LADWP Receives over 40 Proposals for Renewable Energy Projects; Goal to Increase Renewable Power to 20% by 2017
LOS ANGELES, Sep 17, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE)
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) received more than 40 proposals for renewable energy projects, marking a milestone in its effort to increase renewable energy to 20% of its power portfolio by 2017.
"I am pleased to see the great response to our call for renewable energy proposals. This is an important milestone in meeting our goal of developing more renewable power resources," said Mayor Jim Hahn. "As we aggressively pursue expanding the level of renewables to 20% by 2017, I am committed to working with everybody involved on a balanced approach that helps maintain LADWP's reliability and low rates."
"When I took office a little over a year ago, I made a commitment to the people of Los Angeles and to Council President Alex Padilla that I would make this a priority and get this process moving faster than ever before. I'm pleased to see that the LADWP has taken the first step and is on track with this important new direction of moving toward the use of more renewable power and cleaner energy," said Councilman Tony Cardenas, chair of the Commerce, Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Under the direction of Mayor Hahn, the City Council and the Board of Water and Power Commissioners, LADWP is developing a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to increase its share of renewable energy sources to 20% by 2017, with an interim goal of 13% by 2010.
Receiving the proposals, which were due September 13, is key to developing a renewable energy policy that can guide the City and LADWP in reaching the RPS goal, said Henry Martinez, acting general manager at LADWP. "Once we begin sorting through these proposals, evaluating the costs and feasibility, we will be in a better position to define the scope of the RPS in terms of how much renewable energy we will need to acquire, the types of renewable resources that are feasible to develop, how much they will cost," Martinez said. "As we digest this information we will incorporate it into the proposed RPS and put it before our Mayor, City Council, Board of Water and Power Commissioners, the Green Ribbon Commission for Renewable Energy, and members of the public for review and comments."
LADWP officials will evaluate the proposals based on a "least cost, best fit" basis, specifically looking at how well each project meets LADWP requirements, and assessing technical, environmental and economic factors. Officials expect to come up with a "short list" in November. LADWP hopes to begin awarding renewable energy projects in February 2005.
As described in the request for proposals, 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.
The LADWP is engaged in a number of outreach efforts to disseminate information about the proposed RPS for public review, including co-chairing, with Cardenas, the Green Ribbon Commission, and holding briefings for neighborhood councils and commercial customers. Information about the RPS is available on the web at www.ladwp.com/power. LADWP encourages the public, after reviewing the information, to email their comments to Renewables@ladwp.com.
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. LADWP: We're Working for LA!
SOURCE: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Carol Tucker, 213/367-1815 Darlene Battle, 213/367-1368 www.ladwp.com
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