Lucy Robinson
Updated on: October 9, 2024 10:00 am GMT
6,700 Customers Without Power Amid LADWP’s Heat Storm Response
As temperatures soar across Southern California, around 6,700 customers of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) remain without electricity as of noon on September 9, 2024. The outages, a result of a prolonged heatwave, have impacted parts of Los Angeles most severely, including Lincoln Heights, Arlington Heights, and Pacoima.
Understanding the Scope of the Outages
According to LADWP, there are currently 96 separate outage incidents, affecting small groups of customers across various neighborhoods. This decentralized nature of the outages complicates repair efforts, resulting in longer-than-expected response times. For customers who have been without power for more than 24 hours, LADWP encourages them to contact their call center at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397) for assistance.
Heat Waves Strain Infrastructure
The extreme heat this week, with temperatures hitting the 100s and even peaking at 110°F in some areas, has placed unprecedented stress on LADWP’s electrical infrastructure. “The equipment experiences high temperatures, and just like an overheating smartphone, it can fail if it gets too hot,” LADWP CEO Janisse Quiñones explained. “We need our infrastructure to cool down, and the prolonged heat prevents that.”
Efforts to Restore Power
Since the onset of the heat wave, LADWP has successfully restored power to over 110,000 customers. However, the utility faces challenges in responding to multiple small outages simultaneously. “Each localized problem yields a small number of customers restored,” Quiñones said, highlighting the difficulties in managing the situation.
Comparative Electrical Supply Conditions
While LADWP grapples with equipment failures, Southern California Edison (SCE) also reports about 2,047 customers without power due to ongoing outages throughout their system. Unlike LADWP, which serves approximately 1.5 million customers, SCE serves around 15 million, making comparisons between the two utilities complex.
Long-term Strategies for Improvement
LADWP had previously begun upgrading their infrastructure in anticipation of increased demand and temperature. However, the severity of this heat wave was not fully expected. “We identified areas that needed immediate attention based on last year’s performance, but this year’s conditions have been extraordinary,” Quiñones stated. The challenges laid bare the urgent need for infrastructure improvements, specifically in the San Fernando Valley, where temperatures remained excessively high even during the nighttime.
Looking Ahead to Future Heat Waves
According to Quiñones, the heat wave patterns are expected to become more frequent, with longer durations each summer. As climate conditions evolve, LADWP is tasked with preparing for this new normal, which may necessitate significant upgrades to the electrical grid.
“We need to identify additional equipment needing replacement for future heat waves,” Quiñones added, emphasizing the proactive steps the utility will take to mitigate similar occurrences in the coming years.
How Residents Can Help
In light of the current outages, LADWP urges customers who have power to reduce their electricity usage where possible. “Limiting air conditioning when not entirely necessary can make a significant difference,” Quiñones said. “This will help ease the strain on the system and assist those who are currently experiencing outages.”
The Weather Outlook
Fortunately, relief may be on the horizon, as the National Weather Service forecasts a drop in temperatures beginning Tuesday. A decrease of around 10 degrees is anticipated, signaling an end to the excessive heat and bringing much-needed respite to both residents and utility providers.
Image: LADWP crews are actively working to restore power during the ongoing heat wave.
Staying Informed
For the latest updates on outages and restoration efforts, LADWP encourages customers to follow their social media channels or visit their dedicated newsroom page. Additional resources include:
- LADWP Outage Reporting
- LADWP’s COVID-19 Response
LADWP is working hard to handle this tough situation. Residents should remember to report any power outages right away and save energy when they can. This way, everyone can stay safe and connected during this heat wave and after.
