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Time for DWP to do the Right Thing |
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Talks Start-Finally
By Tamar Galatzan
The most fulfilling aspect of being a member of the Los Angeles School Board is the opportunity to help a school maneuver around (and sometimes over) government bureaucracies.
In the past year, we’ve been able to do some small things, including getting DVD players and outside lighting, and tackle some bigger projects, such as keeping the Limerick Elementary School library on track.
So, when a handful of schools in my district began asking why they were not allowed to have solar energy projects on their school site, my staff and I started digging.
What we discovered was a 10-year supply contract with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power that provided supply discounts but drastically limited solar energy or any other alternative energy project on District property in the area covered by the DWP.
The contract was set to expire on the 3oth of last month so after discussing the issue with our Facilities department, I asked for a meeting wit DWP to discuss the District’s need for alternative energy flexibility.
This column does not allow me the space to explain why the meeting never took place. Let’s just say it wasn’t for lack of trying. For the past few months, I’ve been asking Facilities to keep me in the loop on negotiations with DWP. I even drafted a solar energy resolution in case that was necessary.
As September came to a close, Guy Mehula, the District’s Chief Facilities Executive, informed me that DWP had cancelled all of the meetings with LAUSD regarding the contract. Finally, on Tuesday, September 30, LAUSD and DWP sat down for their first contract negotiations. The date the contract expired.
The District proposed a mutually beneficial partnership through renewable and energy efficiency programs that will assist DWP in meeting its ambitious objectives.
In the spirit of leaving a cleaner environment for our children, let’s hope that LAUSD and DWP sign a new contract that preserves slightly reduced rates and encourages energy efficiencies. (Tamar Galatzan represents District 3 in the north Valley on the LAUSD School Board.) ◘
CityWatch
Vol 6 Issue 82
Pub: Oct 10, 2008
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