Department of Water & Power of Los Angeles v. ABB Power T & D Co.

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER

I. Background

The Columbia River in Oregon provides an abundance of low-cost, clean hydroelectric energy. In 1970, in order to capitalize on seasonal variations in power supply and demand between the Pacific Northwest and Southern California, the second largest high-voltage direct current (“HVDC”) power transmission station in the world was commissioned. Called the Pacific High Voltage Direct Current Intertie (“Intertie”), it transmits electric power between Columbia River hydroelectric plants and Southern California.

During summer months, heavy Columbia River flow provides energy to meet Southern California’s need for electricity to run air conditioners. In the winter, power can be transmitted from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest to make up for diminished flow.

The power is transmitted by direct current (“DC”) between converter stations in Celilo, Oregon and Sylmar, California. For technical reasons, it is more efficient to send power by a DC line. When it arrives, it must be converted to alternating current (“AC”) for use by consumers.

Plaintiff Department of Water and Power of the City of Los Angeles (“DWP”) is the manager/operator…