Wiktor Wise
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 4 million people in Los Angeles. LADWP has a diverse and vertically integrated power generation, transmission, and distribution system that spans five Western states. In 2022-23, LADWP supplied more than 21,600 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of power to over 1.6 million electric service customers. LADWP operates four natural gas-fired generating stations within city boundaries, which, combined with other natural gas sources, account for 24% of capacity. It also receives electricity from coal-fired plants in Utah and Arizona, nuclear power from Arizona, and hydropower from the Hoover Dam and the Los Angeles Aqueduct system. LADWP has made significant progress in transitioning to renewable energy sources, with 37% of its capacity coming from green power renewable energy sources as of 2020.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity Provider | Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) |
| Electricity Sources | Natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydropower, wind, solar, Hoover Dam |
| Number of Customers | 1.4 million residential and business |
| Annual Electricity Supply | 26 million megawatt hours |
| Electricity Generation Capacity | 8,100 megawatts |
| Average Water Supply | 435 million gallons per day |
| Number of People Served | More than 4 million |
| Area Covered | Los Angeles and adjacent communities in southwestern Los Angeles County |
| Renewable Energy Target (2010) | 20% by 2010 |
| Renewable Energy Achievement | 37% by 2020 |
| Current Initiatives | Electric vehicle charging hubs, distributed energy resources, demand response programs |
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What You'll Learn
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
LADWP operates a vertically integrated power generation, transmission, and distribution system that spans five Western states. It manages a diverse energy portfolio, including natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydropower, solar, and wind power. LADWP has been transitioning towards renewable energy sources, with a goal of achieving 33% renewables by 2020, which it met and exceeded. As of 2020, renewable energy sources accounted for 37% of LADWP's capacity, including the 120 MW Pine Tree Wind Farm, the largest municipally-owned wind farm in the US. LADWP has also invested in photovoltaic solar and geothermal energy projects.
In addition to its renewable energy initiatives, LADWP has played a significant role in promoting electric vehicles (EVs) and the necessary charging infrastructure. The department offers incentives for customers to drive electric vehicles and is committed to building a network of electric vehicle charging hubs in underserved communities. LADWP has set targets of 45,000 commercial EV chargers and 250,000 EVs in Los Angeles by 2025, with even more ambitious goals for 2030.
LADWP has a long history dating back to 1902 when it was founded to supply water to the residents and businesses of Los Angeles. In 1917, LADWP began delivering electricity to portions of the city and has since become the sole provider of electricity for Los Angeles. The department has faced challenges in meeting the growing demand for water and electricity as Los Angeles has expanded over the years. LADWP has been involved in several controversies, including the 1928 St. Francis Dam failure and the acquisition of water rights from the Owens Valley. Despite the challenges, LADWP continues to play a vital role in providing safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity and water to the City of Los Angeles.
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Energy sources: coal, gas, solar, nuclear, wind
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the sole electricity provider for Los Angeles. LADWP sources its power from both inside and outside California.
Coal
As of 2017, the Intermountain Power Plant in Delta, Utah, supplied 20% of the electricity consumed by Los Angeles residents. The Argus Cogeneration Plant in San Bernardino County was the last coal-fired power station to operate within California. It was shut down in 2022. Imported coal-fired electricity is expected to decline as the city of Los Angeles phases out its use.
Gas
California has more than a dozen of the United States' largest oil fields. As of 2018, California had 41 GW of natural gas capacity. As part of its 100% clean energy initiative, LA plans to decrease its use of natural gas.
Solar
California ranks first in the nation as a producer of solar energy. Utility-scale solar photovoltaic and thermal sources together generated 17% of electricity in 2021.
Nuclear
The Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona supplies a significant amount of power to southern California. The Diablo Canyon Power Plant was the only nuclear power station in California as of 2015. It is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2025.
Wind
The Pine Tree Wind Farm is the largest clean electricity source in California and produces enough electricity to power 56,000 homes. As of 2018, California had 6 GW of wind capacity.
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The future: green energy goals
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the United States, delivering electricity to over 4 million people in Los Angeles. As the city's population has boomed, the LADWP has faced the challenge of providing sufficient energy to the growing metropolis.
In 2004, the Los Angeles City Council directed the LADWP to generate 20% of its energy from clean sources by 2010, a goal that was met and exceeded. The LADWP has continued to set ambitious targets for renewable energy sources, and as of 2020, 37% of its capacity came from "green power" renewable energy sources. This includes the 120 MW Pine Tree Wind Farm, the largest municipally owned wind farm in the United States.
Looking to the future, California has mandated a carbon-free electrical grid across the state by 2045. In line with this, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the city's commitment to a Green New Deal, with a target of fully decarbonizing the municipal energy mix by 2035. To achieve these goals, the LADWP is investing in photovoltaic solar and geothermal energy sources, as well as expanding local solar projects and battery storage. The LADWP is also working to promote zero-carbon energy construction projects and incentivize the use of electric vehicles, with plans to install electric vehicle 'fast-charger' hubs in disadvantaged communities.
The LADWP has a history of successfully meeting and exceeding its renewable energy targets and is committed to providing safe, reliable, sustainable, and equitable electricity for Los Angeles. With its ongoing initiatives and investments in green energy, the LADWP is on track to achieve its ambitious decarbonization goals and play a leading role in California's transition to a carbon-free future.
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The challenges: population growth, infrastructure
Los Angeles has a rapidly growing population, which has put pressure on the city's infrastructure, including its electricity supply. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 4 million people in Los Angeles.
Population growth in Los Angeles has resulted in increased demand for electricity. This has been exacerbated by the city's high rate of electric vehicle adoption, with the state asking the electric utility to provide energy for cars, which was previously provided by gas companies. The increase in demand is not necessarily driven by an increase in the city's population but rather a shift in energy sources.
LADWP has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for 100% clean power. In 2020, 33% of the city's power came from renewable sources, increasing to 45% by 2022. To achieve these targets, LADWP has invested in solar, wind, and geothermal energy projects, as well as electric vehicle incentive programs.
However, one of the main challenges in transitioning to renewable energy is transmission. Building new transmission and distribution infrastructure takes significant time and investment, and ensuring equitable access to renewable energy for all communities is crucial. LADWP has committed to expanding local solar by deploying 1,000 MW and offsetting 600 MW of power capacity during peak periods by 2035.
Climate change is another critical factor affecting Los Angeles' electricity infrastructure. Rising air temperatures and more frequent heat waves increase electricity demand, particularly for cooling in summer. This, combined with the existing aging infrastructure, makes the electricity system vulnerable to potential outages.
To address these challenges, Los Angeles County has implemented various policies and plans, including the Zero Net Energy Plan, comprehensive building energy standards, and climate action plans. The county is also investing in adaptation projects and renewable energy infrastructure to increase resilience to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Controversies and criticisms
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has been involved in several controversies and faced criticism over the years. Here are some key issues:
1928 St. Francis Dam Failure
The St. Francis Dam failure in 1928 was a significant incident that led to widespread destruction and loss of life. The LADWP, which was responsible for water supply and electricity at the time, faced scrutiny and criticism for its role in the disaster.
Water Rights and Environmental Concerns
The LADWP has long been criticised for its management of water rights and environmental issues. One notable example is the dispute over water from the Owens Valley, which has been dramatised in films and books. LADWP's acquisition of water rights and governance of Mono Lake and Owens Lake has been controversial. Additionally, LADWP has faced legal action for failing to control dust on Owens Lake, which impacted sensitive tribal land.
Fire Risks and Power Management
During the California wildfires in 2025, the LADWP faced scrutiny for its decision to keep power lines energised despite high wind speeds. Energy experts and industry professionals expressed concern, as power lines have been identified as a potential cause of fires during periods of high wind. LADWP acknowledged that it did not have a pre-emptive power shut-off program in place for fire risk areas, which is common in other parts of California.
Energy Transition and Social Impact
As Los Angeles transitions towards a carbon-free electrical grid, the closure of coal plants, such as the Navajo Generating Station, has had social and economic impacts. The decommissioning of the Navajo plant left thousands of families without electricity and affected royalty payments to Native American nations. LADWP has since partnered with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority to install electrical infrastructure on tribal land and explore renewable energy sources.
Overtime Pay and Management Controversies
The LADWP has faced criticism for allowing excessive overtime pay for its workers, with some employees earning significant amounts in overtime. In 2018, the agency paid $250 million in overtime, with individual cases of overtime pay exceeding base salaries. These practices have led to controversies and management changes within the organisation.
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Frequently asked questions
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) supplies electricity to the city from a range of sources, including natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydropower, solar, and wind.
The LADWP is the largest municipal utility in the United States, delivering electricity and water to more than 4 million people in Los Angeles.
The LADWP has a net maximum plant capacity of 10,730 megawatts (MW) and a net dependable capacity of 8,007 MW. In fiscal year 2022-23, it supplied more than 21,600 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of power.
In 2021, 24% of Los Angeles' energy came from natural gas, 21% from coal, 14% from nuclear, 2% from hydropower, and 37% from renewable sources.
Los Angeles has committed to a Green New Deal, with a target of fully decarbonizing its energy mix by 2035. The LADWP is investing in renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal, and promoting zero-emission vehicles and transit.
