LADWP Announces Locations for Pole-Top Stations at PPCC Meeting

By DEBORAH STAMBLER | Contributing Writer

The Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) meeting on Jan. 28 gave the board and residents the chance to hear Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP) plans to increase power capacity in the area.

LADWP representatives Jack Waizenegger and Bill Harriet took councilmembers and residents through an explanation and history of the power outages that have plagued the Palisades.

Waizenegger showed the three overloaded circuits that are responsible for the outages.

The load on existing circuits continues to grow and, to ease the load until a new distribution station can be built, two pole-top distribution stations (PTDS) will be constructed this spring.

LADWP estimates that construction on each PTDS will take four weeks and can be completed before summer.

This is key as the power load increases with air conditioner use in the hot weather.

One PTDS will be on El Medio south of Sunset. The other is slated to go on Marquez.

These sites were chosen based on the existing layout of circuits.

LADWP stressed that these stations will improve reliability and quality overall for the area.

Waizenegger and Harriet answered many questions from the board and residents.

Organizational representative Bruce Schwartz led off the questions by asking if the new stations could be placed underground.

Waizenegger explained that it wasn’t practical and that it would be far more disruptive to install and more costly.

He recognized the aesthetic considerations for the Palisades and said that LADWP had taken that into account in planning PTDS placement.

Another concern expressed was potential traffic congestion at El Medio during construction.

Waizenegger said that LADWP would do their best to work with traffic and keep things moving.

It’s clear from the round of questions that residents understand the need for the pole-top stations to prevent further outages, but they remain concerned about the size and placement of the stations.

When asked if more units would need to be installed, Waizenegger said that LADWP is focusing on the two units being installed this spring, but it’s likely one or more will be needed.

PPCC Treasurer Richard Cohen pressed Waizenegger on proposed placement of an additional PTDS. Waizenegger said that they really don’t know at this point and will come back when they know for certain.

Other agenda items included the passing of a motion in support of an AGF ordinance regarding cell towers and formation of a PPCC communications committee.

The committee will focus on the launch and maintenance of a new PPCC website and other outreach efforts.

The next meeting will be on Feb. 11 and a further presentation of the Village Starbucks proposed beer and wine sales is on the agenda.

For more information see the PPCC website at pp90272.org.