LADWP Achieves Significant Energy Savings at Department Facilities

Utility Cuts Summer Usage By 9 Percent, Exceeding City’s Challenge to Municipal Facilities

The Department implemented energy efficiency measures in its facilities including district yards, customers service centers and the Los Angeles Aqueduct Filtration Plant, to help meet Mayor Eric Garcetti’s call to “Save Energy LA” in municipal facilities by 5 percent over the summer. Staff implemented various measures ranging from simple steps like adjusting the thermostats, to replacing aging and inefficient HVAC units and refrigerators. Altogether, LADWP exceeded the goal set for all Los Angeles municipal facilities, saving 1,256,848 kilowatt hours (kWh) —enough electricity to power 93 Los Angeles homes for an entire year.

“LADWP offers many energy efficiency programs to our customers, but as an agency, we too walk the talk and find ways to be more energy efficient,” said David H. Wright, LADWP General Manager. “Our Sustainability Team worked closely with the different facility managers to identify opportunities to achieve the goal set by Mayor Garcetti. Staff demonstrated commitment, and far exceeded our goals and expectations. We are pleased to show the city how LADWP is truly leading the charge in energy efficiency and sustainability.”

Nancy Sutley, LADWP’s Chief Sustainability and Economic Development Officer said, “There’s always a way and an opportunity to save energy, and we’ve shown you don’t need a lot of fancy gizmos. You just need commitment.” She added, “Even the simplest change of habits like unplugging cellphone chargers when not in use or turning off the lights after you leave a conference room can make all the difference. Our LADWP employees truly stepped up to the plate and helped us achieve this important energy saving goal.”

Mayor Garcetti announced the Save Energy LA campaign in July to help Los Angeles conserve electricity in the summer and also in response to the increased risk of power outages due to the natural gas leak at the Aliso Canyon Storage Facility. LADWP facilities managers sprang into action and collaborated to identify ways to save power at LADWP buildings, offices and work sites, including some that are more than 50-years-old. Some facilities replaced equipment and appliances including compressors, lighting, HVAC systems, refrigerators, servers and control systems. Others simply kept doors closed, installed light timers and adjusted thermostats. Staff also rallied participation by the employees and building occupants, unplugging personal heaters and refrigerators, and putting computer screens to sleep when not in use.

LADWP is the largest municipal water and electric utility in the nation serving 1.4 million customers with reliable water and power at rates below those of nearby investor-owned utilities. It is the midst of an historic transformation of its water and electric supplies to expand local water supplies and transition out of fossil fuels.

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