OVERVIEW AND CONTENTS

Overview
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the nation’s largest
municipal utility, with 8,019 megawatts (MW) of electric capacity and serving
an average of 435 million gallons of water per day to the more than 4 million
residents of Los Angeles, its businesses and visitors. For more than 100 years,
LADWP has provided the city with reliable water and power service in a cost-
effective and environmentally responsible manner. With a workforce of more than
11,000 employees, LADWP is guided by the five-member Board of Water and
Power Commissioners, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

Contents
Overview 2

Mission Statement 3

Board of Water and Power Commissioners 3

Our Team 3

Our COVID-19 Response 4

Water System 12

Power System 30

Putting Customers First 46

Customer Savings and Sustainability 49

2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

Finance and Corporate Performance 54

Financial Data 56

The LADWP Briefing Book is published by the Communications and Public Affairs
Division of LADWP. This edition covers fiscal year 2019-20 and the first half of
fiscal year 2020-21.

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 MISSION STATEMENT | BOARD OF WATER AND POWER COMMISSIONERS | OUR TEAM
Board of
Water and Power
Commissioners
Cynthia McClain-Hill
President

Susana Reyes
Vice President

Jill Banks Barad-Hopkins

Commissioner

Nicole Neeman Brady

Commissioner

Mia Lehrer
Commissioner

Our Team
Martin L. Adams
General Manager and Chief Engineer

Reiko A. Kerr
Senior Assistant General Manager
Power System Engineering,
Planning and Technical Services

Andrew C. Kendall
Senior Assistant General Manager
Power System Construction,
Maintenance, and Operations

Richard F. Harasick

Mission Statement Senior Assistant General Manager

Water System
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Ann M. Santilli

Chief Financial Officer
exists to support the growth and vitality of the
City of Los Angeles, its residents, businesses and Nancy Sutley
Senior Assistant General Manager of
the communities we serve, providing safe, reliable External and Regulatory Affairs and
and cost-effective water and power in a customer- Chief Sustainability Officer
focused and environmentally responsible manner.
Joseph A. Brajevich
General Counsel

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 OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE

Our COVID-19
Response
As the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic descended upon
Los Angeles, and stay-at-home requirements were instated in
the city and state, LADWP’s dedicated workforce remained
committed to providing essential water and electric service to
our customers. As essential workers, our field crews continued
operations and maintenance, and emergency repairs to keep
the water and power flowing around-the-clock. LADWP
supported the city with our critical services, and helped
customers weather the crisis financially. We pivoted to digital
platforms to continue many of our customer-facing programs
and services. At the same time, we quickly changed the way
we work and do business to protect the health and well-being
of our employees so they could keep the lights on and water
flowing 24/7.
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

Some of the most publicly visible employees were meter

readers, who continued performing their duties. The
vast majority of meters were read within the three-day
window for each billing cycle.

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 SUSTAINABILITY
OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE
Essential Work
Continued for LA
Out in the field, water and power distribution crews
continued daily work on new services, maintenance
and construction, and responding to emergency power
outages or water main leaks. To protect their health,
field crews began staggered, rotating shifts, and
worked in pods to limit contact. All employees were
routinely reminded to maintain proper hygiene, wear
their masks and other personal protective equipment,
and social distance to protect themselves, their co-
workers, families and customers.

When the City of Los Angeles received over

500 trailers from FEMA to help house L.A.’s homeless
population in response to COVID-19, our crews played a
vital role in connecting water service to these trailers.
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

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 OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE

Safe, High-Quality Putting Our Customers

Water First
At the outset of the crisis, LADWP leadership assured To protect customers and employees, in-person services
customers that their water supply was safe to drink, and programs that require face-to-face interactions
thanks to our state-of-the-art treatment, testing, were temporarily suspended in March 2020. As social
monitoring and well-maintained distribution system. distancing became the new normal, the Department
Our goal was to help customers rest easy in the adapted so we could continue to serve our customers.
knowledge that they could count on us for reliable, Customer service centers scheduled in-person
high-quality drinking water during the pandemic. appointments that allowed social distancing, ensuring
the safety of both our employees and the public.
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

Workplace Safety Going Digital

LADWP’s custodial crews became the first line of We quickly pivoted to digital platforms to resume many
defense in the battle against COVID-19. They increased customer energy efficiency and water conservation
efforts to wipe down and sanitize equipment and programs that otherwise involved face-to-face
surfaces in commonly frequented areas of LADWP interactions. To name a few are the Leak Detection
facilities. Vehicles, tools and equipment were Program, Commercial Lighting Incentive Program,
meticulously sanitized before and after use. Custom Performance Program, efficiency upgrades
in schools, and California Friendly Landscape training
program. We began conducting many electrical
installation inspections remotely, with no need for onsite
inspections, to ensure a high level of business support.
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 OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE
LADWP CARES for Customers
LADWP temporarily stopped charging late fees and LADWP’s essential water and power crews as they
did not disconnect services because of non-payment. maintain critical infrastructure in local neighborhoods,
We promoted and expanded flexible pay plans and and we sought to minimize impact on customers who
discount programs. In October 2020 we managed were staying safe at home.
a federally funded Utility CARES Grant Program,
which provided one-time payments of $500 to help As LADWP’s important water and power initiatives
customers financially impacted by COVID-19. Through moved forward, we transitioned to virtual meetings
the program, LADWP sent $33,657,500 in checks to for stakeholder engagement and outreach to support
67,315 recipients. planning for these efforts, including the 2020 Urban
Water Management Plan and the 100% Renewable
Learn more: LADWP.com/financialassistance Energy Study, known as LA100.

To broaden our outreach, we maintained a strong

presence on Nextdoor, where LADWP has over
704,000 members and about 1,300 neighborhoods
reaching 26% of L.A. households. We also stayed in
contact with our communities through a monthly digital
newsletter for subscribers. In 2020, we conducted
or participated in about 240 community events and
meetings.

Learn more: ladwp.com/community

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During this time of COVID-19 and distance learning,

LADWP has worked with our non-profit partners to
continue educational outreach by transforming in-
Connecting with Communities school presentations to virtual formats. We worked
with our contracted company partners to offer digital
While embracing social distancing, we worked to editions of their printed lesson materials.
stay close to our communities by shifting to virtual
engagement through digital meeting platforms. We During the first half of the 2020-21 school year, we
continued to be engaged with neighborhood councils reached 75,000 students, more than 650 teachers and
and other community groups on significant issues and 250 schools.
construction projects affecting their areas. During the
Learn more: ladwp.com/education
pandemic, it has been especially important to support
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 SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability
L.A.’s Green New Deal
LADWP continues working to meet the goals of L.A.’s 2019
Sustainable City pLAn, also known as the Green New Deal,
which sets robust new commitments for the city’s sustainable
future. The Green New Deal sets out L.A.’s vision for a
sustainable future and tackles the climate emergency with
accelerated targets and new aggressive goals.

Key principles of the Green New Deal include:

• A commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement with a

strategy for achieving a zero-carbon grid, zero-carbon
transportation, zero-carbon buildings, zero waste, and zero-
wasted water;

• Responsibility to deliver environmental justice and equity

through an inclusive economy;

• Ensure that every Angeleno has the ability to join the green
economy; and

• Resolve to demonstrate the art of the possible and lead the

way to drive changes.

LADWP is involved in over half of the Green New Deal

initiatives, which prioritize many of our sustainability initiatives
through 2050: Achieving 100% renewable energy; expanding
rooftop solar in the L.A. basin; expanding local water supplies
and decreasing purchased water; creating a zero-carbon grid;
expanding electrification of the transportation sector and
the city’s building supply; and increasing water conservation
and energy efficiency. Throughout these efforts, LADWP
is committed to improving equity for all of L.A.’s diverse
communities, using our Equity Metrics Data Initiative (EMDI)
and other new initiatives to track outcomes and ensure we are
accountable to our customers.
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2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK SUSTAINABILITY
 SUSTAINABILITY

Our Carbon Reduction Progress

In 2016, LADWP achieved the greenhouse gas (GHG) Climate Change Policy
emission reduction target set by California Senate
Los Angeles and California remain leaders in climate
Bill 32 to reduce GHG emissions
change and clean energy policy. In 2018, California
40% below the 1990 level
Senate Bill 100 was signed into law, establishing new
by 2030. LADWP met and
goals for electricity providers to achieve 60% renewable
exceeded this target 14 years
energy by 2030 and 100% zero-carbon electricity by
ahead of the deadline. By
2045. As of March 2021, the City of Los Angeles’ goal
the end of 2019, LADWP
was accelerated to achieve a 100% carbon-free grid by
had reduced our GHG
2035, 10 years earlier than the state target.
emissions from electricity
generation to
7.9 million metric tons
(MMT)—approximately 56%
below our 1990 emissions baseline
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of 17.9 MMT. By the end of 2020, L.A.’s power portfolio

was 55% carbon free.

LADWP’s 2017 Strategic Long-Term Resource Plan

(SLTRP) forecasts that our GHG emissions in 2037 will
be approximately 79% below LADWP’s 1990 baseline,
nearly achieving the state’s long-range GHG emissions
reduction target of 80% below the 1990 level by 2050.
In 2021, LADWP will begin work on an updated SLTRP.

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 SUSTAINABILITY
LADWP GHG Emissions Levels Beat State Targets

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2020 State Target: Reduce to 1990 Level (17.9 MMT)

15
Million Metric Tons (MMT)

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2030 State Target: 40% below 1990

9
7.9 MMT, 2019
6

3 2050 State Goal: 80% below 1990

2015 2020 2025 2030 2035

Carbon Disclosure Project in Wilmington. Using Assembly Bill 32 funds, LADWP

doubled our investment in the program from $10 million
LADWP has participated in the Carbon Disclosure
to $20 million over the next five years. The grants will
Project’s (CDP) Climate Change program for six
support emissions reduction projects in City Council
years and recently earned our highest score ever—an
Districts 2, 6, 7, and 15. Examples include electric vehicle
“A-” grade in the global nonprofit’s Climate Change
charging stations, energy efficiency programs, local
Score Report. That placed the Department at the
solar, battery storage, and other clean energy projects.
“Leadership” level. LADWP ranked higher than the
North America regional average of “D,” and higher than L.A. Ranks No. 1 Solar City in U.S.
the thermal power generation sector average of “B.”
The City of Los Angeles ranked number one for the third
The CDP’s Climate Change program evaluates straight year in the Environment America Research &
companies on their emission reduction leadership as Policy Center’s Shining Cities 2020 report, which covers
well as their resiliency to the effects of climate change. the year 2019 and surveyed installed solar capacity
LADWP also invites about 200 of our own suppliers within 57 of the largest U.S. cities. L.A. held the title from
to disclose emissions levels to CDP’s supply chain 2013 to 2015 and from 2017 to 2018.
program. This helps us to better understand our supply In 2019, L.A. had 483.8 MW of installed solar in 2019
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

chain’s resilience in a world increasingly affected by —a 15% increase compared to 2018. That amount
climate change. of clean energy is enough to power approximately
134,000 homes and eliminate 280,000 metric tons of
Clean Air Community Grants greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of removing
LADWP introduced the Community Emission Reduction 60,150 gas-fueled cars off the road. The city also
Grant Program in 2020 to reduce emissions in increased its solar PV per capita by 16.2 MW, and moved
communities that experience disproportionate levels of up from 105 watts per person to 121 watts per person, a
pollution, such as those surrounding Valley Generating 15% increase over the prior year.
Station in Sun Valley and Harbor Generating Station

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 WATER SYSTEM

Water System
LADWP’s Water System supports the vitality and sustainability
of Los Angeles by providing our customers and the communities
we serve with reliable, high quality and competitively priced
water services in a safe, publicly and environmentally
responsible manner. We are the nation’s second largest
municipal water utility. In fiscal year 2019-20, we supplied
approximately 159 billion gallons of water annually, and an
average of 435 million gallons per day (GPD), to 735,600 water
service connections.

LADWP has a strong history of water resources management.

As Los Angeles has grown from a population of 142,000 in 1902
to over 4 million residents today, we continue to make efficient
water use a way of life, providing reliable, resilient water supplies
now and in the future.

Our Water System is committed to implementing innovative

water management, and is a leader both nationally and globally
by focusing on three key areas: the safety of drinking water,
reliability of water infrastructure, and developing sustainable
local water supplies.
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

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2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK WATER SYSTEM
 WATER SYSTEM

Water System
Los Angeles’ Water Sources

Delta Sierra Nevada Mountains

Los Angeles Aqueduct

State Water
Project
Colorado
River
Aqueduct
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

City of Los Angeles

Stormwater, Groundwater,
Water Recycling, and Conservation

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 WATER SYSTEM
Water Facts
Approved Water Budget Water Supply Sources
(FY 2020-21) (5-year average, FY 2016-2020)
Total: $1.65 billion L.A. Aqueduct 48%
$595 million for operations and maintenance Purchased Water (MWD) 41%
$816 million for capital projects Bay Delta 35%
$239 million for purchased water Colorado River 6%
Groundwater 9%
Water Use (FY 2019-20)
Recycled Water 2%
Average Daily Use Per Capita: 106 gallons

Residential Customers (FY 2019-20) Water System Infrastructure

317,000 acre-feet per year or 283 million GPD Tanks and Reservoirs 115
Pump Stations 85
Commercial/Industrial/Institutional
Ammoniation Stations 9
Customers (FY 2019-20)
Chlorination Stations 22
136,000 acre-feet per year or 121 million GPD
Regulator and Relief Stations 329
Annual Water Supplied to Customers System Pressure Zones 111
(FY 2019-20) Distribution Mains and Trunk Lines (miles) 7,340
159 billion gallons Fire Hydrants 61,053
735,600 active water service connections Total Storage Capacity (acre-feet) 323,820
(In-basin and along the L.A. Aqueduct)

Eastern Sierra
Customers &
Fire Hydrants
Treated Water from
LA Chlorine/ Colorado River Pump
Aqueduct Fluoride Stations
Ammonia
Ozone Filtration UV Trunk Lines Mainlines
State Water
Project
Local Water Supplies Storage/
Stormwater
Covered
Groundwater Regulator Reservoirs Water Conservation
Capture
Stations
Recycled Landscape Irrigation &
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

Water Industrial Uses

Water Source Treatment Distribution Customer

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 WATER SYSTEM

Water Reliability and Resiliency

Upgrading Water Infrastructure FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21
Infrastructure Replacements Achievements Goals
LADWP maintains a vast water system with about
Distribution mainlines
7,340 miles of mainlines and trunk lines, which are
(pipes 20 inches or 140,450 174,000
critical to reliably delivering high quality water to
less in diameter)
Los Angeles residents and businesses. With a large
percentage of our pipe installed at the turn of the last Trunk lines (pipes 20
century, we are working to accelerate the replacement inches or greater in 10,744 11,800
and upgrade of aging water mains and riveted-steel diameter)
trunk lines.
Large valves 5 5
About one-quarter of LADWP’s mainlines are over
80 years old, nearing the end of their useful life.
LADWP has steadily increased the replacement of Pressure regulator
10 10
aging distribution pipes. The replacement work focuses stations
on pipes that are prioritized as vulnerabilities within the
water distribution system after a thorough assessment. Pumps/motors 12 12
Our long-term goal is to achieve a replacement cycle
that aligns with the expected useful life of the pipes, Small meters 26,964 31,500
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

ranging from 100 to 120 years. For fiscal year 2020-21,

LADWP expects to replace 174,000 feet of mainline
pipe and ramp up to a replacement cycle of LADWP maintains a high level of
225,000 feet per year by the end of FY 2024-25.
water service reliability. Our leak rate
Additional infrastructure improvements are necessary averages 19 leaks per 100 miles of
to replace and rehabilitate the Los Angeles Aqueduct,
tanks and reservoirs, pump stations, pressure regulating pipeline over the past five years, faring
stations, system valves, water meters, as well as ancillary better than the national average of
infrastructure that delivers water to our customers. 25 leaks per 100 miles of pipes.

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 WATER SYSTEM
Seismically Resilient Pipe Network four-year effort to upgrade the RSC7 trunk line that is
expected to be completed by April 2022. An important
LADWP was the first water utility in the nation to
project to ensure future water supply reliability, the
install earthquake resistant ductile iron pipe (ERDIP)
new trunk line replaces the existing RSC7, which was
within our water system beginning in 2013. In April
installed in the 1940s. When completed, RSC7 will have
2014, we initiated a Resiliency Program to further
installed 13,325 linear feet of 78-inch diameter welded
strengthen Los Angeles’ water infrastructure in the
steel pipeline.
event of an emergency, such as an earthquake or
other natural disaster. The program continues to build The connector pipeline enables Burbank to convey
out a seismically resilient pipe network by installing drinking water that is a blend of San Fernando Basin
earthquake resilient pipe (ERP) that includes specially groundwater, treated at the Burbank Operable Unit, and
designed ductile iron pipe with seismic joints and water imported from the Metropolitan Water District
welded steel pipe. of Southern California (MWD) to LADWP’s distribution
system. This partnership demonstrates yet another
LADWP is now installing ERP at critical locations that
step LADWP is taking toward a more sustainable water
are vulnerable to large ground movement within Los
future for Los Angeles by increasing our local water
Angeles. The Resiliency Program supports L.A.’s Green
supply in place of costly imported water.
New Deal sustainability goals by ensuring a safe, secure,
and reliable drinking water supply and distribution Learn more: LADWP.com/rsc7
system. Since the start of the Resiliency Program, we
have installed over 29 miles of ERP, with more projects Foothill Trunk Line-Unit 3
strategically planned in the near future. Among the current ERP projects is the replacement
of Foothill Trunk Line-Unit 3, a major water artery that
crosses the Sylmar Fault in the North San Fernando
Valley. The original 1930s-era pipe, which ranges in
diameter from 24 to 36 inches, will be replaced with
nearly three miles of 54-inch diameter ERP trunk line.

The increased size will improve water quality and

flow capacity as well as water system flexibility and
reliability. To minimize impacts to the community, a
new 12-inch diameter ERP distribution water mainline
will be installed alongside the trunk line. The mainline
will separate the water serving the local community
from the trunk line. The construction includes 13,000
feet of open trenching and 3,430 feet of tunneling in six
work areas to minimize impact to community and allow
through traffic.

Learn more: LADWP.com/foothill

Century Trunk Line-Unit 1

The Century Trunk Line–Unit 1 Project is replacing
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

approximately 7,600 feet of existing 36-inch welded

steel pipe originally installed in 1937 on Century
Boulevard in the vicinity of the Los Angeles International
Airport. Operating past its useful service life, the old
pipe is being replaced with 10,200 feet of 24- and
48-inch diameter ERP to increase resiliency during
earthquakes. Construction on Unit 1 began in
Los Angeles-Burbank Interconnection January 2020 and will be complete by May 2022.
LADWP and the City of Burbank celebrated the
completion of the Los Angeles-Burbank Interconnection Learn more: LADWP.com/CenturyTrunkLine
in early 2020. The project was a key milestone in a

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 WATER SYSTEM

Water Strong
LADWP is committed to providing a water supply As a result, LADWP has had to purchase more imported
that is resilient, sustainable, reliable, high quality and water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern
cost effective as we confront extremes in weather California (MWD) to meet our city’s water demands,
conditions and address other challenges in managing even with increased conservation.
our city’s water supply. A key strategy to maintaining
our water strength as a city is to continue diversifying This trend highlights the need to develop a more
and expanding our local water resources and to further reliable and sustainable local water supply, unaffected
reduce dependence on purchased imported water. by hydrological variability and long-term trends in
environmental regulation.
Los Angeles’ water supply from outside the L.A. basin
has been impacted by significant swings in hydrological Looking to the future, we are focused on becoming
conditions, including 15 years of extreme dry periods “water strong” — building resilient, sustainable
combined with increased environmental restoration local water supplies through groundwater recharge,
obligations. Even with the record-setting snowpack stormwater capture, additional conservation,
and precipitation in 2017, our traditional Los Angeles maximizing water recycling, and developing a new local
Aqueduct water supply from the Owens Valley and water source using purified recycled water. We call our
Mono Basin has dropped to 50% of historic levels over plan to deliver purified recycled water Operation NEXT.
the past 30 years.
Learn more: LADWP.com/WaterStrong

Expanding L.A.’s Local Water Supply

Current Water Supply
FY 2016-20 Average
Total Supply: 497,386 AF
LA Aqueduct

48%
Recycled Water

MWD 2%
41% Groundwater

9%
Future Water Supply
(without Operation NEXT) (Operation NEXT)
FY 2034-35 Average Hydrology FY 2034-35 Average Hydrology**
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

Imported

30%
Local Water:
Groundwater, Local Supply:
Recycled Water, Groundwater,
Stormwater & Recycled Water,
Conservation Stormwater,

42%
Imported* Operation NEXT, &
New Conservation

58% 70%
*Ratio of imported water from the L.A. Aqueduct and MWD will vary due to hydrological conditions.
**Assumes completion of Operation NEXT, projected to produce up to 217 MGD of purified recycled water.
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 WATER SYSTEM
ladwp.com/waterstrong

Operation NEXT will also convey purified recycled water to replenish

the San Fernando Groundwater Basin and potentially
Water Supply Program use the purified recycled water as a raw water source
Operation NEXT is a new water to blend with Los Angeles Aqueduct water and receive
supply initiative being developed further treatment at the Los Angeles Aqueduct
by LADWP in partnership with Filtration Plant.
LA Sanitation and Environment
(LASAN) that aims to improve the Pilot Projects
overall water supply resiliency and reliability for Los LADWP is engaged in two pilot projects with LASAN
Angeles. Operation NEXT is a key strategy for achieving to study the feasibility of converting Hyperion into a
City of Los Angeles’ goals of recycling 100% of available fully advanced water purification facility. LADWP and
treated wastewater for beneficial reuse and sourcing up LASAN are collaborating on the Hyperion Advanced
to 70% of L.A.’s water locally by 2035. Water Purification Facility that will serve nearby Los
Angeles International Airport. The pilot project will
The program aims to maximize production of purified provide up to 1.5 MGD of advanced treated recycled
recycled water from the Hyperion Water Reclamation water for heating, cooling, toilet flushing and other non-
Plant to replenish our groundwater basins. Concurrently, potable uses.
LADWP is working with regulators to allow integrating
purified recycled water with the drinking water system. The second pilot project is to develop a 1 MGD Hyperion
The process, known as direct potable reuse (DPR), Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Pilot Facility that will
would further expand the use of purified recycled water compare and monitor three MBR systems side-by-side.
from Hyperion and other city water reclamation plants The goal is to determine the best treatment technology
as a supplemental water source. for the future full transformation of Hyperion to recycle
100% of the available wastewater for beneficial use.
Located in Playa Del Rey, the Hyperion plant will
be retrofitted with advanced treatment processes Outreach
(membrane bioreactors, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet
In early 2021, LADWP and LASAN began the
advanced oxidation), to produce up to 217 MGD of
environmental review process under the California
purified recycled water. That represents enough water
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a program

to sustain 972,000 Los Angeles homes. Working with
environmental impact report (EIR). The EIR included
regional partners — Water Replenishment District of
scoping meetings to gather initial public feedback on
Southern California (WRD) and MWD — LADWP will use
the program. In addition, LADWP will conduct public
the purified recycled water as a sustainable and reliable
outreach for Operation NEXT to inform communities
source of local water supply for the city and the region.
about potential program impacts and benefits. The
Conveyance and Storage outreach will build upon relationships LADWP has
developed through our Water System Stakeholder
In partnership with WRD, LADWP will determine Engagement Group, which includes stakeholders in the
optimal locations to convey purified recycled water public and private sectors, water agencies, business,
from Hyperion into the underlying aquifers within the community and environmental leaders.
West Coast and Central Groundwater Basins. LADWP

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 WATER SYSTEM

Stormwater The last phase of construction will add enhancements

such as walking paths, an outdoor classroom,

Capture educational signage, and a permeable pavement

parking lot. Electric vehicle charging stations are also
planned in the near future. The enhancements will help
Expanding our capacity for improve the environment and provide social equity by
capturing stormwater runoff is beautifying the community with native vegetation and
a key strategy to ensure our city open space. In 2020, work was completed on another
remains Water Strong. Capturing and phase of the project, building two new intakes to divert
managing stormwater is a reliable and more runoff from the Tujunga Wash and the Pacoima
sustainable way to replenish local groundwater aquifers Diversion Channel.
while reducing runoff, which also improves the quality
of water that drains into our rivers, ocean and other Funded through Proposition 84 and Proposition 1
water bodies. Historically, the average stormwater grants, the Tujunga Spreading Grounds project received
capture is about 21 billion gallons annually. several awards in 2019 from the Western Council of
Construction Consumers and the American Academy
Our stormwater capture goal is about 49 billion gallons of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. Overall, the
per year by 2035. In partnership with the Los Angeles project will benefit the city’s water supply by expanding
County Flood Control District (LACFCD), City of Los the stormwater capture capacity from 2.6 billion gallons
Angeles Department of Public Works, and other to about 5.2 billion gallons, enough water to supply
governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations, more than 48,000 homes in Los Angeles annually.
LADWP has successfully completed several stormwater
capture projects, with many more efforts underway. Learn more: LADWP.com/TSG

Tujunga Spreading Grounds Stormwater Capture at City Parks

Enhancement Project LADWP is working to expand stormwater capture
After nearly five years in the making, the Tujunga at nine city parks in the East San Fernando Valley
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

Spreading Grounds Enhancement Project was expected to increase our local water supply. The Stormwater
to be completed in 2021. LADWP and LACFCD partnered Capture Parks Program will collect surface water
to improve the stormwater capture and groundwater flows and divert stormwater runoff from the Tujunga
recharge at the 150-acre Tujunga Spreading Grounds to Wash Central Branch storm drain to recharge the San
increase local water supplies and reduce L.A.’s reliance Fernando Groundwater Basin.
on imported water. Work involved reconfiguring and
deepening 20 existing stormwater capture spreading Participating parks include David M. Gonzales
basins of varying sizes into nine deeper basins. This work Recreation Center, Fernangeles Park, Strathern Park
will double the capture capacity of stormwater that North, Whitsett Fields Park North, Valley Plaza Park
percolates into the natural aquifer below and recharges North, Valley Plaza Park South, Alexandria Park,
the groundwater supply. North Hollywood Park and Valley Village Park. When

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 WATER SYSTEM
completed, the projects have the potential to yield San Fernando Valley Green Street
about 945 million gallons of stormwater runoff per year Projects
using a variety of measures, including catch basins,
bioswales, pre-treatment devices, pumps, storm drains, The San Fernando Valley Distributed Stormwater
underground infiltration galleries, and other stormwater Capture Projects (Green Street Projects) is a
best management practices. partnership with LASAN to use innovative techniques
and emerging technologies to capture and recharge
Design and public outreach for all nine parks projects stormwater through a series of localized projects.
are underway this year. Public outreach began in 2020 By increasing stormwater capture, the Green Street
and will continue until construction is complete in 2026. Projects will help recharge groundwater, alleviate local
Construction for the projects will be divided into three flooding, reduce the amount of pollution in runoff after
phases to limit community and environmental impacts. the first rain, and improve water quality downstream.
The first construction phase is expected to begin in the The projects will feature enhanced access for walking
summer of 2022. as well as improved aesthetics along the existing
right-of-way. They include the Ben and Victory Green
Learn more: ladwp.com/parks Stormwater Infrastructure, Agnes Avenue Stormwater
Capture, Victory-Goodland Street Median Stormwater
Silver Lake Stormwater Capture Project Capture, Glenoaks and Fillmore Stormwater Capture,
The Silver Lake Stormwater Capture Project will capture Lankershim Boulevard Great Street, and Van Nuys
and divert about 2 million gallons of stormwater runoff Boulevard Great Street projects. The Green Street
per year from the neighborhood surrounding the Silver Projects will yield approximately 167 million gallons of
Lake Reservoir Complex, and into the Silver Lake and water per year when all are completed in 2021.
Ivanhoe reservoirs. As of January 2021, the project’s
design is underway. Completion of project construction Arundo Strand Removal Project
is expected in mid-2023. LADWP partnered with the National Forest Foundation
(NFF) and Council for Watershed Health (CWH) to
The project involves installing new catch basins, storm
eradicate Arundo in the Big Tujunga and Little Tujunga
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

drains, and six locations for transferring the stormwater

watersheds and Upper Los Angeles River Watershed,
to Silver Lake and Ivanhoe reservoirs. Prior to the
respectively. Arundo donax, commonly referred to as
stormwater entering the reservoirs, hydrodynamic
“giant reed,” is an invasive, water-thirsty plant. The
separators will remove oil, sediment, and debris
Arundo Strand Removal Project will treat approximately
from the stormwater. Benefits of the project include
150 acres and save about 977 million gallons of water
alleviating local flooding, improving water quality, and
annually. The project has been underway since 2016
maintaining the historic water elevation of Silver Lake
and is due to be completed by 2023.
Reservoir. This project is a joint partnership between
LADWP and the Los Angeles Department of Public
Works, Bureau of Engineering and LASAN.

21
WATER SYSTEM

Groundwater From 2009 to 2015, LADWP undertook an extensive

remedial investigation and produced a Groundwater

Cleanup System Improvement Study to inform the SFB

Remediation Program. The study characterized the
groundwater basin contamination, and led to the
Cleaning the San Fernando installation of 26 new monitoring wells. These new wells,
Groundwater Basin (SFB) along with a network of 70 existing wells, provide data
is critical to increasing L.A.’s to evaluate groundwater quality in the northern portion
locally produced water supplies. of the SFB, which includes the city’s most productive
LADWP is expanding remediation systems to remove well fields. LADWP’s current groundwater remediation
contamination from the SFB and restore its beneficial efforts are focused on the North Hollywood West,
use. The SFB contains a collection of aquifers made North Hollywood Central, and Tujunga Well Field areas.
of gravel, silt and sand that store a large body of Additional groundwater evaluation in the Southern San
groundwater. Currently, nearly 50% of LADWP’s active Fernando Basin Well Fields is also underway.
groundwater production wells are closed.
Our goal is to best address contamination in the
From 2014 to 2018, the SFB provided an average of basin, and document the investigations and analyses
12% of our total drinking water supply, and up to 23% through remediation investigation, feasibility studies
during extended dry periods when imported water was and related documents. The Board of Water and Power
less available. Resolving the contamination problems Commissioners approved the proposed remedial
and restoring the beneficial use of the SFB are essential actions for North Hollywood Central Remediation
to protecting public health and the environment, and project on December 11, 2018 and Tujunga Remediation
to recovering LADWP’s historical groundwater supply project on January 22, 2019, following public review,
and valuable local water resource. comment periods, and analysis.

22
 WATER SYSTEM
Groundwater Cleanup Agreements North Hollywood West, North Hollywood Central, and
Tujunga Remediation Projects; Tujunga Spreading
To restore the SFB as a beneficial and long-term
Grounds Enhancement Project; Griffith Park South
resource for drinking water, and mitigate the cost for
Water Recycling Project; Los Angeles Groundwater
our customers, LADWP and the U.S. Environmental
Replenishment Project Initial Phase – Ozone
Protection Agency (US EPA) have engaged in a
Demonstration Project; and the Institutional Water Use
coordinated effort to hold more than 20 responsible
Efficiency Loan Program.
parties in the area accountable for their historic
production of hazardous materials and the resulting North Hollywood West Wellhead
SFB groundwater contamination.
Treatment Project
Grants and Funding The North Hollywood West Wellhead Treatment
Project is an important part of LADWP’s Interim
LADWP continues to proactively seek local, state, and
Remedial Action for the North Hollywood West
federal funding to offset potential rate impacts
Operable Unit. The project involves constructing an
to customers.
Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) treatment facility
for the remediation of 1,4-dioxane (historically used
Measure W
as a solvent in industrial and laboratory applications,
In October 2020, LADWP received $20.8 million in among other purposes) encountered in groundwater
Measure W awards for stormwater capture projects in the North Hollywood West Well Field. The project
at Fernangeles Park, Strathern Park North, and Valley is expected to operate year-round and will be capable
Village Park. These multi-beneficial projects will capture of treating 3.86 billion gallons of water per year. The
approximately 1.9 million gallons of stormwater per project broke ground in January 2018 and is expected
year to augment local water supplies, improve regional to be operational by spring of 2022.
water quality, and provide environmental benefits
for underinvested communities in the San Fernando North Hollywood Central and Tujunga
Valley. Measure W, the Safe Clean Water Program, was Well Fields
approved by Los Angeles County’s voters in 2018, and
provides a dedicated stream of funding for stormwater Two interim groundwater remediation projects
capture projects. underway are the North Hollywood Central and Tujunga
Well Field Response Action Treatment Facilities.
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

Proposition 1 The projects will provide the necessary treatment

improvements to remove contamination in groundwater
LADWP has been awarded several grants funded at the Rinaldi-Toluca Well Field and the Tujunga Well
through Proposition 1, the “Water Quality, Supply, and Field, respectively. Studies have identified the presence
Infrastructure Improvement Act,” approved in 2014. and/or threat of 1,4-dioxane and volatile organic
The measure provides funding for projects that improve compounds contamination at both locations.
water quality, including drinking water protection, and
help meet the long-term water needs of California. As The treatment equipment includes the use of AOP
of January 2021, LADWP has received $6 million in and liquid phase granular activated carbon vessels
Proposition 1 planning grants for the North Hollywood for groundwater remediation. Once completed, the
Central, Tujunga, and Pollock Well Field remediation treatment facilities will allow for the operation of the full
projects. LADWP has also been awarded $277.2 well fields. Construction for both projects began in fall
million in Proposition 1 grants for construction of the 2020 and is expected to be complete in summer 2023.
23
 WATER SYSTEM

Water LADWP is proud of the progress our

Conservation customers have made in conservation
Faced with extreme variability and water use efficiency. Due to dramatic
in precipitation from year to year, declines in per capita water use, total
the City of Los Angeles has long water consumption in Los Angeles in
recognized water conservation as the core of multiple
strategies to ensure a sustainable water supply. FY 2019-20 was the second lowest it has
been since 1970, despite a population
LADWP’s water conservation goals call for residents
to reduce water use by 22.5% by 2025, and 25% by
increase of more than one million people.
2035. LADWP works with the Mayor’s Office, other City
departments, non-governmental organizations, other
utilities, and our customers to reduce water use across Water Conservation Potential Study
all sectors. LADWP is also actively engaging with the In response to the findings of the 2017 Water
California Department of Water Resources and the Conservation Potential Study, LADWP has developed
State Water Resource Control Board on developing a long-term water conservation plan designed to cost
water use efficiency standards, methodologies, and effectively achieve our ambitious 2035 water use goals.
objectives to help provide consistency across the state Since the completion of the study, Angelenos have
to make conservation a California way of life. shown their commitment to water use efficiency by
saving more than 2 millon gallons per year of the total
LADWP encourages conservation and water use 4.5 million gallons per year identified by the study as
efficiency through our tiered rate structure, which cost-effective and feasible water savings.
incentivizes lower water use. We educate customers
about water conservation through various outreach and Boosting Rebates
educational programs, and offer generous incentives
Based on findings from the Water Conservation
for water-saving measures and devices, such as turf
Potential Study, we increased our Turf Replacement
replacement and high-efficiency clothes washers. In
Rebate to $3 per square foot and expanded the eligible
addition, LADWP’s Water Loss Task Force continues
area to 5,000 square feet in November 2019 for
to develop and implement strategies to further reduce
residential customers. Commercial customers receive
already low water leaks in our distribution system.
$3 per square foot for the first 50,000 square feet.
A Way of Life in L.A. Since the program began, LADWP has incentivized the
replacement of over 50 million square feet of turf in
As LADWP continues to offer water rebates and Los Angeles.
efficiency programs, coupled with educational and
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

outreach campaigns, the city’s residents and businesses To promote indoor water conservation, LADWP also
have made water conservation a way of life. Thanks to increased our residential high-efficiency clothes washer
our customers’ strong water-saving ethics, L.A.’s per rebate amount to $400 in July 2018. Since then, we
capita water use was 106 gallons per day as of the end have provided over 10,000 high-efficiency clothes
of FY 2019-20, even as the city has experienced warmer washer rebates. We promote this incentive directly
temperatures compared to the historical average. to our customers through in-store advertising, social
Water use overall has dropped by 20% compared to the media and other marketing efforts.
last major dry spell that began in 2013 and continued
through 2017. LADWP customers dilligently maintain Learn more: ladwp.com/save
their water-efficient habits and work towards the city’s
water conservation goals.

Learn more: LADWP.com/waterconservation

24
 WATER SYSTEM
California Friendly® Landscape Training
LADWP continues to offer Landscape Training Classes
to help customers manage their outdoor water use
by transforming their lawns into California Friendly®
and drought-tolerant landscaping. In response to
the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted in-person
interactions, the training program transitioned to an
online classroom in May 2020. The one-hour virtual Home Water Use Report
trainings are offered several times each month in both
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

About 70,000 LADWP customers receive bi-monthly

English and Spanish. Beginning in May 2021, the classes water use reports through our Home Water Use Report
will also be offered in Mandarin. pilot program. Customers enroll online to receive
individualized reports that help identify the water
Over 500 customers participated either in-person or efficiency of their households in comparison to other
online in the training classes during fiscal year 2019-20 similar households. Results from our pilot program
and the first half of FY 2020-21. In addition to training show customers achieve savings by receiving individual
classes, LADWP offers many free landscaping resources water use consumption data and tailored messaging
on our website, such as watering guides, planting about how to save water. We aim to expand the
templates and YouTube videos. program to all single-family residential customers in the
Learn more: LADWP.com/landscaping coming years.

25
 WATER SYSTEM

Owens Valley
For over a century, LADWP has had a significant These projects have fostered creation and maintenance
presence in the Owens Valley. Construction of the of wetland ecosystems, invasive vegetation eradication
First Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1913 and the second in and additional environmental benefits to the area.
1970 have provided the majority of L.A.’s water supply
historically from the Eastern Sierra. Today, LADWP LADWP continues to fulfill more than 100 other
maintains stewardship of nearly 315,000 acres of land environmental tasks related to protecting and sustaining
throughout Inyo and Mono counties and abides by a the environment. These include:
long-held policy of making the land publicly available.
• Nearly $2.4 billion spent on dust mitigation at Owens
LADWP’s management of this land also requires
Lake, including the establishment of a bird and
stewardship of the plants and wildlife that reside upon it.
waterfowl area recognized as a Western Hemisphere
Shorebird Reserve Network site of international
Aqueduct Operations
importance.
LADWP maintains and operates a number of key
facilities involved in delivering water and power safely • Approximately $272 million spent on environmental
and reliably to the City of Los Angeles, as well as about mitigation projects, including many that are
6,000 electric customers in the Owens Valley, and dedicated to public recreation, such as Buckley Ponds
directly employs nearly 350 people in the Eastern Sierra and Diaz Lake.
area. In addition to our water and power operations,
construction and maintenance forces, LADWP • Significant actions to protect the sage grouse,
administers leases and other land-use activities ranging including a Sage Grouse Conservation Strategy in
from ranching and grazing to campgrounds and golf partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
and an adaptive management and monitoring plan.
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

courses, and from local businesses to homes.

We are committed to maintaining and enhancing an
Stewardship important sage grouse habitat on 38,000 acres in the
Long Valley region of the Eastern Sierra.
LADWP is committed to maintaining, protecting, and
enhancing the natural resources of Owens Valley and • Completion of the largest river restoration project
Long Valley. About 50% of the water that once flowed of its kind in the nation by rewatering 62 miles of the
through the Los Angeles Aqueduct stays in the Eastern Lower Owens River and enhancing approximately
Sierra to meet environmental commitments and 2,000 acres of wetland and aquatic habitat for
operational needs. waterfowl use. Since the release of water in 2007,
the Lower Owens River has evolved into a thriving
To date, LADWP has completed 512 mitigation projects ecosystem and a recreational area for hiking,
resulting in re-greening and/or re-vegetation of kayaking, and other activities.
approximately 3,300 acres of land in the Owens Valley.
26
 WATER SYSTEM
• In 2020, LADWP successfully planted approximately about LADWP operations, projects and programs in the
16,000 native plants in Laws, a small town north of Eastern Sierra. Residents, customers and visitors now
Bishop, to provide groundcover and dust control. have access to news, facility and land updates as well as
Through the Laws-Poleta Revegetation Project, information for Owens Valley electric customers.
LADWP has planted over 185,000 native shrubs
covering 255 acres of land. Learn more: LADWPEasternSierra.com.

Mono Basin Recreating Responsibly

For nearly 40 years, LADWP has specifically worked One aspect that makes the Eastern Sierra such an
with local partners to restore and preserve the natural enjoyable place is its wide-open spaces. It represents
beauty of the Mono Basin. During that time, the utility some of the most accessible wilderness areas in
has invested in dozens of restoration projects. California. The recreational opportunities on LADWP
Eastern Sierra land include fishing, camping, golf, hiking,
In October 2020, LADWP announced it was advancing rock climbing and sight-seeing. When the COVID-19
one of the largest environmental restoration projects pandemic became widespread in 2020, LADWP worked
in the Mono Basin. The project includes construction of closely with local agencies and law enforcement to keep
a new spillway gate structure that allows for increased the Eastern Sierra safe and clean. In collaboration with
control of flows from Grant Lake Reservoir, through partners such as the Bishop Chamber of Commerce
Rush Creek and into Mono Lake. The structure will be and the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association, LADWP
used during specific wet year conditions to deliver promoted responsible recreation through outreach
higher flows, as recommended by the state and outlined campaigns, facility and property signage, and co-hosted
in the 2013 Settlement Agreement. Due to LADWP’s a socially distanced clean-up event in October 2020 for
efforts in the region, Mono Lake and its tributaries offer the Upper Owens River watershed.
abundant resources for unique water birds and a healthy
environment for plants and fish populations to thrive. Adopt-A-School
Our Adopt-A-School program extends all the way to
Community Investments the Owens Valley where LADWP Northern District staff
LADWP supports over 75 organizations annually in has adopted six schools in Inyo County. Through this
Inyo and Mono counties that host events, community program, LADWP employees volunteer at schools in
programs, educational activities and workforce activities ranging from gardening programs to judging
development opportunities. science fairs to speaking in classrooms during career
days or other events.
In 2020, we launched the “LADWP in the Eastern
Sierra” website. The site is a resource for information

Stewardship Clean-Up Events

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced closures
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

of indoor facilities for entertainment and

exercise, the Eastern Sierra saw an uptick in
visitors and local residents taking advantage of
safer outdoor activities. The aftermath of the
increase in recreation left some areas in poor
condition. To help keep the region safe and
clean, LADWP partnered with local groups to
host two socially distanced clean-up events in
2020 in the Upper Owens River and the Lower
Owens River.
27
 WATER SYSTEM

Ensuring Safe, High Quality Water

2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

LADWP is committed to providing our water standards. We have invested more than
customers and the communities we serve with $1.5 billion in 33 major infrastructure projects
clean, safe and cost-effective drinking water to safeguard the city’s drinking water and meet
that meets federal and state standards. The strict regulations. These regulations include
water that comes out of our customers’ taps the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water
has been put through rigorous treatment, Treatment Rule (LT2), which protects drinking
testing and monitoring. water in reservoirs from microbiological
contamination, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants/
In 2020, we collected over 3,000 water Disinfection By-Products Rule (DBP2).
samples and conducted more than 112,000
water quality tests throughout the drinking Learn more: ladwp.com/waterquality
water system for compliance with safe drinking
28
 WATER SYSTEM
Headworks Reservoir
In 2020, LADWP continued constructing the Headworks
Reservoir Complex. This new facility is comprised of the
East and West tanks—two of the largest underground
water storage tanks in the Western U.S. with a combined
water storage capacity of 110 million gallons. Headworks
replaces the Ivanhoe and Silver Lake open-air reservoirs
with the two seismically resilient, buried reservoirs to
A recently installed hydration better protect L.A.’s drinking water.
station at the North Holly-
wood Metro Station The Headworks East Tank became operational in 2014,
while Headworks West is expected to enter service
Expanding Hydration Stations in 2023 along with a state-of-the-art flow control
station. In addition, a modern water quality lab and
LADWP continues supporting a major citywide initiative direct potable reuse (DPR) demonstration facility
to expand access to clean, drinking water by installing will be constructed onsite. The new lab will replace
or refurbishing 200 drinking water hydration stations LADWP’s existing lab and completion is expected in
by 2022. The Hydration Station Initiative aims to 2027. The DPR facility will use treated wastewater
promote free, clean and accessible drinking water for
from the Los Angeles-Glendale Water Reclamation
the enjoyment and health of all residents and visitors.
At the same time, the program helps decrease reliance
Plant for conversion into drinking water. This facility
on single-use plastic water bottles to benefit the is expected to be completed in 2028. The Headworks
environment and L.A.’s diverse communities. Reservoir Complex will help protect the city’s drinking
water supply and in turn, also provide an aesthetic,
The new stations are being installed at locations landscaped recreation area for public use once
throughout the city, such as municipally-owned completed.
buildings and parks, near transit stations, and other
public places. In partnership with the Department L.A. Reservoir UV Disinfection Plant
of Recreation and Parks and the General Services
Department, LADWP has facilitated the installation Construction continues on the Los Angeles Reservoir
of 32 hydration stations as of January 2021. Over half Ultraviolet Disinfection Plant (LAR UV). In combination
of them are located in disadvantaged communities. with the existing Dr. Pankaj Parekh Ultraviolet
LADWP is working to expand partnerships with other Disinfection Facility, completed in 2014, and the
city agencies such as Streets LA, Los Angeles World deployment of nearly 96 million shade balls in 2015 on
Airports, Los Angeles Public Library, and the LA Zoo as the surface of the Los Angeles Reservoir, the LAR UV
well as other non-city organizations. plant will be the next major milestone in improving water
The stations feature reusable water bottle filling stations quality for our customers. Per regulations, open-air
and some offer drinking bowls for pets. As the city reservoirs must be either covered, removed from service,
prepares for the 2028 Olympics, hydration stations are or incorporate treatment of water before it enters the
planned for additional locations expected to attract distribution system. The LAR UV will treat water leaving
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

large gatherings, offering an alternative to sugary drinks the LA Reservoir to meet requirements of the US EPA’s
while promoting the benefits of L.A.’s drinking water. LT2 and DBP2 regulations.

Reservoir Compliance UV treatment provides essential disinfection while

minimizing disinfection by-products and reducing the
Over the last 20 years, LADWP has actively improved
required chlorine dose. The LAR UV plant is designed to
the water quality for our customers and met stringent
process 650 million gallons per day and includes a flow
LT2 and DBP2 regulations. We have met the regulations
control station, 13 UV reactors, 5 seismic resilient vaults,
by removing from service large uncovered reservoirs
and a chlorine injection vault. The $123.8 million facility
such as Encino, Lower Stone, Silver Lake and Hollywood;
is an important investment in the reliability and safety
replacing them with tanks, bypass trunk lines and other
of L.A.’s drinking water infrastructure and will enhance
infrastructure; and installing covers on other reservoirs
the delivery of high quality tap water. The LAR UV is
such as Santa Ynez, Elysian and Upper Stone.
scheduled for completion in summer 2021. 29
 POWER SYSTEM

Power System
LADWP is the nation’s largest municipal electric utility. In
fiscal year 2019-20, we supplied more than 21,130 gigawatt-
hours (GWH) to more than 1.5 million residential and business
customers, as well as about 5,200 in the Owens Valley. We
maintain a diverse and vertically integrated power generation,
transmission and distribution system that spans five Western
states, and delivers electricity to more than 4 million people in
Los Angeles.
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

30
31
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK POWER SYSTEM
 WINDY POINT LINDEN RANCH
POWER SYSTEM

Wind Wind
PEBBLE SPRINGS WILLOW CREEK
Wind Wind
CELILO AC-DC
CONVERTER STATION
LOS ANGELES’
POWER
GENERATION AND
TRANSMISSION
If stretched end to end,
LADWP’s 15,000 miles of
power lines and cable are
longer than the distance PLEASANT
VALLEY
from Los Angeles to Wind
Australia and back.
INTERMOUNTAIN
NORTHEN NEVADA Geothermal POWER PROJECT
DONALD A. CAMPBELL 1&2 Coal
Geothermal
MILFORD 1&2
Wind

OWENS GORGE
Hydro APEX
GENERATING
STATION
ELAND SOLAR Natural Gas
& STORAGE MOAPA
PINE TREE Solar
(in development)
Wind & Solar
SPRINGBOK HOOVER DAM
Solar Hydro
NAVAJO
MANZANA Assets
BEACON Wind COPPER MTN 3 RED CLOUD
Solar + Battery Solar Wind - New Mexico
(in development)
POWER PLANT 1 ADELANTO
Hydro Solar
CASTAIC POWER PLANT SYLMAR AC-DC
Hydro/Pumped Storage CONVERTER STATION
POWER PLANT 2
Hydro LOS ANGELES
BASIN

HUDSON RANCH PALO VERDE

VALLEY GENERATING STATION Geothermal HEBER-1 GENERATING STATION
Natural Gas Geothermal Nuclear

FEED-IN-TARIFF
SOLAR INCENTIVE PROGRAM
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

COMMUNITY SOLAR

SCATTERGOOD GENERATING STATION

Natural Gas

CITY OF LOS ANGELES

HAYNES
IN-BASIN GENERATING
STATION
GENERATING STATIONS Natural Gas
HARBOR
GENERATING
STATION
Natural Gas
32
 POWER SYSTEM
Power Facts
Approved Power Budget (FY 2020-21) Peak Energy Demand
Total: $4.5 billion The record instantaneous peak demand is 6,502 MW
reached on August 31, 2017.
$1.4 billion for operations and maintenance
$1.6 billion for capital projects Power Infrastructure
$1.5 billion for fuel and purchased power
The Power System is responsible for inspecting,
Electric Capacity maintaining or replacing, and operating the following:

Net dependable generation capacity of 8,019 MW from Generation

a diverse mix of energy sources.
4 in-basin thermal plants
Power Resources *
2019 2020 1 out-of-basin thermal plant
14 small hydroelectric plants
Renewable Energy 34% 37% 1 large hydroelectric pumped storage plant
Wind 10% 11% 1 wind plant
Geothermal 9% 10% 1 out-of-state wind plant
Solar 12% 14% 2 solar photovoltaic plants
Eligible hydroelectric 3% 2%
Energy Storage
Biomass & Biowaste 0% 0%
1.6 MW of City-owned energy storage
Natural gas 27% 24%
21.5 MW of utility-scale battery energy storage
Nuclear 14% 14% 1,265 MW of pumped hydro storage
Large hydro 4% 4%
Coal 21% 21% Transmission
Submitted to the California Energy Commission for calendar year 2019.
* 4,093 miles of overhead transmission circuits
Preliminary estimates submitted for calendar year 2020. (AC and DC) spanning five Western states
130 miles of underground transmission circuits
Power Use (FY 2019-20) 15,452 transmission towers
The average electricity consumption per home was
about 433 kWh per month. The median usage for Distribution
residential customers was about 300 kWh per month. 7,268 miles of overhead distribution lines
3,756 miles of underground distribution cables
Business, industry and government agencies consumed 303,983 distribution utility poles
about 62% of the electricity in Los Angeles, while 3,214 pole-mounted capacitor banks
residents constituted 90% of total customers. 125,942 distribution transformers
177 distribution substations

2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

Pole Top Transformer

Residential
Renewables/Energy Storage 230/138 kV Large Customer
500 kV Small Customer
Solar
34.5 kV 4.8 kV

Gas/Coal/Nuclear
34.5 kV
4.8 kV
240/120 V

Generation Transmission Distribution Customer

33
 POWER SYSTEM

Power Reliability &

Resiliency
Providing reliable and safe electricity is woven into the
fabric of LADWP’s mission and strategic plan. LADWP’s
power reliability continues to beat national norms. On
average, our customers experienced less than one
outage and 103 minutes of power interruption during
fiscal year 2019-20, according to the system average
interruption frequency and duration indices, which are
reported by most U.S. utilities.

Power Grid Upgrades—

At a Glance
Infrastructure FY 2019-20 FY 2020-21
Replacements Achievements Targets

Poles 4,033 3,500

Crossarms 10,628 10,000
Transformers 876 850
Underground
Cable (miles) 57 50
Vaults 20 20

Outage Notifications
As part of our mission to put customers first, LADWP
launched an automated outage alert service in July 2019
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

to keep customers informed of the status of power

outages in their neighborhoods. Customers can enroll
online to receive texts, emails or both when there is a
power outage affecting their neighborhood. Since the
program went live, 41,282 customers have subscribed to
receive outage notifications, and the system has proven
effective during several significant outage events.

LADWP also continues to keep customers informed via

social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor
during major outages.

Sign up: LADWP.com/OutageAlert

34
 POWER SYSTEM
Infrastructure Upgrades LAX Receiving Station Takes Off
LADWP has invested significantly in the replacement LADWP and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) broke
and upgrade of aging and undersized electrical ground on Receiving Station X (RS-X) in November
equipment through the Power System Reliability 2020 to mark an important power reliability project for
Program (PSRP), supported by annual rate LAX and the greater traveling public.
adjustments from 2016 through 2020. LADWP invested
approximately $3.7 billion from FY 2016-17 This critical piece of infrastructure demonstrates the
through FY7 2019-20, with over $1 billion budgeted in strong collaboration and partnership between two
FY 2020-21. Through the PSRP, LADWP proactively Los Angeles sister agencies. RS-X will support LAWA’s
inspects power equipment to identify needed repairs. modernization plans by providing redundant power to
In FY 2019-20, LADWP crews completed repairs on all of the airport’s major facilities.
over 4,600 infrastructure-related jobs, and exceeded
RS-X is the first high-voltage receiving station built in
distribution equipment replacement targets for poles,
the Los Angeles in 33 years.
crossarms, transformers, and underground cables.

Helping California Weather Heat Waves VIC-LA Transmission Path Upgrade

As we strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
In August and September of 2020, California
and increase renewable energy, LADWP is upgrading
experienced extreme high temperature events, including
a key East-West transmission line to support the
the worst heat wave in 14 years. The sustained heat
addition of new renewable generation. Most of these
resulted in record-setting temperatures and a soaring
environmentally friendly generating resources have been
demand for electricity. During these heat storms, our
proposed east of the Victorville/Adelanto transmission
power system crews and field staff worked 24/7 to
line and will be conveyed to Los Angeles through the
keep the power on for our customers. Since LADWP
Victorville-to-LA Basin (VIC-LA) Transmission System.
had enough energy resources, we were able to provide
VIC-LA stretches 399 miles and includes three 500kV
surplus power to the California Independent System
and two 287kV lines.
Operator (CAISO), helping the state agency to avoid
rolling blackouts. Overall, LADWP provided nearly The VIC-LA project expands the path’s capacity by
43,700 megawatt-hours (MWh) of emergency power to about 450 MW, from 3,850 MW to 4,300 MW, and
state and local grid operators in California and Arizona includes 12 projects at various facilities along the route.
to keep the power flowing for 20 million customers. LADWP has successfully completed the installation of
five transformers, three 500kV circuit breakers, three
Wildfire Mitigation Plan 500kV disconnect switches, 14 towers, and 13.6 circuit
miles of upgraded transmission line. The entire project
Wildfires have posed a significant threat to public
is on track to be in service by December 31, 2022
safety, resulting in major changes in the state of
California’s fire prevention approach and requirements
for electric utilities to prepare and implement a year-
round wildfire mitigation plan. In December 2019,
LADWP finalized our Wildfire Mitigation Plan, consistent Sylmar Converter Station
with SB 901 and California Public Utilities Code 8387, Fifty years ago, the 846-mile Pacific DC Intertie
describing the Department’s actions to mitigate (PDCI) became the longest DC transmission
the threat of wildfires caused by electrical lines and line in North America. While it is no longer the
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

equipment. In June 2020, we submitted the plan to highest voltage DC line, it can boast that its
the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board (WSAB), southern anchor, the Sylmar Converter Station,
which found it to be comprehensive through clear has recently increased its capacity from
descriptions of relevant programs. 3,100 MW to 3,220 MW following a $223 million
facility upgrade. This modernization project—a
Our plan provides preventative strategies and programs partnership with Southern California Edison and
that include system hardening through design and the municipal utilities of Pasadena, Glendale and
construction, vegetation management, operations Burbank—was designed to extend the facility’s
protocols, and inspection and maintenance programs. As lifespan for 40 more years, ensuring continued
required, the plan will be updated each year. We expect reliability of power transmission between the
to submit the next update to the WSAB by July 1, 2021. two regions.
Learn more: LADWP.com/wildfireplan
35
 POWER SYSTEM

LA100 ACHIEVING 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY IN LOS ANGELES

Historic LA100 Study Shows Pathways to

100% Renewables for Los Angeles
In March 2021, LADWP joined with Mayor Eric Garcetti, At the same time, the study shows LADWP can reach
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, leading 100% renewables while remaining true to our core
energy scientists, and local elected officials to announce principles of reliability, environmental stewardship,
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

the results of the Los Angeles 100% Renewable Energy environmental justice, resiliency, and affordability.
Study (LA100) — an unprecedented analysis of various
pathways to achieve a 100% renewable energy grid NREL, working together with an L.A.-based Advisory
while prioritizing reliability, equity, and affordable rates Group, analyzed four distinct pathways, or scenarios,
for our customers. that explore how different choices would impact
the L.A. power system. These four scenarios were
This independent and unbiased study, led by a team modeled using three different levels of customer
of renewable energy experts at the U.S. Department electric demand—moderate, high and stress levels—
of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory and incorporate all known, viable renewable power
(NREL), affirmed that LADWP can achieve the City of technologies and other clean energy solutions, such
Los Angeles’ aggressive goal to be fully powered by as energy efficiency, demand response measures, and
100% renewable energy by 2045, and even by 2035 in local distributed energy resources. The scenarios also
the fastest scenario. vary by how much new transmission should be built,
36
 LA 100 High-Level
Findings

POWER SYSTEM
• All LA100 scenarios include significant
deployment of renewable and zero-carbon
energy by 2035, accounting for
84%–100% of energy and a decline
of 76%–100% greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions from power plant operations in
2035 compared to 2020,

• Wind and solar resources—enabled by

storage—are fundamental to providing the
majority of energy required to meet future
load: 69%–87% depending on the scenario.

• New in-basin, firm generation—using

renewably produced and storable fuels, can
come online within minutes, and can run for
hours to days—will become a key element
of maintaining reliability.

• Across all scenarios, there is a need for

new transmission to accommodate future
growth in renewable energy and meet
increased energy demand to maintain a
reliable power grid.

• Customers will need to play a bigger role in

managing their energy use to help reduce
costs and reduce load during peak periods.

whether to use biofuels for gas turbine combustion, and 108 members representing 47 organizations from
whether to allow renewable energy credits (RECs). academia, government, business and workforce,
(See page 42 to read more about the scenarios.) Neighborhood Councils, environmental groups, premiere
accounts, and utilities. The group convened quarterly
For each scenario, the study analyzed the impacts in-person and transitioned to virtual meetings after the
on power reliability, cost, air quality improvement COVID-19 pandemic required social distance measures.
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction related to

health benefits, the potential for high quality careers In January 2021, NREL conducted the first round of
and equitable local economic development, and virtual community outreach meetings, presenting a
environmental justice through the transformation to high-level view of the study findings on air quality,
100% renewable energy resources. health benefits, environmental justice, electricity rates,
and impacts to jobs and the economy related to the
The study also underscores the need for LADWP to transition to 100% renewable energy sources. A second
continue investing in local distribution infrastructure round of outreach meetings took place in May, jointly
through our power reliability program to keep up with presented by NREL and LADWP. NREL provided insight
the growth in energy demand expected from building on the study’s key findings while LADWP offered a
and transportation electrification. summary of the rate impacts of various scenarios as
well our critical next steps toward achieving 100%
Community and customer input has been a vital part of
renewable energy.
the study. The LA100 Advisory Group included
37
 POWER SYSTEM

LA100 ACHIEVING 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY IN LOS ANGELES

LA100 Scenarios • Insights: Builds more renewable generation out of state

and optimizes the use of local power plants because
LA100’s scenarios were modeled on three possible power can move more freely within the L.A. Basin.
levels of customer electricity demand. All were
designed to achieve the 100% target by 2045 except for Limited New Transmission
“Early & No Biofuels,” which evaluated an accelerated
• Prohibits new transmission capacity not already
target of 100% by 2035. As determined at the outset of
planned by LADWP, and does not allow natural gas or
the study, NREL did not make a recommendation on the
nuclear generation.
best scenario.
• Insights: More clean energy could be built locally,
SB100 but still adds solar and wind outside the city, where
• Follows the requirements of Senate Bill (SB) 100, resources are cheaper and more abundant.
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

requiring renewable energy and zero-carbon

resources to supply 100% of electric sales by 2045. Early & No Biofuels
• Reaches 100% clean energy target the fastest — by
• Insights: Only scenario based on the energy provided
2035 — and is the only scenario that does not allow
to customers as opposed to the energy generated.
biofuel combustion generation.
Includes natural gas generation and allows RECs so it
achieves net zero carbon power resources. • Insights: Builds more plants that rely on hydrogen
gas; potentially more expensive with less mature
Transmission Focus technologies; reduces emissions more quickly.
• Assumes low barriers to building new transmission
lines and upgrading older ones, and doesn’t allow Learn more: LADWP100.com
nuclear or natural gas generation.
38
 POWER SYSTEM
Critical Next Steps
All LA100 scenarios point to actions that we can
take now to stay on track to 100% renewable
energy and significantly reduce emissions
(76%–99%) by 2030.
Across all scenarios, there will be a need to:
• Rapidly increase renewables. We will work
to expand large-scale wind and solar power,
solar on customer rooftops, and more energy
storage, such as batteries.

• Accelerate new transmission. We will need

to build 10 transmission projects in the next
10 years to maintain grid reliability and meet
increasing electricity demand due to greater
electrification of transportation, buildings, the
Port of L.A. and LAX. IPP Renewed:
From Coal to Green Hydrogen
• Transform local generation. We will study
the potential for building green hydrogen The Intermountain Power Project (IPP), the last
combustion turbines and storage to provide remaining coal power plant in LADWP’s energy
firm (always ready) capacity for limited periods portfolio, is turning green. LADWP and our partners
in the L.A. basin to maintain reliability. in the Intermountain Power Agency (IPA), which
owns IPP, are developing a new state-of-the art
• Accelerate distributed energy resources 840 MW combined-cycle generating system that
equitably. Expanding customer-focused will use green hydrogen as a fuel source.
programs to increase energy efficiency, Dubbed “IPP Renewed,” the facility will be capable
electrification and flexible demand management of operating with a fuel blend of 30% green
will be crtical to achieving 100% renewables. hydrogen and 70% natural gas starting on Day 1 of
New programs will target customers in operation, expected in mid-2025, and up to
disadvantaged communities so that everyone 100% by 2045. It will also feature a seasonal energy
benefits from the clean energy transition. storage system that could hold up to 100,000 MWh
of renewable hydrogen for months at a time. The
renewable hydrogen will be stored in caverns, each
Determining a Path about the size of the Empire State Building, built
Strategic Long-Term Resource Plan within a giant natural salt dome near IPP.

To continue on the road to 100% renewable energy, IPP Renewed marks an important step in LADWP’s
LADWP plans to incorporate key takeaways from progress toward 100% carbon-free energy. The new
the LA100 Study into our next Strategic Long-Term facility will be capable of producing and storing
Resource Plan (SLTRP), beginning in the summer of carbon-free energy that is also dispatchable,
2021. Working with community partners, LADWP meaning it can generate a steady flow of reliable
will develop and recommend an optimum long-term and dependable power. This steady flow of power
pathway that supports our core principles of power is needed to support the Southern Transmission
reliability, sustainability, affordability and equity for our System, an existing transmission line coming from
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

customers. IPP to the Los Angeles basin. It will also tap into
existing and potential renewable energy in the
The SLTRP will consider the near-term and long-term region, including about 2,300 MW of solar and
steps to meet our aggressive new target of a 100% 1,500 MW of wind power.
carbon-free power supply by 2035 and interim targets
of 80% renewables and 97% carbon-free by 2030. An OEM contract for the generating units was
The planning process will also include a community established in 2020, and a two-stage RFP is
advisory group, similar to the LA100 Advisory Group, underway to secure the green hydrogen fuel supply
to ensure our plans reflect the input of the communities and storage. IPP Renewed will also help lead the
and customers we serve. way to making green hydrogen an economically
viable carbon-free power supply.
Learn more: LADWP.com/cleanenergyfuture

39
 POWER SYSTEM

Renewable Energy Large-Scale Solar

As of calendar year 2020, LADWP has 1,120 MW of
Rising large-scale solar generation in our renewable portfolio
through long-term power sales agreements, producing
In calendar year 2020, LADWP achieved an estimated 2,875 GWH for Los Angeles. That includes 660 MW in
37% renewable energy from wind, solar, geothermal, the Mojave Desert along the Barren Ridge Renewable
and eligible hydroelectric power. We exceeded the Corridor—Beacon Solar (250 MW) + Battery
state-mandated target for electric utilities in California (20 MW/10MWh); Springbok Solar (350 MW), and
of 33% in 2020, and are on track to meet state and local RE Cinco Solar (60 MW). We also built and maintain
goals, including the our goal of 80% renewables Pine Tree Solar (8.5 MW) and Adelanto Solar (10 MW)
by 2035. facilities. Outside of California, we receive solar from
the Copper Mountain 3 Solar Plant in Nevada (210 MW)
Red Cloud Wind Project, 331 MW and Moapa Southern Paiute Solar in Southern Nevada
(250 MW).
LADWP entered into a power purchase agreement with
Pattern Energy in November 2020 for a 331 MW wind
Eland Solar + Storage Center,
facility located in New Mexico. The Red Cloud Wind 400 MW Solar + 300 MW/1,200 MWh Battery
project is under construction and is expected to reach
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

commercial operation in December 2021. The energy The Eland Solar and Storage Center, considered the
will be delivered to Los Angeles via the Navajo 500 kV nation’s largest combined solar power and battery
Switching Station and existing transmission. energy storage system (BESS), will be capable of
dispatching power to meet peak demand, even after
When operating at full capacity, Red Cloud will produce the sun sets. Located off Highway 14, north of Mojave,
enough wind energy to serve 222,300 homes and offset California, the Eland Solar and Storage Center will
approximately 464,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions consist of two large-scale solar facilities totaling
annually from fossil fuel power plants. That amount of 400 MW of single-axis solar photovoltaic system,
avoided GHG emissions is like removing 100,000 gas- integrated with 300 MW / 1,200 MWh BESS energy.
fueled vehicles from the highway for a year. Glendale Water and Power (GWP) is participating with
LADWP in Eland 1 and will receive 12.5% of the total
solar and battery storage system.

40
 POWER SYSTEM
When operating at full capacity, Eland 1 and Eland 2
will produce enough solar energy to serve 283,330
Maximizing L.A. Sunshine
homes and offset approximately 727,000 metric Local solar is an important part of our plans to achieve
tons of CO₂ emissions annually from fossil fuel power 100% renewable energy, and L.A.’s Green New Deal
plants. That amount of avoided GHG emissions is like calls for 900 to 1,500 MW of local solar by 2025. Local
removing 148,700 gas-fueled vehicles from the highway solar programs provide residents and businesses with
for a year. The project is slated to begin commercial opportunities to generate their own clean, renewable
operation by December 31, 2023. power. They also support the city’s green economy and
provide equity for all customers to enjoy the benefits of
Energy Storage a healthy, clean environment.
Expanding energy storage is integral to creating a clean Small-scale solar projects enhance grid reliability by
energy future for Los Angeles. LADWP is developing providing a distributed energy resource, functioning
large-scale battery and alternative energy storage like mini-power plants that generate energy right where
projects that will provide a carbon-free, clean energy it is being used. LADWP’s suite of local solar programs
solution to integrating renewable energy onto the power include customer net energy metered solar (NEM),
grid. Similar to the Eland Solar and Storage Center, all Feed-in Tariff (FiT), community solar, and utility-built
new agreements for large solar projects will feature a solar, through which LADWP installs solar on rooftops
battery energy storage component. of LADWP and City-owned buildings. As of December
2020, approximately 473 MW of local solar was
In addition to utility-scale energy storage, LADWP
supporting L.A.’s clean grid.
recognizes the important role of local customer-owned
energy storage. We have introduced standards that Expanded Feed-in Tariff
allow customers to safely install energy storage systems,
including those paired with rooftop solar systems. As of LADWP’s FiT program, the largest offered by any
November 2020, LADWP has interconnected over 11.3 MW municipal utility in the nation, creates revenue
of customer-owned energy storage systems. This type for LADWP’s commercial customers while also
of equipment will allow customers to both produce and contributing to the green economy by supporting
store solar power for use later in the evening, and help sustainable businesses and local jobs. The program
them to better manage their energy use. enables customers or other third parties to enter into
an agreement with LADWP to develop solar, or other
Springbok Solar Battery renewable energy resources, within the utility’s service
areas, and sell the energy to LADWP for distribution on
In 2019, a pilot battery project was initiated at the
the city’s power grid.
Springbok Solar facility through a joint effort of
LADWP, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Responding to increased demand and to benefit
and 8 Minute Energy. The project will demonstrate more customers, LADWP launched an expanded FiT
improved solar generation forecasting, inverter and program in January 2020 that provides an additional
battery controller functionality at the Springbok 3 300 MW of renewable energy projects on top of the
site. The outcome will allow LADWP to bridge the gap current 150 MW program, which is now fully subscribed
between old technologies and new technologies and and has a wait list.
help us transition to 100% renewables.
Another expansion of FiT, known as the FiT Plus pilot
JFB Battery Energy Storage Pilot Project program, was launched in early 2021. Through this
program, LADWP will add up to 10 MW of distributed
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

In operation since November 2019, the John Ferraro

Building (JFB) Battery Energy Storage System consists energy resource (DER) projects to the grid. FiT Plus
of two types of battery technologies—one lithium-Ion encourages the development of combined solar and
and one flow battery system being studied through battery energy storage systems close to where the
a pilot project with EPRI. Each battery is capable of customer is using power. Creating more local solar,
generating 100 kW for four hours. The study will help combined with batteries, avoids energy losses that
inform future decisions regarding large-scale energy otherwise occur when energy is conveyed over long
storage within our service territory. distances as well as improves the reliability and
resiliency of the power grid.
In 2021, we expect to complete the evaluations and
determine best uses of the battery technology to meet Learn more: LADWP.com/FIT
our clean energy goals.

41
 POWER SYSTEM

Removing Barriers: Shared Solar

Virtual Net Energy Metering The Shared Solar Program was designed specifically
for residential customers living in multifamily
Residential customers living in multifamily housing dwellings. Launched in May 2019, Shared Solar allows
have limited opportunities to enjoy the benefits of apartment or condo dwellers to participate in the
solar projects. LADWP’s Virtual Net Energy Metering economic benefits of solar while supporting a cleaner
(VNEM) Pilot Program, approved by the Board of Water and healthier environment. Through Shared Solar,
and Power Commissioners and City Council in early participants are charged a fixed cost for a portion of
2021, represents a continued commitment to expand their electric bill, guarding against rising utility costs for
programs to populations with low solar participation up to 10 years. Program participants can subscribe to
rates. 50 kWh or the maximum of 100 kWh of solar power on
Launched in March 2021, VNEM will help remove barriers a monthly basis. The blocks of clean electricity come
to solar benefits and make it easier for renters to from new solar power plants constructed in or near the
manage their electrical bills over time. VNEM is similar in L.A. basin.
structure to the FiT program, but available to residents
of multifamily housing, a sector with great potential for
Net Energy Metering
rooftop solar systems. Developers will sell the output Residents and businesses in Los Angeles continue
of local solar projects directly to LADWP. Proceeds demonstrating their enthusiasm for going solar. The Net
from the energy sales will be financially divided among Energy Metering Program enables customers to install
tenants, project developers, and property owners. their own solar system and connect to the city’s electric
grid. Customers benefit by receiving a credit on their bill
Community Solar for the amount of power that their solar system provides
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

Since launching the Community Solar Program (CSP) to the grid. Through the program, LADWP provides
in 2015, LADWP has been developing innovative customers with a solar net energy meter and works with
business models to better serve our customers and them on connecting the meter to the power grid.
help create the grid of the future, meet renewable Although the solar incentive program is no longer
energy mandates, increase solar equity, and empower available, customers can still take advantage of the
communities in the clean energy transition. The CSP Federal Tax Credits until the end of 2021.
includes the Solar Rooftops and Shared Solar Programs.
It came about in response to findings of LADWP’s Learn more: LADWP.com/Solar
Equity Metrics Data Initiative (EMDI), which identified
a lack of solar in disadvantaged and underserved
communities. Community Solar programs offer an
opportunity for all Angelenos to access the health and
42 environmental benefits of solar power.
 POWER SYSTEM
Local Solar – By the Numbers
(As of December 31, 2020)
Over 51,677 customer-installed solar systems connected
to the grid.

Net Energy Metering/Solar Incentive Program:

• $336.5 million in solar incentives for 34,573 systems
since the program launch in 1999*

• $279 million in incentives for 277 MW under state

legislated program SB1*

• Total net-metered solar: 391.6 MW from 51,678

systems, generating 772,000 MWh per year
*Includes incentives processed after program closed on
December 31, 2018.

Feed-in Tariff Program:

• 108 renewable projects in service, totaling 81.1 MW*

• The energy produced from these projects is enough

to supply nearly 23,000 homes
*Includes 4 MW installed in the Owens Valley and 2.95 MW com-
prised of renewable landfill gas

Solar Rooftops Program:

• 32 installations completed

• 116.4 kW of solar power being delivered

• 15 projects (63.9 kW) are expected to be installed in

early 2021

Shared Solar Program:

• 555 customers enrolled

• 43,200 kWh per month supplied

Utility Built Solar

• 47 installations completed totaling 26 MW*
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

*Includes 44 in-basin projects totaling 6.6 MW

Learn more: LADWP.com/solar

43
 POWER SYSTEM

Charge Up L.A.!
Through our electric transportation infrastructure battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. In 2020, a year
deployment, rebates and programs, we are creating that was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,
electric vehicle (EV) communities across Los Angeles. LADWP customers applied for 1,092 used EV rebates.
LADWP encourages customers to plug in and save
through EV rebate programs, expanding citywide Learn more: LADWP.com/usedEVrebate
charging infrastructure, and other strategies. The
benefits of electrification include reducing the city’s Charging Up LADWP Facilities
carbon emissions and other tailpipe emissions, Through the end of 2020, LADWP installed more than
improving local air quality, and saving costs for drivers 904 Level 2 charging stations at our facilities, including
because charging up vehicles can be less expensive 15 DC fast chargers (DCFCs) at publicly accessible
than gas. EVs and other forms of electric transportation locations. We are planning to install 766 more charging
can also help integrate more renewable energy into the stations on LADWP properties over the next two years.
city’s power grid and improve power reliability when
owners charge up their vehicles at the appropriate time. The Van Nuys Customer Service Center project, which
broke ground in August 2020, is part of a larger plan to
Electric Transportation Goals create EV fast charging hubs at LADWP and City facilities.
The center will offer four DCFCs and 14 Level 2 charging
After surpassing the goal of 10,000 commercial
stations. Also in 2020, we began work on the DS-136
chargers in the city in 2020, Los Angeles is on track
fast charging project, which will include three DCFCs
to meet our next electric transportation milestones,
accessible to nearby residents in Woodland Hills once
including 25,000 commercial charging stations by 2025
completed.
and 28,000 by 2028. LADWP’s efforts will support the
goal of 500,000 EVs in the city and provide Clean Fuel Reward
EV infrastructure for the 2028 Summer Olympic and
Paralympic Games. In November 2020, LADWP and other California electric
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

utilities teamed up with the California Air Resources

Charging Up Disadvantaged Board (CARB) to introduce the California Clean Fuel
Communities Reward (CCFR), a point-of-sale price reduction of
up to $1,500 for the purchase or lease of any eligible
LADWP is continuing to enhance our Charge Up L.A. new battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle from a
EV rebate programs, focusing on increasing access participating automotive retailer. Since its launch, over
in disadvantaged communities. In November 2020, 1,500 LADWP customers benefited from the CCFR
we began offering an additional $1,000 rebate for program, which can be combined with other local,
eligible commercial Level 2 charging stations installed federal and state incentives. The CCFR is funded by
in underserved communities, and we are working on electric utilities, such as LADWP, participating in CARB’s
increasing the rebate for income-qualified customers Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Program.
who purchase used EVs. Our used EV rebate program
provides up to $1,500 toward the purchase of a used Learn more: www.cleanfuelreward.com
44
Charging Forward: #1 in Commercial Charging

POWER SYSTEM
Stations
LADWP has met and exceeded our goal of supporting The city’s commercial EV charging stations include 2,477
the installation of 10,000 commercial EV charging that are publicly accessible as well as 8,568 non-public
stations throughout the city. Los Angeles has an charging stations at workplaces, fleet operations and
estimated 11,045 commercial charging stations, the multi-unit dwellings. Within Los Angeles, there are
most of any city in the United States. L.A.’s extensive 10,779 commercial Level 2 charging stations and
charging network provides expanded options for the 266 DC fast chargers. A large portion of the charging
city’s growing EV community, with an estimated 62,850 stations received funding incentives through LADWP’s
EVs registered as of January 2021. This milestone was commercial EV charging station rebate program. We
surpassed in October 2020, almost two years earlier have issued over 8,000 rebates to date, with over 60%
than L.A.’s Green New Deal goal of 10,000 commercial going to residential multi-unit dwellings.
EV charging stations by 2022.
Learn more: LADWP.com/EV

Electrifying Public Transportation Guiding Principles

LADWP and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan LADWP applies the following guiding principles for
Transportation Authority (L.A. Metro) have been launching new and redesigned energy efficiency
coordinating closely since 2018 to deploy the electric programs:
services and charging infrastructure needed to electrify
the transit buses of the G-Line (formerly known as • Promoting energy efficiency programs for all
the Orange Line). The Department is supporting L.A. customer sectors.
Metro’s effort through our commercial EV charging
• Targeting “hard-to-reach” customers, such as
station rebate program, which provides funding for
low-income residents and small businesses.
medium- and heavy-duty chargers. These incentives
will help install high powered DCFCs at L.A. Metro’s • Achieving tangible economic benefits for low-income
Chatsworth bus depots as well as charging stations at customers.
three other bus stations along the G-line.
• Leveraging programs to support jobs for the local

Investing in Energy workforce.

Efficiency • Working collaboratively with partner agencies on

outreach and education to reach a broad and diverse
customer base.
Energy efficiency is a key strategy for transitioning our
power supply to 100% renewable energy, providing a • Operating transparently and reporting results
cost-effective way to reduce GHG emissions and other regularly.
pollutants. Energy efficiency supports system reliability
and resiliency while enabling customers to better Energy Efficiency Goals
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

manage their power. We offer a menu of rebates for We achieved our target of 15% cumulative energy
energy-efficient appliances and other measures that savings from 2010 through 2020, based on findings
are tailored for all customer sectors to enjoy benefits, of the 2014 Energy Efficiency Potential Study. After
including lower energy bills, enhanced productivity, and receiving an updated potential study in late 2020,
helping reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions from LADWP adopted a new goal to reduce energy use by
fossil fuel generation. Our programs are also designed to another 15% from 2020 through 2030, representing
support clean jobs and the Los Angeles economy. 4,200 GWh in energy savings. At that pace, by 2030,
we will have doubled our prior target for 2020.
Learn more: LADWP.com/save

45
 PUTTING CUSTOMERS FIRST

Putting
Customers First
With the challenges introduced by COVID-19, providing
excellent customer service is more important than ever. As
we navigate the new normal in our workplace and personal
lives, LADWP employees continue putting customers first as
we strive to provide respectful, responsive, and dependable
customer service. Metrics alone cannot illustrate the intangible
ways in which we have worked to serve our customers,
especially during this very difficult time.

All our customers are our partners, and we continually seek

innovative ways to make it easier to work with us. We are
committed to providing information, assistance and services
so that interactions with us are safe, effortless and as efficient
as possible, especially during the pandemic. In early 2020, we
quickly and decisively innovated and adapted our services to
bring crucial support to our financially struggling customers.
We introduced contactless methods to perform water
leak surveys, allowed customers to pay by appointment to
ensure safe social distancing, and retrained customer service
representatives to work even more proactively with customers
affected by the pandemic.

We continue to increase customers’ awarenes of their

bill payment options, and energy efficiency and water
conservation programs that can help offset their costs. We are
a neighborhood utility that is looking out for our customers’
best interests.
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

1.8 million 37,143

Calls handled Emails handled

46
 By the Numbers FY 2019-20 PUTTING CUSTOMERS FIRST
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

179,015 1.3 million 1 36

minute seconds 3 19minutes seconds
Online signups In-person visits Average call wait time
(includes dropbox payments after (July 1, 2019 – (FY 2019-20)*
centers closed in March 2020) February 29, 2020)

*
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, we experienced longer call
wait times as we modified office space for social distancing and
transitioned to telecommuting.

47
 PUTTING CUSTOMERS FIRST

Scam Awareness include customer consultation areas, ample parking,

and EV charging stations. We will implement the new
Scams are a growing problem for utilities across queueing system, which allows our customers to take a
the nation, and imposters are known to strike more seat or peruse the displays until a customer service rep
frequently during crises. LADWP belongs to a national can assist them.
organization, Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS),
through which we work together on nationwide 2020 Business Customer Champion
campaigns to increase awareness and protect our
LADWP was recognized as a 2020 Business Customer
customers from scams.
Champion by a national survey conducted by Escalent,
When the pandemic occurred, we stepped up a leading customer satisfaction and analytics firm. The
messaging on our social media channels to caution survey identified 23 utilities in the U.S. with the highest
customers about potential scams. We reinforced the Engaged Customer Relationship (ECR) scores. The
message that we were not severing service for non- ranking is based on a national survey of commercial
payment and that no one from LADWP would come to customers published in a 2020 Cogent Syndicated
customers’ homes or businesses demanding payment. Utility Trusted Brand & Customer Engagement™:
We renamed our past due notices to “Payment Business Study. LADWP continues to receive high scores
Reminders” to tell customers that we were not in many categories, including customer and field service,
disconnecting service for non-payment and to call us if billing and payment, and communications effectiveness,
they needed payment options. all of which contributed to receiving this recognition.

Customer Service Centers Recognizing the unique challenges that our business
customers faced during the pandemic, LADWP
Although Customer Service Centers were originally increased focus on our customers’ online experience
closed when the city and state invoked “Stay at Home” by continuously updating and sharing pertinent
orders, we reopened our doors for appointments, information about water and power service, payment
understanding that many customers prefer or need assistance programs, and other COVID-19 related
to conduct business with us in person. To better serve resources through social media channels, our corporate
our communities, we plan to move to new locations in website, and through our commercial account liaisons.
Mission Hills and Watts to replace the existing service
centers. These new locations, opening in late 2021, Learn more: LADWP.com/COVID19Response
will be more spacious and convenient. Amenities will

COVID-19
Scam Alert
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

48
 CUSTOMER SAVINGS AND SUSTAINABILITY
CoreSite’s downtown Los Angeles facility, LA2, earned 1st Place in the Energy Efficiency Excellence Award category at LADWP’s 2020 Sustainability
Awards, along with a $3 million rebate check from LADWP helping to defray the cost of the efficiency measures. CoreSite conducted an extensive
cooling retrofit that replaced its chilled water-cooling system with a new, centralized water chiller system consisting of four 1,500-ton water cooled
chillers. The project also included installation of variable speed cooling towers, variable speed chilled water and condenser water pumps and water-
side chiller heat exchangers. The efficiency upgrades are expected to save nearly 10 GWh annually.

Customer Savings and

Sustainability
Sustainability Awards Energy Efficiency 1st Place Winners

LADWP hosted the 5th Annual • Leadership: CoreSite (see description above).
Sustainability Awards via a • Impact: Wiltern Center, conducted extensive retrofits
web-enabled virtual ceremony such as upgraded lighting, reducing annual electric
on September 10, 2020. The awards honor our largest use by nearly 75%.
customers and partners that achieved significantly
positive environmental impacts through participation Water Conservation 1st Place Winners
in LADWP rebate programs. These efficiency efforts
help participating organizations save on costs, conserve • Leadership: Anheuser-Busch, installed microfiltration
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

our natural resources and greatly contribute to and reverse osmosis, providing high-quality reclaimed
environmental goals set for the city of Los Angeles. water for industrial use.

Through their outstanding commitment to sustainability, • Impact: Hotel Palomar, installed 528 plumbing flow
these organizations conserved approximately 74 million control valves for their 264 guest rooms, reducing
gallons of water and reduced CO2 emissions by their water use by close to 9% annually.
10,285 tons annually.
Transportation Electrification 1st Place Winner
Awards were presented to 24 customers in five • Shelly Sterling, installed 441 Level 2 Chargers at
categories. Leadership Awards are based on absolute 34 locations under the Charge Up LA! Program.
water and energy savings, and Impact Awards are based
on how much water and energy was saved compared to Learn more: LADWP.com/SAP
their annual average use.
49
 Power Savers
CUSTOMER SAVINGS AND SUSTAINABILITY

LADWP introduced a new demand

response program for residential
and small business customers in
the summer of 2020. The program
asks customers to “bring your
own thermostat” to participate.
Customers receive an incentive
upon enrollment and for each
year of participation. In 2020,
over 18,000 residential customers
(with over 20,000 thermostats)
participated in the program,
contributing to a 10 MW portfolio.
Through 10 Power Savers events in
2020, customers achieved 212 MWh
of energy savings. In 2020, LADWP
paid over $3.17 million in incentives
to participating customers, and
plans to scale up the program to
25 MW by summer 2022.

The programs offer financial incentives to promote

Through our portfolio of energy the adoption and use of electric vehicles and electric
vehicle chargers to stimulate the implementation
efficiency rebates, upgrades and other of low/zero emission alternatives. Expanding EV
programs, residential and commercial infrastructure is key to increasing EV adoption and
customers saved nearly 448 GWh achieving state targets and our clean energy goals for
LADWP and the city of Los Angeles.
cumulatively for the FY 2019-20.
That amount of energy savings is Continuing Services and
comparable to offsetting electricity Rebates During the Pandemic
for 80,287 homes and reducing While forced to temporarily suspend customer
GHG emissions by 140,622 metric tons programs that require face-to-face contact, such as
free efficiency upgrades for homes and businesses, we
annually, which equates to removing continued to provide program updates to customers
33,353 gasoline-fueled cars from through emails and phone messaging. At the same
the road. time, we recognized the importance of processing
and mailing our rebate checks to help customers in
such a time of economic uncertainty. We adjusted
Residential Rebate and our administrative processes to continue tracking and
distributing rebates. As a result, processing rates and
Incentive Programs payments have moderately improved compared to
LADWP’s Consumer Rebate Program (CRP) promotes pre-COVID performance.
the use of energy efficient products by offering financial
incentives to residential customers. This program is
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

designed to educate LADWP residential customers

The Consumer Rebate Program
about the benefits of energy efficiency and help them to
purchase and install qualifying products in their home. processed 21,777 applications in
FY 2019-20 resulting in over
To encourage customers to drive electric, we continue
offering a variety of rebate programs for residential $25 million in rebates to customers.
and commercial vehicle charging stations and used During that same period, 2,498 EV
EVs. The LADWP Electric Vehicle Programs include the Program applications resulted in over
Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate
Program, the Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging $24 million in rebates.
Station Program, and the Used EV Rebate Program.

50
 CUSTOMER SAVINGS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Together, Let’s Save!
Save Energy. Save Water. Repeat.

ladwp.com/save

Summer Savings Campaign Water Conservation

During hot weather, energy and water use—along with Similar to energy efficiency programs, water
bills—typically increase, adding to financial hardships conservation programs that require face-to-face
people may already have been experiencing due to interactions were temporarily suspended due to the
the COVID-19 pandemic. To help customers offset COVID-19 pandemic. To adapt to the crisis, LADWP
the financial impact of the pandemic while benefiting piloted the Virtual Leak Detection Tour Program in
the environment, LADWP implemented a widespread July 2020, and many customers who were pre-identified
summer marketing campaign from July through based on usage took advantage of this service.
October 2020 to promote energy efficiency and Additionally, we provided instructions to participating
water conservation. Targeting residential customers, customers for do-it-yourself meter inspections.
the campaign focused on saving energy and water
to reduce consumption, help customers manage and Our popular landscape trainings, designed to help
afford their water and power costs, and conserve customers plant drought tolerant and California
precious resources. Friendly® landscapes, were transitioned to the virtual
classroom. All water conservation rebate programs
We connected with customers through social media continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. LADWP
channels, traditional media, and other communications and MWD, which administers many of the water
strategies to promote rebate programs for energy or conservation rebate programs, jointly decided to pay
water-saving devices that research shows can make rebates using virtual inspections for quality assurance
a real impact on costs. We also sought to educate and verification of projects. LADWP staff used various
customers about easy ways to reduce their water and web-based interactive platforms to virtually inspect
power use, receive free water-saving devices, and projects and approve rebates.
LADWP’s bill pay assistance programs.

Efficient Product Marketplace

LADWP’s Efficient Product Marketplace (EPM) Program
is a convenient online marketplace that offers a variety
of popular energy efficient products from different
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

stores and online retailers with pricing and rebate

information. EPM was enhanced with a new feature
called “Checkout,” which enables customers to receive
earned rebates instantly, as a point-of-sale credit, for the
purchase of eligible energy efficient products. EPM also
offered monthly specials with even deeper rebates for
energy efficient appliances and devices, including smart,
programmable thermostats and advanced, energy-
saving power strips and surge protectors.

Learn more: LADWP.com/EPM

51
 CUSTOMER SAVINGS AND SUSTAINABILITY

Savings for Large LADWP’s Custom Performance

Customers Program team worked with
Remote Inspections Kept engineering service providers
the Rebate Checks Flowing to develop remote verification
When social distancing requirements went into effect, procedures. The Remote Verification
LADWP Efficiency Solutions worked swiftly to design, Pilot has kept CI&I programs running
develop and launch a Remote Inspection Pilot Program
effectively and uninterrupted during
to continue our Commercial Lighting Incentive and
Custom Performance programs for commercial, the COVID-19 pandemic.
industrial and institutional (CI&I) customers. Using
virtual inspections, we were able to verify that energy
efficiency measures are properly installed, and continue Efficiency Upgrades at Local Schools
processing rebates throughout the pandemic. To keep our programs running during the COVID-19
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

The first LADWP Remote Verification Pilot inspection pandemic, LADWP’S Efficiency Solutions field support
for a subterranean parking garage in downtown team coordinated with our Custom Performance
L.A. was completed on April 21, 2020. Cellular signal Program and LAUSD to prioritize projects associated
boosters were located throughout the garage to with the California Clean Energy Jobs Act (Proposition
provide stable 4G connectivity throughout the 39) K-12 Program.
verification. As of December 31, 2020, LADWP’s Staff developed an efficient and streamlined method
program field staff completed 161 remote verifications to process projects, employing procedures designed
that have resulted in potential incentive payments of for quick processing. The new method includes
approximately $7.8 million. designating a liaison with LAUSD, scheduling remote
verifications with multiple contractors, and training field
representatives.

52
 CUSTOMER SAVINGS AND SUSTAINABILITY
In 2020, remote verifications were conducted for Altogether, the potential energy savings of these projects
43 LAUSD schools. More than $1.5 million in incentives is equivalent to removing 583 homes off the grid and
were paid, saving approximately 1,247,000 kWh. That avoiding 1,197 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
amount of energy savings is enough to power 208
homes for a year. Upstream HVAC Savings
Despite the pandemic and challenging economic
Universities See Big Savings conditions, Efficiency Solutions’ Upstream Heating,
As a member of the University of California (UC) and Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program has
California State University (CSU) Partnership, LADWP continued its momentum. For FY 2019-20, the program
offered a flat rate incentive to the university facilities in exceeded our goal of 9 GWh by nearly 18%, bringing in
Los Angeles for energy efficiency projects. As a result over 10.6 GWh in energy savings and contributing
of this incentive rate, the Commercial Lighting Incentive 4,281 kW in demand reduction. The program paid
Program and Custom Performance Program have $2,386,031 in incentives for over 2,100 high-efficiency
55 UC and CSU projects in queue. Together, they HVAC units. Thanks to a large program offering and
will potentially save 18 GWh annually and receive continuous market engagement, the Upstream HVAC
approximately $3,725,000 in rebates. program finished the year strong and has continued that
trend into FY 2020-21.
UC and CSU campuses in Los Angeles also benefitted
from additional funding through LADWP’s Savings At the midpoint of FY 2020-21, the program was
By Design Program, which incentivizes efficiency eclipsing its prior year savings with over 5.7 GWh energy
measures in new construction. In FY 2020-21, five savings so far—about 53% of the program goal. In
developments remain in the queue with estimated addition, the Upstream HVAC program has broadened
savings of 640,000 kWh annually. its reach by bringing in major retail hardware stores, such
as Home Depot, Lowes, and HD Supply. Each developed
LADWP has also partnered with two prominent private their own business service offerings for commercial
Los Angeles universities on 39 energy efficiency customers through LADWP’s HVAC program.
projects slated to be completed and paid in FY 2020-21.
The estimated energy savings are about 3.5 GWh with
$875,000 in rebates projected.

2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

53
 FINANCE & CORPORATE PERFORMANCE

Finance & Corporate Performance:

Ensuring Transparency and

Corporate
Accountability
LADWP established the Corporate Performance Office
within the Financial Services Organization to improve

Performance our accountability, transparency, and ultimately

operating, financial, and customer service performance.
The Corporate Performance Office conducts data
driven analysis and reports on Department-wide key
As a public municipal water and power utility, LADWP performance indicators (KPIs), benchmarking, and
exists by and for our customers, who are also our other special studies.
owners. We develop all of our strategic plan goals and
objectives so that they are achievable, measurable, Meeting Targets
and cost effective, and are designed to maintain
In accordance with the Water and Electric Rate
cost competitive rates for our customers. LADWP
Ordinances that went into effect in April 2016, and in
is committed to meeting our operational needs and
conjunction with the Office of Public Accountability/
financial goals through:
Ratepayer Advocate (RPA), LADWP developed a set
• Maintaining diverse power and water sources of rates metrics aimed at fostering transparency and
accountability across our major programs, initiatives,
• Meeting or exceeding all regulatory commitments and budgets. The performance results for rates metrics
have been reported to the RPA every four months and
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

• Continuing to invest in water and power system to the Board on a semi-annual basis since January 2017.
reliability
During FY 2019-20, LADWP reported on 57 rate metrics
• Maintaining competitive retail rates and financial of which more than two-thirds met or exceeded their
stability targets. In the Power System, we met our required
renewable energy goals and stayed within spending
• Improving customer service
levels for wind, solar, and geothermal resources. We
For the FY 2020-21, the budgets approved by the Board exceeded our power reliability replacement targets for
of Water and Power Commissioners are consistent critical power equipment such as poles, transformers
with our strategic plan, reflecting continued cost and cables, and also stayed within spending goals. In
controls and prioritization of resources that address our the Water System, we met the spending targets for
customer-driven priorities. water quality as well as the Sustainable City pLAn goal
of 20% reduction in GPCD.
54
 FINANCE & CORPORATE PERFORMANCE
Successful Bond Sales Since 2011, LADWP has refunded $6.7 billion of debt
and yielded $1.1 billion in present value savings.
Maintaining strong credit ratings is a key component of
To maintain our financial health and protect our
keeping water and power rates competitive. LADWP
ratepayers, LADWP also adheres to Board approved
continues to maintain high bond ratings from Wall
financial planning metrics including debt service
Street, and this enables us to access low-interest
coverage, operating cash, and capitalization ratios.
borrowing and achieve cost-effective capital projects,
which saves money for our customers.

Ensuring Equity Based on what has been learned through EMDI, LADWP
has expanded many programs in disadvantaged
LADWP has worked to improve the equity of our
communities. Data-driven, map-based analysis found
programs and services for all customers through the
those communities had less solar installations and
Equity Metrics Data Initiative (EMDI). Since January
publicly accessible EV charging stations. We have
2017, we have used equity metrics to assess how well
since created Community Solar Programs, expanded
programs, services, resources, and investments are
electric vehicle chargers and offered rebates for used
distributed and utilized. The metrics cover key areas
EVs. In 2020, we conducted virtual outreach meetings
such as water and power infrastructure investment,
to receive input on new metrics that enhance equity in
customer incentive programs, procurement, and
underserved areas.
employment. The metrics are reported to the Board of
Water and Power Commissioners semi-annually. Learn more: LADWP.com/equitymetrics

Our Water and Power Rates Are Competitive

2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

Residential combined monthly water and power bills, as of January 2021

*Based on the midpoint of all residential electricity use of 300 kWh per month and the midpoint of water use of 10 HCF per month.
55
 FINANCIAL DATA

Financial Data
This provides an overview of
the financial activities of the
LADWP for fiscal years
2015-16 through 2019-2020.

For the complete financial statements:

LADWP.com/financialinfo
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

56
 FINANCIAL DATA
WATER SERVICES FACTS IN BRIEF

FY 2020 FY 2019 FY 2018 FY 2017 FY 2016

Use of Water
Average Los Angeles Population Served 4,010,684 4,040,079 4,054,400 4,021,488 3,985,114
Average daily use per capita (gallons)* 105 105 112 102 104
Water Sales for Fiscal Year
199.9 195.4 205.3 196.0 199.2
(Millions of Billing Units of 100 cu. Ft)

Water Supply
(Millions of Billing Units of 100 cu. Ft.)
Local supply 15.0 14.0 9.5 22.3 34.4
DWP Aqueduct 127.2 136.1 134.0 92.6 22.3
MWD 67.0 60.0 79.6 95.7 150.6
Recycled Water 4.2 3.3 4.3 3.5 4.3
Gross Supply 213.4 213.4 227.4 214.1 211.6
Diversion from (to) local storage -0.3 -0.7 -0.1 -3.4 1.0
Net supply to distribution systems 213.1 212.7 227.3 210.7 212.6

Bond Ratings
Moody’s/S&P/Fitch Aa2/AA+/AA Aa2/AA+/AA Aa2/AA+/AA Aa2/AA+/AA Aa2/AA+/AA

ENERGY SERVICES FACTS IN BRIEF

FY 2020 FY 2019 FY 2018 FY 2017 FY 2016

Number of Customers
Residential 1,404,768 1,396,643 1,385,470 1,378,172 1,370,137
Commercial and Industrial 126,153 125,673 123,680 122,841 122,734
All Other 7,010 6,484 6,391 6,651 7,002
Total customers of all classes 1,537,931 1,528,800 1,515,541 1,507,664 1,499,873

Power Use
Sales to Ultimate Customers
- kilowatt (kW) hours 21,127,502,753 21,961,382,983 22,383,310,345 22,490,122,681 23,278,785,593
Sales to Other Utilities
- kW Hours 1,050,536,000 626,058,000 532,293,000 1,425,847,000 1,880,402,376
Average annual kW hours
5,335 5,252 5,248 5,285 5,450
per residential customer
Net dependable capacity, megawatts 7,981 7,937 7,850 7,787 8,038

Bond Ratings
Moody’s/S&P/Fitch Aa2/AA/AA- Aa2/AA/AA Aa2/AA/AA Aa2/AA-/AA- Aa2/AA-/AA-

WATER AND POWER (CONSOLIDATED) FINANCIAL FACTS IN BRIEF

($ Billions) FY 2020 FY 2019 FY 2018 FY 2017 FY 2016

Financial Data
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

Total Assets 29.0 28.3 26.9 26.7 25.6

Total Net Position 9.1 8.8 8.4 8.9 8.6
Total Annual Operating Revenue 5.1 5.3 5.0 4.8 4.6
Total Annual Budget 6.3 5.7 6.1 6.3 6.4

Retiree Benefits Data

Based on Market Value of Assets
Unfunded Pension Liability 1.1 0.8 0.9 1.3 2.2
Funded Pension % 92.3% 94.0% 93.1% 89.4% 82.2%
Unfunded Retiree Medical Liability 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.6
Funded Retiree Medical % 92.5% 82.8% 84.5% 81.4% 72.5%

S&P continues to rate bonds issued prior to December 2019. Starting in FY 2021, Kroll Bond Rating Agency rated the Water 2020 B and 2020 C
*

Bonds. 57
 FINANCIAL DATA

WATER SERVICES SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AND STATISTICS

($ Millions) FY2020 FY 2019 FY 2018 FY 2017 FY 2016

Operating Revenue
Residential $537.6 $515.2 $509.6 $450.4 $458.0
Multi Dwelling 402.0 396.0 352.1 338.6 339.8
Commercial and Industrial 253.2 262.3 254.7 264.7 277.8
Other 82.3 80.0 73.7 64.9 56.2
Total Operating Revenue $1,275.1 $1,253.5 $1,190.2 $1,118.6 $1,131.7

Operating Income 317.3 309.1 339.0 261.1 251.8

As % of operating revenues 24.9% 24.7% 28.5% 23.3% 22.2%
Change in Net Position* $208.6 $167.2 $200.3 $140.5 $154.2

Balance Sheet
Net utility plant $8,926.0 $8,436.8 $8,033.0 $7,554.0 $7,013.0
Capital additions, net 504.5 455.8 479.0 541.0 499.3
Capitalization
Net Position 3,394.0 3,185.4 $3,018.3 3,136.2 2,995.7
Long-term debt 6,281.6 6,139.4 5,786.4 5,569.2 5,249.6
Interest on debt 218.4 214.5 205.3 194.5 181.3

Key Financial Planning Metrics

Debt Service Ratio 1.85 1.71 1.82 1.74 1.95
Number of Days Cash on Hand 259 253 183 165 154
Debt to Capitalization % 65% 66% 65% 64% 63%

Operations
Gallons sold (billions) 149.5 146.2 153.6 146.5 149.0
Customers - average number (thousands) 689 687 683 680 678

Average Revenue per hundred cu. ft. Sold (in dollars)

Residential $7.15 $7.07 $6.48 $6.21 $6.30
Multiple Dwelling 6.37 6.45 5.62 5.54 5.46
Commercial and Industrial 5.89 5.94 5.53 5.89 5.88

Water Supply (millions of billing units of 100 cu. ft.)

Local supply 15.0 14.0 9.5 22.3 34.4
DWP Aqueduct 127.2 136.1 134.0 92.6 22.3
Metropolitan Water District 67.0 60.0 79.6 95.7 150.6
Recycled Water 4.2 3.3 4.3 3.5 4.3
Gross Supply 213.4 213.4 227.4 214.1 211.6
Diversion from (to) local storage -0.3 -0.7 -0.1 -3.4 1.0
Net supply to distribution systems 213.1 212.7 227.3 210.7 212.6
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

*
The Change in Net Position amount under Fiscal Year 2018 excludes the cumulative effect of change in accounting for post
retirement benefits other than pensions under GASB 75.

58
 FINANCIAL DATA
ENERGY SERVICES SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AND STATISTICS

($ Millions) FY2020 FY 2019 FY 2018 FY 2017 FY 2016

Operating Revenue
Residential $1,360.6 $1,376.3 $1,265.7 $1,179.5 $1,126.7
Commercial and industrial 2,372.5 2,560.1 2,429.3 2,331.6 2,308.2
Sales for resale 61.5 111.5 91.4 88.1 72.9
Other 12.7 22.9 17.8 98.7 9.2
Total Operating Revenue $3,807.3 $4,070.9 $3,804.2 $3,697.9 $3,517.0

Operating Income 364.0 512.3 725.3 611.7 524.6

As % of operating revenues 9.6% 12.6% 19.1% 16.5% 14.9%
Change in Net Position* $90.1 $226.9 $278.2 $176.9 $175.3

Balance Sheet
Net utility plant** $12,826.9 $12,173.8 $11,377.5 $10,772.6 $10,322.5
Capital additions, net 695.2 715.1 634.7 479.2 429.0
Capitalization
Net Position 5,702.0 5,611.9 5,384.9 5,767.9 5,591.1
Long-term debt 10,707.5 10,370.1 9,772.3 9,519.3 9,154.5
Interest on debt 370.1 355.4 348.3 326.0 299.7
Transfers to City of Los Angeles 229.9 232.6 241.8 264.4 267.0

Key Financial Planning Metrics

Debt Service Ratio 2.11 2.40 2.59 2.37 2.68
Number of Days Cash on Hand 211.00 204 176 206 267
Debt to Capitalization % 65% 65% 63.6% 61.4% 61.3%
Full Obligation Ratio 1.74 1.90 1.88 1.63 1.83

Operations
Kilowatt hours sold (billions) 22.3 22.6 23.0 24.0 25.3
Customers - average number (thousands) 1,538 1,529 1,516 1,508 1,500

Average Revenue per kWh Sold (in cents)

Residential 18.9 18.8 17.4 16.2 15.1
Commercial and Industrial 16.9 17.5 16.0 15.2 14.5
Energy production (billions in kWh)
Total generation 17.9 16.9 14.0 14.6 14.4
Purchases 7.3 9.0 12.3 12.2 13.1
Total production 25.2 25.9 26.3 26.8 27.5

Net system dependable capability (thousand megawatts)

Power System-owned facilities 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.7
Jointly owned and firm purchases 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.0 3.4
Total 8.0 7.9 7.9 7.8 8.1
2020-21 BRIEFING BOOK

*
The Change in Net Position amount under Fiscal Year 2018 excludes the cumulative effect of change in accounting for post
retirement benefits other than pensions under GASB 75.
**
A reclassification has been made to the 2018 Net Utility Plant amount to conform to the 2019 financial statement presentation.

59
ladwp.com @LADWP @LADWP @LADWP1 LADWP1 LADWP