RFI No. 01.27.2026-POWER-MHK - Modernization of LADWP's Small Hydroelectric Generating Fleet
ID: 227571
• State: California
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Description
Background
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the United States, serving approximately four million residents and 1.6 million registered customers. With over 100 years of experience in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, LADWP operates a network of small hydroelectric power plants that contribute renewable, zero-emission power to the grid.
This RFI aims to gather information on emerging innovations in hydropower technology to modernize LADWP’s small hydroelectric facilities, enhance operational efficiency, improve environmental performance, and support LADWP's goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2035.
Work Details
LADWP seeks information on modernization technologies for its small hydroelectric fleet, which includes fourteen generating units across three operational clusters: Owens Valley (122 MW), San Francisquito Canyon (88 MW), and Los Angeles Basin (19 MW). The modernization focus areas include:
A. Turbine and Generator Upgrades: Variable-speed turbines, fish-friendly turbines, generator rewinds, energy recovery enhancements.
B. Automation and Digitalization: Modern SCADA systems, AI-based predictive maintenance, digital twins, intuitive HMI displays, remote operations.
C. Environmental and Regulatory Performance: Fish passage solutions, sediment management tools, water quality improvements, flow optimization tools.
D. Grid Integration and Flexibility: Hydro-hybrid systems (solar or battery), dispatch optimization capabilities.
E. Forecasting and Analytics: Hydrological forecasting methods, inflow modeling techniques.
Period of Performance
The RFI was released on January 27, 2026. Responses are due by April 1, 2026. The timeline for implementation will depend on the selected modernization technologies following this RFI.
Place of Performance
The contract work will be performed at various locations within the City of Los Angeles where LADWP’s small hydroelectric facilities are situated.
Bidder Requirements
Respondents must have expertise in hydropower generation technologies and may include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), automation specialists, and research institutions. There are no specific set-aside certifications or bonding requirements mentioned.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the United States, serving approximately four million residents and 1.6 million registered customers. With over 100 years of experience in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, LADWP operates a network of small hydroelectric power plants that contribute renewable, zero-emission power to the grid.
This RFI aims to gather information on emerging innovations in hydropower technology to modernize LADWP’s small hydroelectric facilities, enhance operational efficiency, improve environmental performance, and support LADWP's goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2035.
Work Details
LADWP seeks information on modernization technologies for its small hydroelectric fleet, which includes fourteen generating units across three operational clusters: Owens Valley (122 MW), San Francisquito Canyon (88 MW), and Los Angeles Basin (19 MW). The modernization focus areas include:
A. Turbine and Generator Upgrades: Variable-speed turbines, fish-friendly turbines, generator rewinds, energy recovery enhancements.
B. Automation and Digitalization: Modern SCADA systems, AI-based predictive maintenance, digital twins, intuitive HMI displays, remote operations.
C. Environmental and Regulatory Performance: Fish passage solutions, sediment management tools, water quality improvements, flow optimization tools.
D. Grid Integration and Flexibility: Hydro-hybrid systems (solar or battery), dispatch optimization capabilities.
E. Forecasting and Analytics: Hydrological forecasting methods, inflow modeling techniques.
Period of Performance
The RFI was released on January 27, 2026. Responses are due by April 1, 2026. The timeline for implementation will depend on the selected modernization technologies following this RFI.
Place of Performance
The contract work will be performed at various locations within the City of Los Angeles where LADWP’s small hydroelectric facilities are situated.
Bidder Requirements
Respondents must have expertise in hydropower generation technologies and may include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), automation specialists, and research institutions. There are no specific set-aside certifications or bonding requirements mentioned.
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Overview
Opportunity Type
RFI - Request for Information
Opportunity ID
227571
Response Deadline
April 1, 2026
Past Due
Date Posted
Jan. 27, 2026
Source
Est. Value Range
Experimental
$50,000,000 - $200,000,000
(AI estimate)
Agency Distribution
High
On 1/27/26 Water & Power in California issued RFI - Request for Information Modernization of LADWP's Small Hydroelectric Generating Fleet with ID 227571 due 3/31/26.
Contacts
Documents
Posted documents for RFI No. 01.27.2026-POWER-MHK - Modernization of LADWP's Small Hydroelectric Generating Fleet
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