon Free Silicon Valley offering low cost solar and formulating climate preservation strategies.
He also teaches bike repair at MOAH for Repair Cafe´ Palo Alto. Wine and light refreshments will be served for your further enjoyment.