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Climate Challenge Update

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)

November 1996


· LADWP is on target to meet its emission reduction commitments under the Climate Challenge program.

· LADWP committed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to a 1990 baseline level of 18.1 million tons of C02. LADWP's total C02 emissions in 1996 were only 16.3 million tons.

· LADWP may have to change some of its planned strategies for reducing GHG emissions as the electric utility industry moves toward deregulation. While some strategies may change, LADWP remains committed to making the emission reductions.

· LADWP remains committed to the following actions:

* Fuel switching from oil to gas in Southern California continues.

* Repowering Harbor Generating Station is complete.

* Efficiency upgrades are proceeding.

* The electric vehicle program is alive and well.

* T&D infrastructure improvement projects emphasize efficient transformers.
 
 

 · With the imperative to cut costs, other strategies may change: * Tree planting and landfill methane outreach are in jeopardy.

* DSM is questionable. California's deregulation legislation (Assembly Bill No. 1890) contains some allowance to recover DSM costs, but LADWP has yet to fully analyze how AB 1890 will affect its ability to continue DSM programs.
 
 

 · To prepare for increased competition, serious consideration is being given to divesting high-cost, coal-fired generation. These units are our highest GHG emitters. If they are sold, the generation will be replaced with cleaner power.

· Already, LADWP is generating less electricity from coal and replacing it with generation from our new combined cycle gas turbines at Harbor Generating Station and with spot market purchases. Although spot market purchases are not counted towards LADWP's Climate Challenge goal, they represent real GHG reductions because much of the spot market power LADWP buys is hydro, which is cleaner than the coal-fired generation it replaces. The trend of de-emphasizing coal leaves LADWP well positioned to meet its Climate Challenge goals.
 
 

 October 31, 1996


Please send comments to:
Lawrence.Mansueti@hq.doe.gov