Frequently Asked Questions for Electric Service Environmental Impact Assessment 

The following answers address frequently asked questions to assist customers with their environmental impact assessments for new construction projects. 

    Please describe the sizes and voltages of existing electrical distribution lines and facilities that would serve the project site and the surrounding area. Please include a map illustrating your description. What is the current electricity service demand within the project area? What is the maximum demand that LADWP facilities could accommodate?

    The Power Capacity Map provides the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's customers with insight about the available load capacity throughout the City of Los Angeles.

    Los Angeles Department of Water and Power: Power Capacity Map 

    Are there any existing electricity service problems/deficiencies in the project area?

    The combined effect of this and other new and added loads in the area may require future additions to distribution system capacity. While growth is factored into LADWP’s demand assumptions for the local area, and any impact to electricity infrastructure is then factored into LADWP’s facilities improvement planning process, the LADWP may postpone new power connections until power supply is adequate at any given location.

    LADWP’s Power System Reliability Program provides a blueprint for ensuring continued reliable energy service for future generations of Los Angeles residents. LADWP implemented the Power System Reliability Program through a two-pronged approach—rebuilding infrastructure and proactive maintenance—and will invest more than $1 billion in the program over the next 5 to 15 years. 

    Would the DWP be able to accommodate the proposed project’s demand for electricity service with the existing infrastructure in the project area or with existing electricity supplies? If not, what new infrastructure would be needed to meet the proposed project’s demand for electricity?

    The adequacy of existing infrastructure is determined during the review of the Project’s electrical drawings and load schedules after submittal of plans for the electric service to your region’s LADWP Service Planning Engineer. New project interconnections may require on-site transformation and line extension on public streets.

    Electric Service is available and will be provided in accordance with the LADWP’s Rules Governing Water and Electric Service. The availability of electricity is dependent upon adequate generating capacity and adequate fuel supplies. The estimated power requirement for this proposed Project is part of the total load growth forecast for the City of Los Angeles and has been taken into account in the planned growth of the City’s power system.

    LADWP Electric Service Website 

    In order to assess the proposed project’s future consumption of electricity, please provide us with your recommended rates. Land Use: multi-family residential = Kilowatt-hour / unit / year

    LADWP does not provide consumption rates. 

    Would there be a disruption in electrical service in the Project area when “hooking-up” the Proposed Project? If so, about how long would the disruption last?

    This cannot be answered without determining the method and voltage of service.  If the connection of the project necessitates a disruption, certain procedures and processes will be followed to limit the disruption to a small area.  

    Please provide the LADWP substation and its address that the circuit(s) serving the project area originate from?

    LADWP doesn’t provide the addresses of its stations in compliance with critical infrastructure protection policies. The Power Capacity Map provides the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's customers with insight about the available load capacity throughout the City of Los Angeles. 

    Do plans currently exist for either immediate or future expansion of electrical facilities?

    Information regarding plans for immediate or future expansion of electrical facilities is not available at this time. 

    Do standard criteria exist for evaluating acceptable electricity service levels, and for assessing the significance of impacts to service levels imposed by implementation of the Project? What is considered an adequate level of service?

    This information can be found on the LADWP Electric Service Website. 

    Does LADWP maintain sole responsibility for providing electrical service to the proposed project site?

    Yes, LADWP maintains sole responsibility for providing electrical services to proposed project site.  

    Can you please provide electrical demand factors used by LADWP to determine the impact of new developments on the service area? (electrical demand factors multi-family, condominiums, retail, office, medical office, recreation, educational, grocery store, and a café/restaurant).

    LADWP does not provide electrical demand factors.