Statement by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power General Manager Ronald O. Nichols

Regarding the Measure I Citizen's Committee Appointment of Dr. Frederick Pickel as Executive Director of the Office of Public Accountability

“I am very pleased that the Citizen’s Committee charged with identifying and evaluating candidates for Executive Director of the Office of Public Accountability has appointed an Executive Director, as set forth in Measure I.  The members of the Citizen’s Committee, led by John W. Murray, appear to have used a very in-depth and rigorous process to evaluate candidates.  On behalf of the LADWP and our customers, I would like to thank them for their diligence and commitment to find a strong Executive Director and Ratepayer Advocate.  I have met Dr. Pickel and there is no doubt that he is very well credentialed with a strong utilities finance background and understanding of ratepayer concerns and infrastructure requirements.  I am confident he will provide excellent insight as we advance rates matters and I look forward to working with him as soon as he can start work.”

Power Outage Update

3:00 PM December 3

Working around the clock, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) crews have now restored power to more than 200,000 electric customers since Wednesday night. As of 3:00 PM Saturday, December 3, approximately 7,000 customers are without power in the areas hardest hit by extreme winds.

The following areas and neighborhoods have the highest number of customers impacted:

Eagle Rock: 1,700
Los Feliz: 1,400

An additional 5,200 electric customers are also, now, without power in the San Pedro area after power was lost shortly after 2:00 pm this afternoon, putting the citywide total without power as of 3:00 PM at approximately 12,000 customers.

LADWP Power System crews will continue to work 24/7 to restore electric service.

As a high wind advisory has been issued and strong winds are anticipated throughout the night, LADWP continues to strongly urge caution around downed power lines. Always assume that any downed wire is "live." Keep children safe and stay away from any downed power lines and poles as well as downed trees and limbs. Beware of traffic signals that may be affected by power outage and proceed with extreme caution. Allow access for uniformed LADWP crews, all of whom carry Department-issued identification cards, so they may service infrastructure in need of repair.

Visit www.ladwpnews.com under "Hot Topics" for frequently asked questions related to the windstorm as well as safety tips and information on how to respond when experiencing a power outage.

Customers and members of the media are encouraged to check www.ladwpnews.com and the Department's Twitter page, @LADWP, for regular updates. 

Power Outage Update

6:00 AM Saturday, December 3

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) crews worked nonstop over night to restore power to more than 189,000 electric customers since massive winds knocked out power to customers throughout the city earlier this week. As of 6:00 AM Saturday, December 3, approximately 24,000 of LADWP's 1.4 million electric customers remain without power.  Today, 100 LADWP Power system crews will continue to work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

At this time, the current estimated duration of power outages is 24 - 48 hours from the start of an outage.

However, a very small percentage of our customers may experience outages lasting longer than 48 hours.  For these customers, we ask for your patience as crews continue to work to restore your power.

The following areas and neighborhoods have the highest number of customers impacted:

CENTRAL/DOWNTOWN
Silverlake: 2,400
Los Feliz: 1,400

EASTSIDE/NORTHEAST
Glassell Park: 6,900
El Sereno: 3,800
Highland Park: 3,400
Boyle Heights: 1,900
Eagle Rock: 1,600

LADWP continues to strongly urge caution around downed power lines. Always assume that any downed wire is "live." Keep children safe and stay away from any downed power lines and poles as well as downed trees and limbs. Beware of traffic signals that may be affected by power outage and proceed with extreme caution. Allow access for uniformed LADWP crews, all of whom carry Department-issued identification cards, so they may service infrastructure in need of repair.

In the event of a power outage:

• Stay calm.
• Have a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Don’t use candles in a power outage.
• Turn off lights but leave one light turned on so you will know when your service is restored.
• Turn off and unplug appliances and other electrical equipment. Unplug heat-producing items like irons and space heaters. This helps prevent circuit overloading, which could delay restoration of service.
• Call us and report your outage at 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397).

If you encounter a downed power line:

• Report any downed power lines immediately by calling the LADWP at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
• Do not touch a downed or dangling wire or anyone or anything in contact with it. Always assume a downed line is still energized.
• If a power line falls on your car, stay in the car and wait for help. If you must get out, make sure you do not touch the metal parts of the car and the ground at the same time. The safest exit method is to open the door, stand on the door sill and jump free without touching the car.
• Stay away from metal fences, such as chain link fences, as there may be a power line down and touching the fence somewhere beyond your sight.
• If there is damage to the connection from the power pole to your house, you should go to the electrical box and turn off the main switch or shut off the fuse switch. Again, always assume electric lines are live.
• In case of an electrical emergency, stay calm and think before you act. Don't become a victim while trying to help others. Call 911.
• If someone is shocked or not breathing, apply cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR.) Then cover the victim with a blanket, keep their head low and get medical attention.

Customers and members of the media are encouraged to check the Department’s news site at www.ladwpnews.com and Twitter page, @LADWP, for updates.

Power Outage Update

10:00 PM Friday, December 2

As Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) crews work through the night, the LADWP reports approximately 37,000 of LADWP's 1.4 million electric customers are without power after a major wind storm struck the Southland late Wednesday and yesterday. With 135 Power system crews dedicated to today’s restoration efforts, power has been restored to more than 177,000 customers since extreme winds began knocking out power to customers across the city. 

LADWP Power Crews will continue to work 24/7 to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. 

At this time, the current estimated duration of power outages is 24 - 48 hours from the start of an outage.

However, a very small percentage of our customers may experience outages lasting longer than 48 hours.  For these customers, we ask for your patience as crews continue to work to restore your power.

The following areas and neighborhoods have the highest number of customers impacted:

CENTRAL/DOWNTOWN
Los Feliz: 3,000
Larchmont: 2,800
Silverlake: 1,700

EASTSIDE/NORTHEAST
Glassell Park: 8,400
Highland Park: 6,300
Cypress Park: 3,400
Boyle Heights: 3,300
Eagle Rock: 1,600

LADWP continues to strongly urge caution around downed power lines. Always assume that any downed wire is "live." Keep children safe and stay away from any downed power lines and poles as well as downed trees and limbs. Beware of traffic signals that may be affected by power outage and proceed with extreme caution. Allow access for uniformed LADWP crews, all of whom carry Department-issued identification cards, so they may service infrastructure in need of repair.

In the event of a power outage:

• Stay calm.
• Have a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Don’t use candles in a power outage.
• Turn off lights but leave one light turned on so you will know when your service is restored.
• Turn off and unplug appliances and other electrical equipment. Unplug heat-producing items like irons and space heaters. This helps prevent circuit overloading, which could delay restoration of service.
• Call us and report your outage at 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397).

If you encounter a downed power line:

• Report any downed power lines immediately by calling the LADWP at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
• Do not touch a downed or dangling wire or anyone or anything in contact with it. Always assume a downed line is still energized.
• If a power line falls on your car, stay in the car and wait for help. If you must get out, make sure you do not touch the metal parts of the car and the ground at the same time. The safest exit method is to open the door, stand on the door sill and jump free without touching the car.
• Stay away from metal fences, such as chain link fences, as there may be a power line down and touching the fence somewhere beyond your sight.
• If there is damage to the connection from the power pole to your house, you should go to the electrical box and turn off the main switch or shut off the fuse switch. Again, always assume electric lines are live.
• In case of an electrical emergency, stay calm and think before you act. Don't become a victim while trying to help others. Call 911.
• If someone is shocked or not breathing, apply cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR.) Then cover the victim with a blanket, keep their head low and get medical attention.

Customers and members of the media are encouraged to check the Department’s news site at www.ladwpnews.com and Twitter page, @LADWP, for updates.

Power Outage Update

3:45 PM Friday, December 2

Power has been restored to more than 149,000 Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) customers since extreme winds began knocking out power to customers across the city.  As of 3:45 PM today, Friday December 2, approximately 62,000 of LADWP's 1.4 million electric customers remain without power.  Currently, the LADWP has 135 Power system crews dedicated to the restoration efforts.  

LADWP Power Crews will continue to work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.  At this time, the current estimated duration of power outages is 24 - 48 hours from the start of an outage. However, a very small percentage of our customers may experience outages lasting longer than 48 hours.  For these customers, we ask for your patience as crews continue to work 24/7 to restore your power following the extreme winds that hit LA late Wednesday and yesterday.

The following areas and neighborhoods have the highest number of customers impacted:

WESTSIDE
Venice: 1,300
Westchester: 1,300

CENTRAL/DOWNTOWN
East Hollywood: 6,300
Los Feliz: 5,000
Hollywood: 2,900
Silverlake: 1,500

EASTSIDE/NORTHEAST
Glassell Park: 11,800
Cypress Park: 10,200
Highland Park: 9,300
Boyle Heights: 3,400
Eagle Rock: 2,800
El Sereno: 1,500
Lincoln Heights: 1,500
Griffith Park: 1,500

LADWP continues to strongly urge caution around downed power lines. Always assume that any downed wire is "live." Stay away from any downed power lines and poles as well as downed trees and limbs, and protect children home from school today from the same. Beware of traffic signals that may be affected by power outage and proceed with extreme caution. Allow access for uniformed LADWP crews, all of whom carry Department-issued identification cards, so they may service infrastructure in need of repair.

In the event of a power outage:

• Stay calm.
• Have a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Don’t use candles in a power outage.
• Turn off lights but leave one light turned on so you will know when your service is restored.
• Turn off and unplug appliances and other electrical equipment. Unplug heat-producing items like irons and space heaters. This helps prevent circuit overloading, which could delay restoration of service.
• Call us and report your outage at 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397).

If you encounter a downed power line:

• Report any downed power lines immediately by calling the LADWP at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
• Do not touch a downed or dangling wire or anyone or anything in contact with it. Always assume a downed line is still energized.
• If a power line falls on your car, stay in the car and wait for help. If you must get out, make sure you do not touch the metal parts of the car and the ground at the same time. The safest exit method is to open the door, stand on the door sill and jump free without touching the car.
• Stay away from metal fences, such as chain link fences, as there may be a power line down and touching the fence somewhere beyond your sight.
• If there is damage to the connection from the power pole to your house, you should go to the electrical box and turn off the main switch or shut off the fuse switch. Again, always assume electric lines are live.
• In case of an electrical emergency, stay calm and think before you act. Don't become a victim while trying to help others. Call 911.
• If someone is shocked or not breathing, apply cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR.) Then cover the victim with a blanket, keep their head low and get medical attention.

Customers and members of the media are encouraged to check the Department’s news site at www.ladwpnews.com and Twitter page, @LADWP, for updates.

The next outage update will be posted at approximately 10:00 p.m.