City audit: Aging infrastructure among top problems facing LADWP

Aging infrastructure and lack of implementation plans are among the top issues facing the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, according to an audit released Wednesday by city officials.

The report, jointly issued Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Controller Ron Galperin and the city council, analyzed risks and opportunities for improvements at the LADWP.

The challenges span several areas, including sustainability, water and power infrastructure, information technology, cybersecurity and emergency management, according to the audit.

The report found that aging infrastructure in the city could impact service reliability and long-term costs, if not addressed. Many programs intended to address challenges due to regulations and aging infrastructure lack detailed implementation and will “demand significant program management acumen,” the report states.

The department is also facing vacancies and lacking in specific expertise in areas of information technology and cybersecurity, the report found. Another concern raised by the report was the LADWP’s ability to meet financial targets.

“Ensuring that LA residents have access to a modern, reliable public utility that delivers affordable water and power to their homes and businesses must be a top priority for the city,” Galperin said. “The LADWP has made progress on a number of fronts in recent years, but ethical and operational issues highlight the clear need for greater transparency and accountability at the department. This report identifies opportunities to improve how LADWP functions and serves its ratepayers in the region.”

The full report can be viewed at: https://bit.ly/3RsfGdk.

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