LADWP Board Approves Policy to Boost Renewable Energy By 20% By 2017
May 24 - Business Wire
The Board of Water and Power Commissioners for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) approved a policy May 23 that sets a goal of increasing LADWP's supply of energy from renewable resources to 20% of its generation mix by the year 2017. The policy sets an interim goal of 13% by 2010. The goals would be measured by the amount of electric energy sales to retail customers.
He emphasized that LADWP will conduct detailed studies to determine the need
for a renewable energy surcharge to meet the RPS goals, and, if needed, a
calculation method and plan for implementing the surcharge. LADWP will also
examine the possibility of a solar surcharge to support a proposed set aside for
solar photovoltaics.
Deaton also said LADWP plans to initiate discussions with neighborhood
councils and other community groups, on the RPS policy and potential RPS
surcharge ordinance. Any proposed surcharge or surcharges would also be subject
to a third-party, independent financial review, according to City Council
action.
LADWP is also in discussions with renewable resource providers that made a
"short list" of proposals submitted under the RPS request for
proposals that was issued on June 30, 2004. The short-listed projects consist of
wind, geothermal, landfill gas, biomass, and small hydroelectric power
facilities. As described in the RFP, the Department plans to acquire new
renewable energy resources through development and ownership of projects, and
through mid- to long-term power purchase agreements. LADWP expects to meet the
RPS goals through multiple projects over the next several years.
Deaton said the goal is to enter into agreements with the renewable energy
providers once a renewable surcharge, if needed, is established. LADWP, however,
would continue to pursue smaller projects with short-term agreements and minimal
financial impact.
LADWP also expects to initiate discussions with neighborhood councils to
update the LADWP's 2000 Integrated Resource Plan--a 10-year blueprint for
meeting future energy load growth, improving system reliability, maintaining the
lowest possible rates, and demonstrating environmental leadership.
Among renewable projects already in the works are the 120-megawatt Pine Tree
Wind project and an agreement to purchase 40 megawatts of power annually from a
proposed BioConverter green waste digestion facility. LADWP is administering a
$150 million program to install rooftop solar photovoltaic systems throughout
Los Angeles. The Department is also modernizing its hydroelectric power plant in
San Francisquito Canyon.
Since the IRP was established, LADWP has increased energy efficiency and
decreased emissions in Los Angeles by "repowering" its aging, in-basin
natural gas powered generating units with combined cycle generators and
state-of-the-art emissions technology, resulting in over 75% emissions
reductions.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was established more than 100
years ago to provide water and electric needs to the city's businesses and
residents. For more information, visit www.ladwp.com
. For far more extensive news on the energy/power
visit: http://www.energycentral.com
. Copyright © 1996-2005 by CyberTech,
Inc. All rights reserved.