Oct. 31, 2025 6 AM PT
To the editor: The Los Angeles Division of Water and Energy’s Scattergood hydrogen proposal is a horrible deal for ratepayers (“In controversial move, LADWP says it will shift its largest gas power plant to hydrogen,” Oct. 29).
With federal funding reduce, ratepayers largely would shoulder the total price of the estimated $800-million challenge, a price ticket that lawyer Theo Caretta factors out is “a number of years outdated and certain an underestimation,” in response to the article. The challenge might be costlier now, given federal actions derailing the hydrogen trade.
But LADWP nonetheless hasn’t launched an up to date price estimate. Unsure funding additionally makes it uncertain that 100% inexperienced hydrogen can be out there, heightening the chance of long-term reliance on polluting methane fuel — a fossil gasoline.
Whereas clear, inexpensive options like battery storage, photo voltaic vitality and demand response exist right this moment, this hydrogen challenge’s price ticket diminishes our capacity to pay for expanded renewables. LADWP should launch an up to date price ticket for Scattergood and clarify why more economical, confirmed clean-energy options weren’t completely thought of. Ratepayers can’t afford to have their cash wasted on dangerous, unproven know-how that simply turned much more expensive.
Leah Garland, Los Angeles
