LADWP Goes Extra Mile for Customers and City; Utility's Electric Vehicle Fleet Reaches Milestone
LOS ANGELES--Oct. 5, 2001--Traveling the circumference of the Earth 41 times is impressive enough. But the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) did it with a fleet of more than 170 vehicles -- without stopping at the gas pump.
After 15 years, LADWP electric vehicles have tripped 1 million miles, setting a conservation milestone and demonstrating public power's leadership in spurring clean technologies and renewable resources on the eve of Public Power Week (Oct. 6 - 13).
"The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power continues to take a lead in encouraging the use of new technologies that preserve our environment and have a positive impact on our lifestyles in Los Angeles. I'm proud they are working to help improve air quality while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels," said City Councilmember Ruth Galanter.
LADWP electric vehicle adoption dates to the late 1980s. Electric vehicles have zero emissions and they are used by LADWP for carpools, meter reading, security patrols, conservation demonstrations and more.
The electric vehicle program is also responsible for providing customers with at-home charging stations and offers incentives to customers who charge their vehicles in off-peak, nighttime hours. LADWP also partners with other organizations to install public, workplace and fleet chargers. To date, more than 400 charging stations have been upgraded or installed across the City of Los Angeles.
"LADWP employees and the community have strongly embraced the program, helping us set the national standard for electric vehicle infrastructure and adoption. Moreover, by charging EVs with electricity generated by LADWP's solar charging systems, the zero emission vehicles are charged by zero emission power, demonstrating a 100% clean cycle," said Angelina Galiteva, LADWP Director of Strategic Planning. "The electric vehicles have truly helped create a cleaner, greener L.A."
LADWP offers several renewable energy programs to its business and residential customers, ranging from electric vehicles and fuel cell technology to solar installations, clean power availability and more. The renewable energy program encourages customers to switch to electricity generated in an environmentally sound manner, from sources like sun, wind and water. The electric vehicle program, like solar installations and fuel cells, is a zero-emission alternative offered to consumers who are looking for self-sustaining, pollutant-free power generation.
"As someone who drives an electric car, I have first-hand experience of the benefits and overall infrastructure available to those who choose this environmentally friendly method of transportation," said Los Angeles City Councilman Eric Garcetti. "There are plenty of charging stations scattered throughout the City, from the local mall to most major business districts. And, the overall savings has been tremendous."
Some of the pollution-reducing results of the 15-year program include:
| -- | Eliminating emissions from more than 12,000 pounds of smog-forming pollutants |
| -- | Preventing the release of 1 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions (like carbon dioxide) |
| -- | Saving nearly 60,000 gallons of gasoline |
LADWP and Los Angeles city officials recognized the successful electric vehicle program as a kick off to Public Power Week, which is held annually to educate people about safety and the benefits of public power. Highlighting its commitment to providing clean, reliable power, LADWP has scheduled open houses, presentations in school classrooms and other community events throughout next week. For more information, call 1-800-DIAL-DWP.
About Green LA and LADWP
LADWP's Cool Schools Tree Planting effort, Solar Power, Energy Efficiency and Green Power initiatives are all part of the Green LA Program that also includes the Electric Transportation and Recycling activities. The Cool Schools program is one in a series of educational partnership efforts sponsored by the LADWP that also includes the Youth Service Academy for at-risk youth, the LADWP Science Bowl academic high school competition, adopt-a-school programs, and teacher workshop series.
The LADWP serves more than 3.8 million people in Los Angeles and was established almost 100 years ago to provide water and electric needs to the city's businesses and residents. For more information about the LADWP's Green LA initiatives including Energy Efficiency, Cool Schools, Solar, Electric Transportation and Recycling programs, log on to www.GreenLA.com or phone 1-800-GreenLA.