The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) is facing some of the most serious environmental, regulatory and economic challenges in its history. Black & Veatch and LADWP formed an integrated team to collaboratively prepare a Power System Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to help the utility revamp its power generation portfolio and continue providing the same reliable, low-cost electricity to the residents and businesses of Los Angeles for the next 100 years. A unique aspect of this project is Black & Veatch’s use of expertise not only in energy, but also in water and management consulting.
As the largest municipally owned utility in the nation, LADWP must continue to ensure reliable electric service while it reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and transitions to a more balanced energy portfolio that further supports the use of renewables. The IRP is guided by three key client objectives: continue with a high level of electric service reliability, maintain competitive rates and exercise environmental stewardship.
The IRP will assist LADWP in forecasting the demand for energy and how best to meet that demand. Experts from Black & Veatch’s management consulting division bring a clear view of how rates are impacted. Black & Veatch’s global water experts understand the key relationship between energy and water, complementing the Black & Veatch expertise in energy resource planning.
The IRP is a high-level plan that establishes the overall strategic course of the LADWP power system. The plan sets forth various initiatives requiring steady progress. The IRP presents several potential strategies for meeting LADWP’s regulatory requirements. It also provides policy objectives for increasing renewable energy generation and reducing GHG emissions, maintaining electric power service reliability and minimizing any financial impact on ratepayers. The LADWP/Black & Veatch team rigorously evaluated each potential strategy to identify and recommend the best overall plan to meet its key objectives at the least cost.
