Updated 11/22/2024 at 12:00PM
LOS ANGELES (November 21, 2024) — The parties have reached a settlement in principle of litigation related to methane emissions detected in 2020 at LADWP’s Valley Generating Station (VGS). However, the settlement is not finalized, and as a general rule, LADWP does not comment on active litigation.
Nevertheless, LADWP would like to provide additional background information about the steps it has taken since 2020 to protect the health and safety of our customers, employees who work at our facilities and members of the surrounding communities.
Since being informed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of the findings made during one of their research flights in 2020, LADWP took immediate action to ensure that VGS is operated in the safest way possible.
First, LADWP immediately completed repairs to the affected equipment. Second, LADWP has conducted daily monitoring for methane since 2020. LADWP also developed a real-time monitoring protocol to record methane concentrations along VGS’s fence line and posted it online for transparency and accountability. The information can be accessed 24-7 at www.ladwp.com/ValleyGen. The monitoring has shown there have been no leaks of any amount since modified packing seals were installed in December 2020.
Since 2020, actions LADWP has taken at its in-basin power plants include:
-Permanent equipment retrofits resulting in zero natural gas emissions at VGS.
-Continuous real-time monitoring of VGS available at www.ladwp.com/ValleyGen
-Infrared methane camera monitoring implemented at LADWP’s three other in-basin generating stations—Scattergood, Haynes and Harbor.
Ongoing and future clean energy actions include:
-Demolition of old generating units at VGS, Units 1–4, to begin in 2024.
– Re-envisioning and repurposing in-basin power plants. Once the project area at VGS units 1-4 is cleared, the space will open approximately 12 acres of land for the development of future renewable energy projects.
–Transmission line upgrades currently underway and more to come.
–$20 million in community grants for local projects that help reduce emissions in the L.A. communities hardest hit by pollution sources, such as refineries and truck traffic.
As we continue our transition to 100% clean energy by 2035, LADWP’s in-basin power plants remain a vital part of a reliable and flexible power system. They provide essential energy including during our hottest months, at night when solar power is not available, and when additional generation is needed.
We at LADWP remain committed to operating our power infrastructure safely and reliably, in a way that instills trust and confidence in the communities where we live, work, and serve.
As we are precluded from discussing litigation with represented parties, customers with inquiries should contact the Parris Law Firm directly at 844-824-8612.
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