UCLA is to lead the prioritization and evaluation of capital strategies for LADWP’s clean energy transition

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has committed to transitioning to 100% renewable electricity by 2035 – a process It is expected to cost as much as USD 87 billion. Last years LA100 Capital Strategies the study armed the company with a long list of strategies to prevent these costs from disproportionately falling on low-income customers and environmental justice communities. Now LADWP must select, design, and implement programs and policies that deliver the cheapest energy possible, ensure that all customers have reliable access to energy, and ensure that everyone receives a fair share of the benefits of clean energy.

Last year, as part of a study, the UC Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI) and colleagues provided LADWP recommendations on robust, long-term solutions to increase the ability of low-income customers to pay their bills as part of the clean energy transition. Now in collaboration with UCLA California Center for Sustainable Communitiesour researchers delve deeper into energy equity issues to help the agency develop, implement and evaluate these recommendations.

“Our goal is to ensure that the plan delivers the most equitable energy transition outcomes possible,” he said Gregory Pierceco-executive director of LCI.

The centers will jointly engage LADWP and the Capital Strategies Advisory Committee – a gathering of local community service groups tasked with providing public service advice on capital activities – to address the following:

A guide to prioritizing and evaluating capital strategies as LADWP implements recommendations to improve energy affordability, solar access, residential energy efficiency, electric grid reliability, and other energy equity outcomes.

Improve energy affordability estimation tool developed by UCLA researchers to help LADWP understand how the transition to electric appliances and vehicles will affect energy costs. Scientists will also use this tool to model the impact of electrification on different types of households.

Support LADWP community involvement ensuring that the utility’s approach is informed and informed by the needs, preferences and expertise of communities that currently face injustice and inequality in the energy system. UCLA will coordinate and facilitate meetings of the Equity Strategy Advisory Committee, as well as develop educational materials designed to increase public knowledge about the energy system, rate structures, electricity infrastructure and affordability policies.

“LADWP has the opportunity to lead the nation in achieving a more equitable energy transition,” he said Stephanie Pincetl, director of the California Center for Sustainable Communities at the University of California, Los Angeles, and “we are honored to help facilitate this opportunity.”

Building on 10 years of successful research collaboration with UCLA, LADWP commissioned this research to support creating a more equitable transition to renewable energy. As a public university and one of LADWP’s oldest clients, UCLA invests heavily in the local community, and both LCI and CCSC will leverage existing relationships with civic leaders and community groups.

To learn more about LCI’s energy capital research, click Here.