Longtime Public Utilities Leader David H. Wright Named to Head
LADWP Power System

Former Riverside Public Utilities General Manager Will Take Helm Feb. 2, 2015, Replacing Retiring Power Chief Randy Howard

In announcing Wright’s appointment, Edwards said that Wright is a recognized leader in all aspects of public utilities—both water and electricity. “David Wright has the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to lead LADWP’s Power System during the biggest transition in its history,” Edwards said. “I have had the pleasure of working with David in the past and I am confident that he will continue the outstanding work of our power system team in meeting the major challenges ahead—ensuring continued exceptional reliability for our customers, expanding renewable energy, creating a clean energy future for L.A., and accelerating the pace of replacing aging infrastructure. David will also bring significant experience in customer and community relations, which is vital to achieving our goals going forward,” Edwards added.

Wright is currently Deputy General Manager and Chief Financial Officer of the Las Vegas Valley Water District/Southern Nevada Water Authority/Silver State Energy Association. He provides financial oversight for the three separately governed water and electric organizations with 1,300 employees and a nearly $1 billion budget. Prior to joining those agencies in 2013, Wright worked for the City of Riverside, Calif., for approximately 25 years where he gained a broad-based knowledge of both water and electric utility operations.

“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to lead the LADWP Power System and continue to transform L.A.’s power grid and transition its power supply to a more efficient and coal-free electric utility,” Wright said. “LADWP is a leader in providing reliable electric service, integrating new technologies, and initiating innovative programs while keeping rates low for its customers. The Power System is home to some of the best engineers and hardest workers in this industry, and I am honored to join this fine organization.”

As Senior Assistant General Manager of the LADWP Power System, Wright will manage the Power System’s $3.9 billion budget with over $10 billion in assets and 5,600 employees.  Wright will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the Power System and oversee internal and external generation, transmission and distribution divisions.

During his tenure at Riverside Pubic Utilities, Wright managed all aspects of water and electric utility work, including strategic planning, finance, economic development, human resources, customer relations, community outreach and legislative affairs. He developed short and long-term strategic plans that included key performance metrics using best practices. He worked with all city departments in Riverside to identify ways the utility could add value, and constructed extensive new infrastructure with annual capital budgets of $275 million.

Wright has also served on a variety of state and utilities-related agencies and committees including: the California Municipal Utilities Association and the Southern California Public Power Authority. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an MBA from California State University, Fullerton.

During the month of January, Wright will meet with Howard to ensure a smooth transition of leadership responsibilities. He will begin officially on February 2, 2015.

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