Change in Leadership at Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Janisse Quiñones, the head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), is set to step down from her role, bringing a significant transition in leadership to the utility. Since taking the helm in 2024, Quiñones has been credited with providing steady leadership and engineering expertise during a time of unprecedented challenges. Her next chapter will see her return to Puerto Rico as the chief executive officer of Luma, a private electric company tasked with modernizing the island’s electric grid.
Mayor’s Endorsement and Impact of Her Tenure
In a statement, Mayor Karen Bass highlighted Quiñones’ contributions to the LADWP, emphasizing the importance of grid and water system reliability during her tenure. The utility has increasingly focused on enhancing coordination during wildfire events, an essential consideration given California’s changing climate. Quiñones’ leadership has been particularly transformative as the city navigates projects that fund resilience amid climate pressures.
City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez expressed her surprise and concern over the timing of Quiñones’ departure. The LADWP is currently managing several large-scale initiatives, including a $2.6 billion upgrade to the city’s Convention Center. Rodriguez remarked that “it couldn’t come at a worse time for our city,” pointing to the ongoing recovery from the Palisades fire and critical infrastructure projects like the East San Fernando Valley light rail line.
Controversies and Challenges
Quiñones’ tenure has not been without its challenges. During the devastating Palisades fire in January 2025, the LADWP faced criticism due to a key reservoir being empty as firefighters struggled to contain the blaze. Critics argued that the drained Santa Ynez Reservoir, which was undergoing repairs, hampered firefighting efforts. However, the DWP countered that even a full reservoir would have been insufficient to manage the overwhelming demand on the water system.
A subsequent state investigation found that limitations in water flow were significant factors in the firefighting difficulties, rather than merely the reservoir’s status. In response to the fire, the DWP has initiated plans to bury power lines in Pacific Palisades to help mitigate future fire risks, a project estimated to cost around $650 million.
Innovations in Energy Policy
Quiñones also made strides toward environmental sustainability during her time at the LADWP, with a notable effort to transition away from coal-fired energy. In December, she announced that the utility would cease purchasing coal-generated electricity. This transition aligns with broader city goals, aiming for a 100% clean energy supply by 2035, though experts like Richard Katz warn that such transitions could elevate utility costs for ratepayers.
Katz lauded LADWP’s historically low utility rates, describing the challenge of maintaining these affordable rates while innovating in the energy sector. The gradual move toward renewable energy sources such as hydrogen, wind, and solar has been a central focus for the future, navigating both environmental and economic considerations.
The Legacy of Leadership
Quiñones joined the LADWP under clouds of controversy following a significant corruption scandal involving her predecessor, David Wright, who was sentenced to six years in prison for bribery related to a no-bid contract scheme. Quiñones’ arrival was seen as a fresh start for the utility, helping to rebuild trust and restore integrity in its operations.
Her substantial salary of $750,000, designed to align her compensation with that of private utility executives, stirred discussion upon her hiring. However, with her upcoming role at Luma, Quiñones emphasizes a personal commitment to revitalizing Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure.
As she looks toward March 30 to start her new position, Quiñones has expressed her dedication to improving the electric system in Puerto Rico, recognizing its critical role in fostering economic stability, public safety, and enhancing the overall quality of life on the island.
