LAUSD Rooftop Solar Projects Get Help From Krekorian

Los Angeles City Councilmemember Paul Krekorian said Thursday he is asking the City Council to extend a grant deadline in order to help the Los Angeles Unified School District fund two rooftop solar power projects.

Krekorian, who represents District 2 and who chairs the Education and Neighborhoods Committee, introduced a motion in council Wednesday that would ask the Department of Water and Power to give the district a one-year extension on its Solar Incentive Program grant applications.

The applications have been delayed because of a conflict at the state level over which solar panel design the district should use. LAUSD is facing July and October deadlines for the grants.

"Rooftop solar energy presents a tremendous opportunity for our school district to address its tremendous budget shortfall by reducing electricity costs," Krekorian said, adding that the projects would "send a powerful message to our children about their role in preserving our environment and our world."

The district has applied for $4.4 million to help fund two renewable energy projects at John H. Francis Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley and the Fifth District administrative office.

Krekorian does not expect the Division of State Architects to finalize its decision about which rooftop solar panel designs LAUSD should build before the grant application deadlines pass.

The motion heads first to the Energy and Environment Committee before it can be voted on by the full council.

"This program helps the DWP reduce its reliance on coal, improves air quality and encourages the creation of good green jobs in Los Angeles," Krekorian said.