Sustainability is at the core of LABC's advocacy, research and programming efforts. Since 2009, we have collaborated with a wide range of stakeholders to design, develop and advocate for a rooftop solar program that would benefit Los Angeles residents, businesses and the city at large. The policy, formally called a solar "feed-in tariff," or FiT, is now known in Los Angeles by the name CLEAN LA (Clean Local Energy Accessible Now).
CLEAN LA's premise is simple: in a land of abundant sunshine, rooftop solar power has the potential to be a tremendous resource that would provide significant renewable energy at a reasonable cost. By incentivizing residents and business-owners to install rooftop solar panels, the CLEAN LA solar program will provide environmental, economic & social benefits for all of Los Angeles, including job creation and clean reliable power that will help the city meet its renewable energy goals. These benefits are summarized here.
Spring 2012 Update
We are very encouraged by significant forward movement for the CLEAN LA Solar program over recent months. On April 3, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved DWP to move forward with a feed-in tariff (FiT) program of up to 150 MW. The move would authorize the utility to begin a 10 MW demonstration project right away, with the full 150 MW in place by the end of 2016—that’s enough to power the equivalent of 34,000 L.A. homes. Earlier, DWP had agreed to reduce the FiT program application from more than 60 pages to just 4 pages and to lower administrative costs.
LABC looks forward to working with DWP to ensure a successful demonstration project, including setting a fair energy price that truly incentivizes solar generation. You may find documents pertaining the LADWP 10MW Solar FIT demonstration program, specifically program guidelines and contract details, here. We will be hosting a workshop for FiT applicants later during the week of April 16th- continue to check our website for exact dates.
Studies
Underpinning LABC's work on this issue is a robust partnership with two of the city's premier academic institutions, UCLA and USC. Prominent researchers have found that the CLEAN LA solar plan would create thousands of local jobs, generate as much as $2 billion in private investment, and take advantage of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of federal tax incentives. Further, the program can provide opportunities for low-income apartment dwellers to benefit from solar installations on their rooftops.
These studies have proposed detailed program guidelines, and have found that a well-designed program would be cost-effective for ratepayers, while giving the LADWP access to a significant source of clean, local energy. By demonstrating both economic and environmental benefits, these reports have added an important dimension to the policy debate. Click here to learn about these studies and to see testimonials of city business, environmental and political leaders.
Making a Market: Multifamily Rooftop Solar and Social Equity in Los Angeles, UCLA and USC (PDF)
Empowering LA's Solar Workforce: New Policies that Deliver Investments and Jobs, UCLA and USC (PDF)
LABC Institute
The LABC Institute is the 501 (c) 3 designated research and educational arm of the LA Business Council. The Institute plays a critical role in the organization's key priority areas of sustainable and clean-tech development as well as workforce housing, transportation and jobs. To learn more about ways to get involved in supporting the LABC Institute's endeavors, please contact Michelle Garakian.
