2015 LADWP Intake

WINTER/SPRING 2014-2015

LADWP LEADS BY EXAMPLE WITH CALIFORNIA FRIENDLY® LANDSCAPING

GOING NATIVE

ISSUE 1 VOL 90 WINTER/SPRING 2014 - 2015 INTAKE MAGAZINE 3

GM MESSAGE

In March, I celebrated my one-year anniversary as LADWP’s General Manager. It’s been a truly momentous year filled with accomplishments and new challenges, many of which are described in this issue of Intake magazine.

During the first week of December we experienced the first major rainstorm of the 2014-15 winter season, and it was a welcome sight. But as of early February, the snowpack in Mammoth was only 21 percent of a normal year, so we know

the drought is far from over. Early in 2014, Governor Jerry Brown declared a statewide emergency because of the three-year drought. In October 2014, Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a citywide Emergency Drought Directive, calling on LADWP to foster a 20 percent reduction in per capita water use by 2017. We immediately responded to the Mayor’s request for City departments to reduce watering to two days a week, and are asking our customers to do the same.

I am proud of the Department for expediting projects to replace lawns at all of our facilities with California Friendly® plants and drought tolerant landscaping. In 2014, we completed water-wise landscaping at 126,287 square feet of property. Since 2011, LADWP has installed nearly 620,000 square feet of California Friendly® landscaping at facilities from Sylmar to San Pedro.

To encourage customers to change out their thirsty lawns with California Friendly® landscaping, we have increased the Cash in Your Lawn turf replacement rebate to $3.75 per square foot. Since LADWP implemented the California Friendly® landscaping incentive program in 2009, more than 9 million square feet of turf has been replaced by our customers, resulting in 300 million gallons of water saved per year.

I also commend the valiant efforts of our Water Conservation Response Unit, featured in this issue. These

team members patrol the city daily to educate residents about water conservation measures. In 2014, this unit handled 6,351 reports of potential water waste and conducted over 1,500 inspections.

This issue also features a fascinating story about another unique team at LADWP—the Revenue Security Unit, a small group of investigators who go on the hunt for energy thieves. While these intrepid employees maintain a low profile, they are responsible for helping solve a serious problem. Lost revenue in the form of water or energy theft unfairly penalizes customers who make up the difference. Currently, the unit is pursuing $3.6 million in billing for electricity and water loss.

On the power side, I was very pleased to participate in the groundbreaking of the Beacon Solar Power Plant last summer. The largest LADWP solar project to date, Beacon will provide 250 megawatts of clean, renewable energy for Los Angeles. The project is unique in that two separate solar developers will build 50 megawatts of small-scale solar within the city of Los Angeles while installing the large-scale solar projects at Beacon, located north of Mojave in Kern County. The advantage is that we will get more local solar in L.A., helping to spur jobs as well as distributed power generation. You will also read about progress on the Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project, which is critical to meeting the mandated renewable energy goals of 25 percent by 2016 and 33 percent by 2020.

So I hope that you enjoy reading this issue of Intake. I am truly honored to be part of this proud organization.

Marcie Edwards

GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGEKEEP SAVING

WATER, L.A.!Know your watering days.

Water conservation in Los Angeles is mandatory. Limit your outdoor watering to 3 days a week, 8 minutes per station, before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

LADWP.com/WaterConservation

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STATEWIDE DROUGHT

4 INTAKE MAGAZINE ISSUE 1 VOL 90 WINTER/SPRING 2014 - 2015

CONNECTED

KEEP

Watch LADWP1 on

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www.fl ickr.com/ladwp

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CONTENTS

Photography by Art Mochizuki

Fletcher Pump Station, built in 1938, is among dozens of LADWP facilities that have received makeovers with California Friendly® drought tolerant landscaping. Many more are underway. Feature story begins on page 8.

WINTER 2014-2015

LADWP LEADS BY EXAMPLE WITH CALIFORNIA FRIENDLY® LANDSCAPING

GOING NATIVE

Winter 2014-2015Volume 90, Issue 1

EXECUTIVE EDITORJoseph Ramallo

EDITORCarol Tucker

CONTRIBUTING EDITORSMichelle Figueroa, Walter Zeisl

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSJane Galbraith, Albert Rodriguez

ASSISTANTSLaTanya Bogin, Victor Landry, Giovanna Rebagliati, Chris Reinhart, Pamela Gonzalez-Giachetti

GRAPHIC DESIGN Inhouse Design Team

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERArt Mochizuki

Intake Magazine Publishing Offices111 North Hope Street, Room 1520Los Angeles, CA 90012Contact [email protected] general and editorial inquiries.

Printed by City Printing Services on recycled paper.

INTAKE

LADWP IS GOING NATIVE WITH CALIFORNIA FRIENDLY® LANDSCAPING LADWP TURNS UP

DROUGHT RESPONSE

GUARDIANS OF THE GRID

6 NEWS- Tree Surgeons Tackle the Tough Jobs- Checked Off LADWP’s Bucket List- The Best of the Best Shine at Annual Lineman’s Rodeo- Solar Trailer Lights Up Sustainable Living in L.A.

18 IN FOCUS- Forging a Renewable Energy Corridor- A Legacy Built to Last

24 OUT AND ABOUT- The 61st Annual LADWP Retired Employees Picnic- 2014 LADWP Active Employees Picnic

FEATURES14

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NEWS

TREE

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Tree Surgeon Assistant Santos Gallo from Valley Vegetation works on a 90-foot pine tree during a job to remove tree limbs hanging over primary conductors on a circuit. One of the limbs had cracked and was hanging on one leg of the circuit. It’s all in a day’s work for our Vegetation Management crews who are responsible for preventing trees and vegetation from impacting power lines. Although tree limbs and palm fronds account for nearly 85 percent of LADWP outages, increased tree trimming efforts have helped curtail these incidents. In a testament to their skill, the employees of Vegetation Management have been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Line USA program every year since 2010 for best practices in utility arboriculture as they go about performing this dangerous work around energized lines.

Tackle the Tough

Jobs

CHECKED OFF LADWP’S BUCKET LISTNew Plug-in Hybrid Bucket Truck: A Clean, Quiet Glimpse of Things to Come

With its swirly green leaf design, LADWP’s new Plug-in Hybrid Aerial Utility Truck is certainly not your average bucket truck. Recently delivered, this demonstration hybrid bucket truck will help our crews work on the lines with quiet, less-polluting, battery-powered technology. The unique diesel truck with a 60-foot aerial boom is the first of its type in the LADWP fleet and is part of a Department demonstration program committed to environmental sustainability through the use of alternative fuel vehicles and related technologies.

The program was initiated in 2011 with funding from the South Coast Air Quality Management District for the support, development and demonstration of a plug-in hybrid bucket truck. The result is a more environmentally Friendly® vehicle with increased fuel efficiency, and reduced job site noise pollution.

The reduced noise factor should be welcomed in L.A. residential neighborhoods, since LADWP utility trucks normally must keep their engines running to operate auxiliary equipment such as the aerial boom and bucket. The Department will be deploying the truck to West Los Angeles once crews have been trained. In terms

of safety, a quieter work site means better communication for our crews and zero or lower engine exhaust emissions may reduce fatigue and headaches.

For added efficiency, the brakes feature an energy return system that captures up to 40 kW of power for the battery when the brake pedal is engaged. This energy would normally be absorbed by the chassis brakes and lost as heat. The hybrid electric motor also provides launch assist for the diesel engine while driving. Both of these features greatly improve fuel economy.

Other features include:• Large, advanced lithium-ion

28.4 kWh battery pack that can power the entire vehicle electrically including the 60-foot boom

• Diesel engine with automatic transmission

• Operates up to five hours with engine off

• 10-mile electric range• Charge time less than six hours

with Level 2 charger• On-board charger capable of

3.3 kW• Export power is 5kW,

120/240 Vac, 60 Hz

The demonstration program also includes a Smart Charging module allowing for smart charging with the grid and a data recording system for performance analysis.


NEWS

A new, sleek, high-tech photovoltaic solar trailer is making the rounds at LADWP community events. This unique system demonstrates LADWP’s dedication to a sustainable Los Angeles by utilizing the very same technology we promote in the community.

The majority of these events require electricity for lighting, information monitor displays and audiovisual equipment. Traditionally, this has required use of generators or connecting electrical power cables to nearby outlets. In order to reduce power usage and provide better support, LADWP designed and commissioned a custom-built solar trailer with an active photovoltaic

(PV) system to provide clean, green power from the sun.

It is one of the largest trailers of its type, able to supply 4.24 kW of power utilizing 16 Suniva® mono-crystal photovoltaic panels. The trailer’s output of 6,100 kWh of electricity is enough to meet the electrical needs of one typical residential customer (6,000 kWh/year). On cloudy days, it can rely on an advanced lithium-ion battery storage system consisting of 7 battery modules rated at 5.4 kWh each.

Total battery storage is 37.8 kWh, which is enough to supply a typical residential customer for two days. without the use of the solar panel

system. The trailer has the added The trailer has the added benefit

of being able to charge one electric vehicle with a 110V plug or with a hooked up 240V charger.

The solar trailer is another example of LADWP’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the incorporation of renewable energy sources in its power supply, and role as a catalyst in the local economy.

Once again, in testament to their skill and dedication, LADWP utility workers who keep the city powered 24/7 took some of the top spots at the 2014 annual Los Angeles Lineman’s Rodeo and Family Festival. LADWP teams took first and third place in the overall journeyman team final competition as well as a majority of the individual apprentice events. The top winners were: Mark Garcia, Carlos Galan, and Sotero Ramos (1st place, journeyman team); and Johnnie Russo, Ben Rodriguez III, and Jimmy Valdivia (3rd place, journeyman team). The guys to call in case of an emergency are Brian Noble, Pat

Adams, and Martz Basulto (1st place journeyman hurtman rescue) as well as Bryan Casas (1st place apprentice hurtman rescue). The fastest lineman this year was also Bryan Casas with a time of 17.38 seconds (1st place apprentice pole climb).

This exciting event was held May 17, 2014 at the Truesdale Training Center in Sun Valley. Family and friends had a great time with BBQ and activities for kids. The competition pitted a total of 87 different teams vying for the top bragging rights in Friendly®, competitive events focusing on job safety skills and techniques as well as speed and teamwork.

Winners from the 2014 L.A. Lineman’s Rodeo—four journeyman teams and two apprentices—went on to represent LADWP at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas City, Kansas on October 18, 2014. A total of 204 journeyman teams and 255 apprentices competed from around the country. Following

are the results of the LADWP journeymen teams and apprentice lineman who competed:Journeyman Team Results• Team of John Russo, Ben

Rodriguez III and Jimmy Valdiva: Placed 70th overall; 10th in Municipal Division

• Team of Chris Ingram, Brian Williams and Lucien Patenaude: Placed 81st overall; 11th in Municipal Division

• Team of Carlos Galan, Mark Garcia and Sotero Ramos: Placed 139th overall; 22nd in Municipal Division

• Team of Mark Hughes, Jason Berenbach and Mike Beach: Placed 140th overall; 23rd in Municipal Division

Apprentice Results• Chris Sanchez: Placed 32nd

overall; 6th in Municipal Division• Aaron Lopez: Placed 125th overall;

24th in Municipal Division

THE BEST OF THE BEST SHINE AT ANNUAL LINEMAN’S RODEO

SOLAR TRAILER LIGHTS UP SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN L.A.

For all results from the L.A. Lineman’s Rodeo, please visit LALinemanRodeo.com. For results from the national competition, visit Linemansrodeokc.com.

Brothers Mark Garcia, left and Jimmy Valdivia, right, give credit where it is due as they share a moment with their mother Carol Valdivia, center, following their success on the 1st Place Journeyman Overall Team and the 3rd Place Journeyman Overall Team respectively at this year’s Lineman’s Rodeo. Both brothers work out of Wall Street Central District Yard.


http://www.linemansrodeokc.com

FEATURE


As the three-year drought intensifies the focus on water use in Los Angeles, LADWP recognizes the need to “walk the talk.” While ramping up public outreach and education of the city’s Water Conservation Ordinance and incentives for water savings, such as the popular “Cash in Your Lawn” California Friendly® Landscape Incentive Program, LADWP is working equally hard at reducing water use in the many facilities it owns and operates – 305 facilities including 600 separate buildings throughout Los Angeles.

Overall, a recent survey of its facilities shows LADWP has significantly reduced its own water use, cutting back 30 percent over five years. This achievement is the result of a massive retrofit project to install water-saving faucets, toilets and other devices at LADWP facilities. Since 2009, the Department has replaced over 2,818 fixtures, saving 26.4 million gallons each year.

But no matter how many water-saving devices are installed inside its walls, the most visible water conservation measures are located outside LADWP facilities, ranging from “smart” weather-based irrigation controllers to replacing lawns with California Friendly® landscaping.

Leading by Example“In recent years we’ve steadily converted landscapes at our facilities, but now we’re going into fast track mode,” said Marcie Edwards, LADWP General Manager. “It’s always best to lead by example, so you will soon be seeing turf replacement at all our facilities – from Sylmar to San Pedro – to bring the ‘Plant California Friendly®’ message to every customer in every neighborhood.”

As the largest municipal utility in the country with a service area of more than 460 square miles, LADWP’s ability to deliver reliable water and power to customers is

FEATURE

Water-wise

landscaping

installed:

more than

600,000 sq. ft.

and counting

LADWP IS GOING NATIVE WITH CALIFORNIA FRIENDLY® LANDSCAPINGBy Carol Tucker and Jane Galbraith

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FEATURE


dependent upon an extensive network of localized facilities such as power distribution stations and water pumping stations. Adding to this mix are power plants, reservoir complexes, utility yards, offices and training facilities, so setting a schedule for redoing landscaping at each and every one is as extensive as it is necessary.

The program is in line with LADWP’s push to encourage water-wise practices among its customers, with the additional objective to lower operating and landscape maintenance costs.

Under Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Executive Directive No. 5 on Emergency Drought Response, LADWP took additional steps to save water:• Stopped watering turf at 15 facilities slated for

water-wise landscape retrofits this fiscal year

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JFB Garden

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• Reduced watering at all other facilities to two times per week, Mondays and Fridays

• Posted signs with scheduled watering days at each facility

First Turf ReplacementTurf replacement at LADWP facilities was initiated several years ago at some very high profile properties, such as at the Silver Lake Reservoir complex where a combination of decomposed granite (DG), river rock and native California plants replaced nearly an acre of grass nearest the administration and conference buildings. Silver Lake residents embraced the aesthetic and a whole California Friendly® landscape look and feel to the reservoir complex grew with a DG path around the entire site plus a passive recreation park — the “Meadow” — along East Silver Lake Drive.

As of January 2014, over 620,000 square feet of water-wise landscaping have been installed at seven water facilities and 14 more power facilities. Over the 2014-2015 fiscal year, an additional 15 power facilities, one in each City Council district, are slated for new water-wise grounds together with a large water system maintenance yard.

“LADWP’s hope is that these neighborhood facilities will provide Angelenos with ideas and inspiration to mix up their own garden’s plant palate, and keep the trend going all over L.A. to take out their lawns and still have a beautiful yard,” said Edwards.

The “crown jewel” of LADWP demonstration gardens is located at the John Ferraro Building on Hope Street and showcases several different water-wise landscapes — from cactus/desert to Mediterranean — utilizing drip irrigation and a variety of water permeable hardscapes. Installation began in fall 2014, and was completed in January 2015.

PLEASE AFFIXFIRST CLASS

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Attractive drought tolerant landscaping means less water and more color. LADWP offers

$3.75 per sq. ft. to replace thirsty lawns with Calfiornia Friendly® landscaping.





Water-wise landscaping at the Sunshine House,Silver Lake Reservoir.

FEATURE


JFB CALIFORNIA FRIENDLY® DEMONSTRATION GARDEN Design and Plant Palette


FEATURE

Responding to the severe statewide drought, LADWP has stepped up its public education and enforcement of the City’s Water Conservation Ordinance, and Angelenos are responding by using less water.

In September 2014, the Water System reported that water use decreased by 8.8 percent in August compared to the same month last year, despite a three-degree increase in temperature. That represents about 1.6 billion gallons of water saved, or enough water to serve for 16,000 homes for a year. In July 2014, water use was 4.4 percent lower when compared to July 2013.

“Typically water use increases when the weather gets hot. The results for August show that the message is getting out there and that people are responding by using less water,” said Dave Pettijohn, LADWP Director of

Water Resources.

LADWP’s Water Conservation Response Unit (WCRU) has stepped up visibility by patrolling the city in bright blue cars that say “Keep Saving Water L.A.!” and actively responding to complaints about water waste. From January through October 2014, the WCRU had handled 4,300 complaints, mailed over 3,500 educational warning letters, and conducted over 1,000 in-person inspections.

LADWP has also been pushing out drought messaging on ways to save water, and publicizing LADWP’s Cash in Your Lawn program, which was recently upped to $3.75 per square foot of turf replaced with California Friendly® landscaping.

While L.A. is still technically in Phase 2 of the mandatory water

conservation ordinance, which limits watering to three days a week between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., a recent Mayor’s Directive calls on City departments to water only two days a week, and the WCRU is asking Angelenos to do the same.

But who are these intrepid employees patrolling the streets engaging and educating residents and business owners on the drought and the importance of saving one of our most precious natural resources?

Enrique “Rick” Silva took his current position as WCRU supervisor in April 2014 and since then has been much in demand as an interview subject helping get the word out via local, national and even international news media outlets. Silva doesn’t mind the numerous media interviews as long as the message on water conservation is publicized, something

LADWP TURNS UP DROUGHT RESPONSE EFFORTS

To report water waste to the WCRU, residents may email [email protected].

To learn more, visit www.ladwp.com/waterconservation.

By Albert Rodriguez


he and the rest of the WCRU feel very passionate about.

“Media attention has helped us get our message across that droughts are a part of life and that we really have to change our relationship with water and our non-native, thirsty landscapes,” says Silva.

Silva has worked for the Department for 25 years starting out as a Customer Service Representative in the Call Center and Account Services Unit. He has worked as a Water Representative in Water Quality’s Cross-Connection Control Unit and as a Utility Service Specialist (USS) in Major Accounts, Recycled Water and Water Conservation.

Carlo Fuentes has worked at various City departments including the Library system, Recreation & Parks,

City Clerk’s office and the LAPD permits and computer training divisions, before joining the LADWP family. He started at LADWP as a meter reader and went on to become a management analyst at various divisions, then a USS and now the WCRU.

Thomas Martinez has been working with L.A. City for 12 years starting out with the Office of the City Controller and the Information Technology Agency. As a USS with the Department, Thomas has worked in Major Accounts, the Solar Incentive Program, and Water Conservation.

Albert Perez is also one of the newest members of the WCRU with over 28 years of experience and training in Water Conservation, Water Recycling, and Renewable Resources. Albert has completed the

University of Southern California’s Cross-Connection Specialist and Tester Training, holds a California Department of Public Health Water Operator D3 License.

These employees have the knowledge and experience to represent the LADWP with pride and enthusiasm for the tough job that lies ahead. General Manager Marcie Edwards has referred to them as great resources of information on how to become more water efficient both in the home and in the outdoors.

Who is the Water Conservation Team? Members of the Water Conservation Response Unit pose with their vehicles, ready to go out on patrol, from left to right: Carlo Fuentes, Albert Perez, Thomas Martinez and Rick Silva.

Today, L.A. water customers as a whole use less water than they did 44 years ago despite a rise in population of over 1 million people.


FEATURE

2 INTAKE MAGAZINE APR-JUN 2010

BY ALBERT RODRIGUEZ

GUARDIANS

ISSUE 1 VOL 90 WINTER/SPRING 2014 - 2015 INTAKE MAGAZINE 15APR-JUN 2010 INTAKE MAGAZINE 3

On a hot and muggy Van Nuys afternoon Lance Maillis, LADWP Utility � eft Investigator, rolls up to the location of a home reported to be involved in possible energy theft. After calling out “LADWP” and receiving no reply, he carefully makes his way to the back of the property to access the electric meter. Upon removing it, he notices what appears to be an electrical line connected in a manner that seems out of the ordinary, indicating a ‘bypass.’ � is means the electricity has been tapped and is being taken from the line before it reaches the meter. Inspectors will sometimes � nd elaborate setups designed to cleverly mask electricity theft and when they are caught in the act, these suspects are usually not too happy. “In one case while investigating a property I was cornered in a backyard by three guys who didn’t want to let me do my job,” relates Maillis. “� ey were very hostile, but I just had to keep my cool and talk my way out of it.” Welcome to the world of the Revenue Security Unit (RSU) and its intrepid Utility � eft Investigators. RSU is part of the Customer Service Division and is responsible for protecting the interests of LADWP through the prevention, detection, correction restitution and prosecution of energy theft. It is an interesting world of complex research and � eld investigations geared towards deciphering clues and solving cases. A SPECIALIZED UNIT� e unit responds to approximately 2,000 new cases of theft a year. Most calls are generated by � eld personnel, linemen, meter readers, customers with anonymous tips, e-mails, and phone calls. Up to 45 percent of calls turn out to be con� rmed cases of theft. Currently RSU is in the process of billing $3.6 million for electricity and water loss. It is an incredibly important job because without recovery of these funds LADWP has to absorb the losses into its rates and pass the cost on to customers. RSU based out of the Van Nuys facility on Saticoy Avenue, is comprised of six investigators, one supervisor, one assistant supervisor, and one billing specialist covering all of LADWP service territory from the Owens Valley down to San Pedro. Because the potential for danger to personal safety certainly exists, it also takes a calm, collected and strong character to do the job. “Our investigators all have the highest morals; they are hardworking, long-time experienced employees, and in some cases they are also ratepayers themselves,” says RSU Supervisor Je� rey M. Kauf. “� ey are truly dedicated and always on the job, noticing abnormalities as they drive to and from work. � ey never really leave the job at the o� ce.” Investigators typically undergo three weeks of internal theft recognition training followed by a month and a half partnered with an experienced investigator. � ey usually go out to calls in plain clothes and in their own personal vehicles so as not to alert the people they are investigating. Training is continuously modi� ed to adapt to new and creative methods used by thieves

FEATURE


to hide their activities. Investigators also attend Utility � eft Conferences with utilities from around the country and around the world to learn and exchange ideas on this very prevalent problem. A DANGEROUS CRIME� ere is no single pro� le for energy thieves. People of all socio-economic groups may be caught in this illegal activity, from doctors to squatters to people just looking to get one over on the Department. And just as there are many types of people that engage in utility theft, there are also many di� erent ways to tamper with and steal electricity—an activity that is extremely unsafe and can spark � res or explosions. Tampering wth electrical wires and panels can overload and blow up transformers, creating both danger and hardship for surrounding residents and businesses.

One of the most alarming developments in energy theft in recent times is the proliferation of indoor marijuana operations, which are usually hidden in rented homes or anonymous industrial warehouses. � ese operations require a great deal of electricity and water for hydroponic growth. � ey can be very sophisticated in nature requiring substantial � nancial investment for lighting and air puri� cation. For cases like these, RSU investigators will usually work in close coordination with local and federal law enforcement. Many times, it’s the property owner who gets burdened with cleaning up the mess after unknowingly renting to marijuana growers. Damages to property often times require extensive repairs. “We’re only just scratching the surface, but it can be a very satisfying job when we do catch and prosecute someone,” says Kauf.

MAKING THE CASE� e Revenue Security Unit has the satisfaction of seeing a case all the way to the end, from initial investigation to restitution or prosecution of utility thieves. When investigators get a report of possible theft they begin by researching the property and its usage consumption history. Other things to note are the location of the meter and if there are any dogs on the property. Once they make it out to a property, evidence of tampering can be evident upon � rst glance, but sometimes it takes a keen, trained eye to detect it. When theft is con� rmed investigators prepare a detailed report to be presented in court. Investigators are well versed in testifying in court and they are usually very successful in recovering lost funds through retroactive billing. One marijuana operation netted $1.6 million in retroactive billing.

4 INTAKE MAGAZINE APR-JUN 2010

“WE’RE ONLY JUST SCRATCHING THE SURFACE, BUT IT CAN BE A VERY SATISFYING JOB WHEN WE DO CATCH AND PROSECUTE SOMEONE”

-RSU SUPERVISOR JEFFREY M. KAUF

ISSUE 1 VOL 90 WINTER/SPRING 2014 - 2015 INTAKE MAGAZINE 17APR-JUN 2010 INTAKE MAGAZINE 5

“Sometimes we don’t get the criminal conviction, but we usually do get a conviction on the electrical theft,” says Utility � eft Investigator Robert Putnam. “We are really trying to do the best for our customers by recovering that money, no one wants to subsidize a criminal marijuana operation.” THE FUTUREOne issue that may a� ect how the unit detects and investigates cases of theft in the future is the introduction of smart meters. � e advent of smart meters will mean that there will no longer be as much on-site veri� cation of properties as there is today. � is will make it di� cult for LADWP � eld personnel to notice oddities or deviations in the electrical wiring set up at properties. Utilities will be able to get accurate reads on a daily basis from smart meters, but detecting anomalies in the data will require new computer programs to � lter and detect theft operations. Challenges notwithstanding, the LADWP’s crack Revenue Security Unit is sure to � nd new and innovative ways of catching utility thieves with the same qualities that have made them successful for the past 100 years: vigilance, thoroughness, cunning, persistence, and an unwavering dedication to the Department and its customers.

IN FOCUS

FORGING A RENEWABLE ENERGY CORRIDOR

Ba

rr

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Ridge

Projects

Well

Underway

“The combination of large-scale solar in the Mojave Desert and small local solar in Los Angeles also offers the advantage of geographic diversity. If it’s cloudy in Kern County and sunny in L.A., the city will still capture renewable energy.”

- Randy Howard, Retired Senior Assistant General Manager, LADWP Power System

By Carol Tucker


IN FOCUS

LADWP is forging a Northern Renewable Energy Corridor that will bring the next round of renewable power from Kern County in the form of 410 megawatts (MW) of solar energy by the end of 2016. The key to bringing this new solar power to Los Angeles is the Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project (BRRTP), which will expand a critical power transmission line connecting L.A. to renewable energy projects in the Tehachapi Mountains and Mojave Desert areas. Crossing Kern and Los Angeles counties, the BRRTP will provide up to 2,000 MW of additional power transmission capacity to access vital solar and wind renewable resources necessary to meet LADWP’s mandated renewable energy targets of 25 percent by 2016 and 33 percent by 2020. After six years of planning and environmental review, construction is well underway on two of five major BRRTP related projects.

Early last February, crews began work on the first BRRTP component, expanding the existing Barren Ridge Switching Station to double the size and enable connections with the new solar projects under development. Originally built to connect power from the Pine Tree Wind Farm in the Tehachapi Mountains to the west, the expanded switching station is scheduled to be in service by June 2015, and will double capacity to accommodate two new interconnections. These include the 250 MW Beacon Solar Project and a 60 MW solar project being developed by Recurrent Energy LLC southeast of the switching station. A third new solar facility—the 100 MW Springbok project—will also tie

into the new switching station via the Beacon Switchyard and transmission line to Barren Ridge Switching Station.

The second component is the construction of the new Haskell Canyon Switching Station located just outside of the City of Santa Clarita. Construction for Haskell Canyon Station also began last spring. Crews have begun rough grading of about 630,000 cubic yards of soil to clear the site.

Haskell Canyon Switching Station will intersect the existing 230 KV transmission line from Barren Ridge and the two existing lines from the Castaic Power Plant, as well as a new 230KV line being added between Castaic and Haskell and the new double circuit transmission line currently starting construction between Barren Ridge and Haskell (two of the five BRRTP components). The Haskell Station and new Castaic line will help convey additional renewable power, increase transmission reliability and LADWP pumped storage flexibility in conjunction with wind and solar renewable energy. Excess wind or solar energy can be used at Castaic to pump water to the upper reservoir where it is stored until needed. When energy demands are high, the water is released back through the Castaic turbines increasing the Department’s generation ability.

In October, the Department moved forward with construction work on the third BRRTP component, by awarding a $176 million EPC (Engineer, Procure, Construct) contract to Barnard Construction. This work involves the design, procurement, and construction

Breaking Ground

Haskell Canyon Switching Station

Barren Ridge Switching Station


IN FOCUS

The Adelanto Solar Power Project, completed in June 2012, is LADWP’s first utility-scale solar power array. Sun power will play an important role in the power supply transformation in the coming decade.

of a new 61-mile 230 kV double-circuit transmission line between Barren Ridge Switching Station and Haskell Canyon Switching Station, as well as 45 miles of land acquisition and eminent domain action by the Department. Design work for the towers, roads, and foundations has been completed, and geotechnical boring of the entire line has begun. Survey work began in December.

The remaining two BRRTP components include upgrading the existing 230-kV Barren Ridge-Rinaldi transmission line between Barren Ridge Switching Station and Rinaldi Receiving Station and adding a new 230-kV circuit between Castaic Switching Station and Haskell Canyon Switching Station. Once all components are completed by the end of 2016 they will provide a total transmission capacity of more than 2,400 MW between the Mojave area and northern Los Angeles.

Power System Manager of Major Projects Eric Hartman said the timing of the BRRTP

construction, and commissioning of the three new solar projects, is something of a well-choreographed dance. Beginning next summer, the existing transmission system will need to be taken out twice; first offline for two months, and again offline for four months in order for the new circuits to be added. Meanwhile, the new solar projects will need to use the transmission line for testing and commissioning starting in June 2015 for the Beacon Switchyard, then again in October 2015, followed by solar array testing and commissioning from March to September 2016.

“With a hard deadline of June 2016 for the new transmission line, it’s a careful balance among competing interests,” Hartman said.

“Our project team is doing a great job working with a wide variety of community groups, land owners, engineers, and construction personnel to safely and successfully build out this project,” said John Dennis, Director of Power System Planning and Development.

092012

MONTHYEAR

122012

112013

022014

032014

042014

072014

102014

012015

062015

102015

062016

092016

Board approved Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for BRRTP LADWP

purchased Beacon Solar Project (including land and all required regulatory approvals)

Site clearing and environmental work begun for Beacon Solar

Construction begun at Barren Ridge Switching Station (SS) Beacon

Switchyard geotechnical excavation started

Construction begun at Haskell Canyon SS

Beacon Solar Project Groundbreaking Ceremony

Board approves construction contract for 61-mile, 230 kV line from Barren Ridge SS to Haskell Canyon SS

Construction underway on BRRTP

Completion of Barren Ridge SS

Beacon Solar Switchyard ready for service

Recurrent Solar begins commercial operation

Completion of Haskell Canyon SS

Springbok 1 Solar begins commercial operation

BRRTP Line in-service

Mar-Sep 2016 Beacon Solar arrays testing and commissioning

Sep 2016 Beacon Solar begins full commercial operation

Timelinefor Forging a New Enregy Corridor


LADWP broke ground last summer on the biggest solar project in its history to date: the 250-MW Beacon Solar Plant, located about 14 miles north of Mojave, California, in an area fast emerging as LADWP’s Northern Renewable Energy Corridor.

LADWP, City of Los Angeles and Kern County officials dug their shovels into the ground at the future home of the Beacon Solar Power Plant, one of the key renewable energy projects that will help LADWP reach its goals of 25 percent renewables by 2016 and 33 percent by 2020. Along with the utility scale power, the project will spur development of 50 MW of solar power within the city to help boost the local clean energy economy through LADWP’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) program. Altogether, the new solar projects will provide 300 MW of clean, sustainable sun power for 127,000 homes and reduce enough greenhouse gas emissions to remove the equivalent of 82,500 cars off the road.

LADWP Power System construction crews are making considerable progress at the Beacon site, installing electrical poles and lines that will provide the electrical infrastructure to collect the solar generated power. Construction of the collector station, which collects energy from all the solar panels, is also moving forward. Construction crews are placing foundations and setting electrical equipment, trenching and placing electrical conduits, and constructing the control house for the station facility. This construction progress has been accomplished at an accelerated pace, all the while maintaining compliance with the Desert Tortoise environmental protection requirements of the project.

The full 300 MW, expected to be completed by the end of 2016, will move LADWP’s renewable portfolio closer to meeting the state-mandated renewable energy level. “In addition to the 250 MW of solar we are building near Mojave, in just two years with these agreements, we’ll add solar equal to one-half of all the solar that’s been installed within the City of Los Angeles service territory in the past 15 years,” said LADWP General Manager Marcie Edwards.

Along with helping spur the clean energy economy in Los Angeles and meeting renewable energy goals, the expansion of local solar builds more resiliency and reliability into the power grid. “The combination of large-scale solar in the Mojave Desert and small local solar in Los Angeles also offers the advantage of geographic diversity. If it’s cloudy in Kern County and sunny in L.A., the city will still capture renewable energy,” said Randy Howard, Retired Senior Assistant General Manager, LADWP Power System.

The Beacon Solar Plant is part of a cluster of renewable energy projects that tie into the new Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project (see related story, page 18), a critical power transmission line that will provide an additional 2,000 MW of capacity, enabling LADWP to deliver new renewable energy from Beacon and other renewable resources from the Tehachapi Mountains and Mojave Desert areas to Los Angeles.

BEACON OF SOLAR POWER

IN FOCUS

LADWP breaks ground on Beacon Solar Plant north of Mojave, Calif. Front Row from left: Ravi Sankaran, SunEdison; Randy Howard, LADWP Sr. Asst. General Manager; Marcie Edwards, LADWP General Manager; City Councilman 7th District Felipe Fuentes; Zack Scrivner, Kern County Supervisor; District 2, Andrew Boss, Hecate Energy; and Tom Honles, LADWP Beacon Solar Project Manager


IN FOCUS

A LEGACY BUILT TO LAST By Carol Tucker

Pankaj Parekh Ultraviolet Water Disinfection Facility Commissioned

When Water System employees were considering the best way to comply with stringent rules to safeguard drinking water, it was the late Dr. Pankaj Parekh, LADWP’s former Director of Water Quality, who championed the idea of building a state-of-the-art ultraviolet (UV) disinfection facility.

Under Dr. Parekh’s leadership, LADWP developed the largest UV treatment facility in the West, with capacity to purify 600 million gallons of water per day – enough for the City of Los Angeles’ 4 million residents and countless businesses. The Dr. Pankaj Parekh Ultraviolet Disinfection Facility was formally commissioned on May 29, 2014, just five months after Dr. Parekh passed away from injuries he sustained during a motorcycle accident.

Known as a tireless advocate for public health, Dr. Parekh believed strongly in purifying water by removing chemicals, not adding them. “Pankaj was always about doing better for our customers – not just meeting requirements but going beyond them by purifying drinking water without additional chemicals,” recalls Melinda Rho, LADWP Water Regulatory Affairs Officer.

The Dr. Pankaj Parekh Ultraviolet Disinfection Facility adds an advanced level of protection to Los Angeles water quality and it is an important investment in the reliability and

safety of L.A.’s water infrastructure. The rapid four-year design and construction is also an achievement in and of itself.

Thanks to LADWP’s own in-house workforce and the assistance provided by the contractor, the plant was completed in time to meet the regulatory compliance date of March 31, 2014. Construction was funded by LADWP’s Safe Drinking Water Program, with a contribution from the State Revolving Loan Fund administered by the California Department of Public Health.

Using light to purify the water instead of chemicals, the UV process does not cause any change to the color, taste or smell of LADWP’s water. Water filtered at the Los Angeles Aqueduct Filtration Plant comes to the UV disinfection facility for further purification before entering the Los Angeles Reservoir and LADWP’s 7,000-mile drinking water distribution system which eventually reaches 679,000 water customers.

The process provides essential disinfection treatment while minimizing by-products, reducing chlorine contact time, and helps LADWP comply with the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection By-Products Rule required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. After UV treatment, a secondary disinfectant known as chloramine is added to the drinking water to

provide long lasting protection all the way to the tap.

During the commissioning ceremony, former Water System Senior Assistant General Manager Jim McDaniel said Dr. Parekh’s lifelong mission was to “always strive for improving the safety, purity and quality of public water sources.”

For the Water Quality team at LADWP, the UV disinfection facility is a reminder of Dr. Parekh’s dedication to public health and safe drinking water for all people.

“Pankaj provided a different perspective because he came from a public health background. He reminded us of the importance of what we do and to always keep in mind the best interest of the customers,” said Rho, who worked with Dr. Parekh throughout her LADWP career and considered him to be her mentor. Dr. Parekh joined LADWP in 1985 and eventually was named to oversee multiple water quality treatment projects designed to meet federal water standards. Tragically, Dr. Parekh was felled in 2012 in a freeway accident, yet he continued to be engaged in his work during his rehabilitation, always with high spirits and his characteristic good humor. He died on January 29, 2014, but his legacy at LADWP is assured.


A Tribute toDr. Pankaj Parekh

On January 29, 2014, LADWP and the people of Los Angeles lost an important advocate for water quality with the passing of Dr. Pankaj Parekh, former LADWP Director of Water Quality, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Dr. Pankaj Parekh directly touched all our lives through his concern and passion for providing safe drinking water for all.

He was a respected authority on water quality and a nationallyrecognized leader, known for his strong advocacy of public health. His early years working in villages in Africa made him realize that ensuring clean safe drinking water is of primary importance to protecting the public’s health. He took this as his personal mission in life, and he will be remembered for his tireless efforts to carry out that mission for the residents of Los Angeles. Dr. Parekh strongly advocated the need for the Ultra-Violet Disinfection Facility at the Los Angeles Aqueduct Filtration Plant to further purify drinking water. The newly complete facility was dedicated in his memory on May 29, 2014.

OUT & ABOUT

THE 61ST ANNUAL LADWP RETIRED EMPLOYEES PICNICIt was time to reunite and reminisce about the good ol’ days with former co-workers, long-time friends and new faces at the 61st annual LADWP Retired Employees Picnic at the “The Meadows” in Whittier Narrows on June 7. General Manager Marcie Edwards was on hand to meet and greet attendees during this 2014 special event honoring retirees for their many years of dedicated and faithful service.“It’s important that we acknowledge the contributions of our employees,” said Edwards. “Our retirees built the LADWP and we would not be where we are today without them.”Nearly 600 people attended and enjoyed a beautiful day out in the park chatting and reconnecting. Hosted by the Water and Power Employees’ Association, the picnic featured a buffet with loads of delicious BBQ tritip, seasoned chicken, hot dogs, salads, fruit and an assortment of desserts. LADWP sponsored health care providers (Kaiser Permanente, United Health Care, Delta Dental and United Concordia), the LADWP Health Plans Office, and the Water & Power Community Credit Union were also available to offer information regarding their products and service. Taking advantage of the many years of experience, knowledge and wisdom gathered at the event, Intake asked the retirees what advice they would give to current employees.

By Albert Rodriguez

Most recently retired: Asghar Mohajer-Rahbari retired June 1, 2014 from Power System Engineering Services Division. Longest retired: Zelma Carter retired 1977 from Special Collections, center, with General Manager Marcie Edwards.

Paul McCollumYear Retired: 1980From: Power Distribution ConstructionActivities since retirement: Enjoying lifeAdvice for employees: “Work hard.”

Eddie “Iodine” NovaselYear Retired: 1981 From: Worker’s CompensationActivities since retirement: Finished everything on his ‘Bucket List’Advice for employees: “Keep your nose clean.”

Bill Younger Year Retired: 1999From: Purchasing DepartmentActivities since retirement: Enjoys golfing at Myrtle Beach and keeps active in community organizations.Advice for employees: “Take your job seriously, try to promote and don’t stop. Don’t stagnate.”

Eddie and Paul were looking for each other at the picnic and had a great reunion. They had worked together back in the ‘50s while building the Owens Gorge Power Plants.


OUT & ABOUT

George Sumida (and wife Sada)Year Retired: 1989From: Electrical Engineering Associate at Boylston YardActivities since retirement: Ballroom and tap dancingAdvice for employees: “Take it easy and enjoy your life.”

Mary MartinYear Retired: 1985From: Senior Buyer, Purchasing Department (helped build the JFB)Activities since retirement: Golfing and volunteering in her community and churchAdvice for employees: “Get more involved in LADWP and go beyond your normal job duties.”

Ernie Alvarado (with companion Louise in sun hat)Year Retired: 1991From: Vehicle Fleet DispatchActivities since retirement: Enjoying lifeAdvice for employees: “Work hard, keep at it.”

Grant Cole Year Retired: 1991From: Mechanical RepairActivities since retirement: Wrote a book about his experiences in the Korean WarAdvice for employees: “Take time to appreciate the LADWP, it’s a great organization with great people.”

Tom Berumen (with family and grandkids)Year Retired: 2000From: Information Technology ServicesActivities since retirement: Consulting and started own tax preparation businessAdvice for employees: “Stay with it and always be prepared for new opportunities.”

If you’re a retired LADWP employee or will be retiring soon, be sure to join us next year for what will be another enjoyable gathering of friends, family and good times.


OUT & ABOUT

THE 61ST ANNUAL LADWP RETIRED EMPLOYEES PICNIC CONT.



OUT & ABOUT

2014 LADWP ACTIVE EMPLOYEES PICNICAmidst the roar of roller coasters and screams of thrill seekers, over 1,400 LADWP employees enjoyed the 2014 Active Employees Picnic on July 19 at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Hosted by the Water and Power Employees’ Association, employees, friends, and family members enjoyed a feast at the all-you-can-eat buffet, while a professional master of ceremonies delighted the crowd with games, activities and dance contests.

INTAKE MAGAZINEDEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWERP.O. BOX 51111, ROOM 1520LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90051-0100

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2015 LADWP Intake

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Transcript of 2015 LADWP Intake