CLEAN LA Solar Program wins critical approval - Clean Coalition
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CLEAN LA Solar Program wins critical approval

As a strong supporter of the CLEAN LA Coalition, the Clean Coalition congratulates the LABC and all the organizations that have advocated to bring clean local energy to Los Angeles.

Craig Lewis


The CLEAN LA Solar Program continues to move forward after winning critical approval from the Los Angeles City Council. On April 3, the City Council authorized the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to purchase up to 150 MW of solar power generated by local property owners, and the Mayor signed the new ordinance on April 11.

To launch the CLEAN LA Solar Program, LADWP will begin with a 10 MW pilot program that launches this month. LADWP will use this pilot program to gauge customer interest at different project size ranges and determine appropriate pricing levels. After the successful completion of the pilot, LADWP plans to expand the program to 75 MW, opening this capacity by early 2013. LADWP may further expand program capacity by another 75 MW to a total of 150 MW. LADWP expects the entire program capacity – either 75 MW or 150 MW – to be online by the end of 2016.

According to the Los Angeles Business Council (LABC), a fully subscribed 150 MWprogramwould create 4,500 jobs, generate $500 million in economic activity and offset 2.25 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

The Clean Coalition is optimistic that the pilot project will prove successful and LADWP will act quickly to expand the program to at least 75 MW, which is sized to match the utility’s allocation for renewable energy generation under SB 32.

As a strong supporter of theCLEANLACoalition, the Clean Coalition congratulates the LABC and all of the other organizations that have advocated tirelessly to bring clean local energy to Los Angeles.

Craig Lewis

Founder and Executive Director

Craig founded the Clean Coalition in 2009 and has over 30 years of experience in policy and technology innovation, including the proliferation of Solar Microgrids and Community Microgrids. Prior to founding the Clean Coalition, Craig held numerous positions in the wireless, semiconductor, banking, and renewable energy industries. Previously VP of Government Relations at GreenVolts, he was the first to successfully navigate a solar project through California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard solicitation process. Craig was energy policy lead on Steve Westly’s 2006 California gubernatorial campaign. His resume includes senior government relations, corporate development, and marketing positions at leading wireless, semiconductor, and banking companies such as Qualcomm, Ericsson, and Barclays Bank. Craig received an MBA and MSEE from the University of Southern California and a BSEE from the University of California, Berkeley.