LADWP CEO Quinones presents $9.29B preliminary budget for 2025-26 to Finance Committee

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has unveiled a preliminary budget of approximately $9.29 billion for the fiscal years 2025-2026, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing the city's water and power infrastructure. During a recent budget hearing, CEO Janice Quinones highlighted the department's focus on resiliency, reliability, and sustainability, with plans to support major initiatives like LA 100 and LA 28.

The proposed budget allocates significant resources across various categories, with 50% dedicated to power system capital expenditures and operating costs, and 21% for water-related expenses. Notably, the budget includes a $163 million increase from the previous year, primarily driven by the addition of 765 new positions aimed at improving service delivery.

Key investments in the power sector include $1.9 billion for reliability programs, which will facilitate the replacement of 4,000 utility poles and 1,340 transformers to ensure consistent energy supply. The budget also earmarks $542 million for renewable energy initiatives, supporting the city's transition to a more sustainable energy portfolio.

On the water side, the proposed budget of $938 million focuses on infrastructure improvements, with plans to replace 240,000 feet of mainline and install over 13,000 feet of trunk lines. These upgrades are essential for maintaining water quality and enhancing the efficiency of the distribution system.

The LADWP's strategic transformation aims to balance the need for reliable services while minimizing rate impacts on customers. As the department prepares to finalize its budget, these initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Los Angeles' water and power systems, ensuring they meet the demands of a growing population.