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LADWP renewables program wins worldwide acclaim

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power received The Financial Times' "Renewable Company of the Year Award" during the Global Energy Awards event in New York City on Dec. 6.

LADWP was the only municipal agency to win an award this year. It was also a finalist in the Overall Marketing Campaign of the Year and Environmental Practices of the Year categories.

In its justification for the award, the Times noted, "LADWP exhibited a high level of diversification in its energy portfolio, offering customers a solid choice within the renewable energy space. Its 'Green Power' pricing program is the most successful of its type in terms of customer numbers."

90,000 participants

More than 90,000 customers have signed up for the Green Power for a Green LA program. It replaces fossil fuel energy that pollutes the environment with clean energy from renewable sources such as the wind, sun, and water. The solar program alone produces one megawatt of electricity generation in the city.

Other LADWP initiatives, such as its solar rebate program, also promote renewables. "It (LADWP) has done as much as any single utility to brand itself as green, through generation, vigorous marketing, and basic awareness campaigns. Through all of its programs, it is saving energy, generating new renewable energy, increasing local generation of power and overall system reliability, reducing pollution and educating the community, all of which represent a permanent investment in sustainability," the Times said.

The utility's director of strategic planning Angelina Galiteva said, "Through the Green LA Program, our customers have a platform to choose a better environment and indeed a more independent and secure energy future for us all. Renewable energy is an increasing supply which is inflation-proof and free of the pollutants associated with fossil fuels."

Information essential

The department has increased its efforts to inform and help customers make the switch to green power by using effective marketing strategies, media, and grassroots community outreach.

One project highlighted by LADWP's entry was the Lopez Canyon Micro-Turbine facility. This project converts escaping landfill gas that would otherwise pollute the environment into energy via the use of high-tech microturbines. The project has generated a great deal of interest and requests for tours from both national and international energy organizations.

LADWP was also recognized for its environmental programs by several national and local organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Environmental Media Association, and the Los Angeles Conservation Corps. The Global Energy Award crowns this year's achievements.

LADWP serves more than 3.8 million people within the 465 square-mile city of Los Angeles.

Web Sites LADWP's Green LA: www.GreenLA.com