The Los Angeles City Council Wednesday approved a motion that will develop plans to speed up the review process and implementation of green technology to power commercial and residential properties.
In a 13-0 vote, council members requested the Department of Water and Power to report back on existing processes for reviewing and adopting new technologies, such as solar and battery system installations. The report will also include recommendation to streamline the department's methods.
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Council members Nithya Raman and Marqueece Harris-Dawson were absent during the vote.
The council's action stems from a motion introduced by councilmembers Paul Krekorian, Tim McOsker and Katy Yaroslavsky.
The city has implemented its LA 100 plan, which serves as a guideline to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035.
"In the years leading up to 2035, the LA 100 transition will spur innovation and the LADWP should facilitate the development and implementation of new technologies that encourage distributed generation of clean energy," the motion reads.
Other cities have already begun using such technologies. New York has recently streamlined its approval process for several types of solar panel installations on landmarked buildings.
In the city of Sonoma, officials launched an application to speed up the permitting process for devices related to residential rooftop solar panels.
"Los Angeles must likewise ensure that new technologies that may assist the city in reaching its energy policy goals are responsibly implemented by both residential and commercial customers," the motion reads.
Additionally, council members want to explore the use of meter socket adaptors. City leaders say the device may make some expensive electrical service upgrades unnecessary, improve electrical resilience, but it could also pose certain risks to consumers.
The LADWP is tasked with approving such products on the city's behalf.
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