UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

In June 2025, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) convened a wide array of experts to identify opportunities for the utility to support a more resilient L.A. through new and emerging technologies and strategies. In the wake of the January wildfires, the one-day intensive workshop provided a venue for rapid information sharing and the development of concepts for pilot projects as well as other immediate actions to catalyze utility innovation. The 104 participants—spanning utilities, technology innovators, consultants, academic researchers, and public sector leaders—identified and discussed key innovation strategies and barriers within four topic areas: advanced metering infrastructure, utility undergrounding, water distribution system infrastructure, and wildfire risk assessment.

The workshop was commissioned by LADWP and developed and hosted by an interdisciplinary UCLA team. UCLA researchers conducted an initial phase of research and engagement to provide foundational information that formed the basis for the workshop. The workshop development process and the event itself produced multiple deliverables. These include this public workshop proceedings report, requests for information (RFIs) and requests for proposals (RFPs) issued by LADWP, and supporting materials for the utility’s ongoing initiatives across the four innovation areas. Collectively, this work advanced individual conversations and catalyzed broader efforts to spur new approaches in the utility sector, creating a unique opportunity for decision-makers to collaborate frankly and drive industry-wide knowledge and capacity.