“The LADWP has a strong record of success in implementing effective energy efficiency and conservation programs.  This award is recognition of that fact and will allow us to expand our programs and extend our reach to more customers,” said Lorraine Paskett, Sr. Assistant General Manager for Sustainability and External Relations.

In spring 2010, the United States Department of Energy awarded the City of Los Angeles a total of $37 million in EECBG funding to reduce energy use and improve energy efficiency in the City.  The Strategy sets forth the City’s energy efficiency policies and programs and guides allocation of the funding.  Fourteen program areas are identified in the Strategy and are earmarked to receive funding to further the City’s energy efficiency and conservation goals.

The LADWP will serve as lead on six of the program areas relating to incentives, financing and outreach, in addition to aiding in the development of the Accountability and Transparency program, as listed below:

• $3.5 million for Enhanced Utility Incentives – This program encourages new energy savings opportunities for residents and businesses as a compliment to existing incentives and rebates.
• $1 million for a Single-Family Residential Financing Program – The City intends to partner with Los Angeles County in the county’s Energy Program (LACEP), which may include an AB811/PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) program whereby the upfront costs of energy efficiency retrofits can be repaid through property tax bills over time.  This program will support customer outreach and enrollment.
• $165,000 for a Study of On-Bill Financing – This program will assess the feasibility of an LADWP on-bill financing tool targeting the multi-family (and multi-tenant) sector through an innovative financing mechanism, whereby building owners and tenants can both benefit from energy efficiency improvements and share in their cost.
• $2 million for Energy Efficiency Retrofits for Non-Profit Organizations – A grant program will be established for non-profit agencies interested in maximizing the energy efficiency of their own buildings and office spaces.  Organizations with 501c3 status will be able to apply for funds and/or services for implementation of energy saving retrofits and water conservation measures.
• $1.5 million for Community Outreach, Research and Public Education Program – This program will establish a competitive grant program for non-profit organizations to assist in community outreach, research and public education efforts, to maximize community engagement and participation in energy efficiency and water conservation programs.
• An estimated $147,000 for Enhancement of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy – This funding will allow LADWP staff to incorporate provisions of the upcoming Integrated Resources Plan and other initiatives, and finalize the Strategy.
• $500,000 for the Accountability and Transparency Program – LADWP will assist in the development of this program that will ensure all EECBG activities are quickly and clearly presented for the public by implementing a public outreach strategy, with a goal of changing behavior to promote energy efficiency and conservation.

The LADWP will launch each program in the coming months.

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