LADWP - Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

California Utility Interconnection & net metering rules

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Net Metering AllowedYes
Supply Side Taps AllowedYes
Line Taps AllowedNo
Load Taps AllowedNo
AC Disconnect RequiredSituational

Net metering & export

Net Metering Allowed
Yes
TOU Utility
Yes
Post Solar Billing Method
Net Metering
Rebates Offered
No
Deregulated
No
Allows Standby
Yes

Interconnection & taps

Approval Req To Install
Yes
Supply Side Taps Allowed
Yes
Line Taps Allowed
No
Load Taps Allowed
No
Automatic Transformer Upgrade Size
0
Meter Aggregation Allowed
No

System size & offset

System Size Restrictions
30
System Size Restriction Type
CEC kW
System Size Battery Included
No
System Size Includes Existing Systems
Yes
Offset Type
No Restrictions
Offset Value
0
Offset Calculation Period
0
Industry Standard Watts Sqft
2
System Offset Notes


Offset Calc Tool
PV Watts

Metering & disconnect

Production Meter Required
Situational
Production Meter Criteria
  • No Production Meter (PM) for single phase installations under 30kw-AC with no lineside taps.
Production Meter Position
Inv-PM-Disco-POI
Production Meter Labeling
Production Meter
AC Disconnect Required
Situational
AC Disconnect Criteria
  • No AC Disconnect (AC Disco) required for single phase installations under 20kw-AC with no lineside taps.
AC Disconnect Labeling
Utility Disconnect
Meter Spot Required
Yes
Allowed Meter Adapter
None

Plans & docs

Site Plan Reqs
  • Main Service Panel cannot be located under patios, breezeways, carports, etc.
  • 3x3 working space clearance should be maintained (See Meter Heights & Clearance in Files)
  • ALL ESS require a LADWP service planning form #30-46 & signed and dated required
  • All existing systems must have AC, DC, and CEC-AC 


 ESS Plot Plans and/or site plans (to Scale) detailing the following:

  • Legal Description. (Lot and Tract Number) (If Applicable)
  • If Facility is located on private property, provide location and outline of any existing structures on the property. Provide property line lengths with dimensions of facility and location to property lines.   
  • If Facility is located on public property, provide location and outline of and dimensions to the centerlines of the street and nearest cross street. Include dimensions of facility.
  • Street name, address, and North Arrow.
  • Preferred proposed metering equipment location, and existing metering equipment locations (if applicable)
  • Preferred location of LADWP Transformer and/or Switch Pads.
  • Locations of any existing overhead utilities (power poles) in the vicinity (if Applicable).
SLD Reqs
  • No Production Meter (PM) for single phase installations under 30kw-AC with no lineside taps. Exception: Projects started before 11/18 will install a LADWP-supplied PM.
  • No AC Disconnect (AC Disco) required for single phase installations under 20kw-AC with no lineside taps.
  • If there are multiple meters on site, all need to be shown on plans.
  • List the AC system size (Not CEC) in the title block.

Battery

  • PV+Battery installations: Note on ELD the distance between MSP and Backup Load Center. If more than 6 ft, note that 15A and 20A breakers have AFCI protection.
  • PV+Battery installations: Add this note to ELD: BACKFEED SHALL NOT EXCEED OUTPUT OF PV.
  • Battery Jobs require special Placard (
Electric Service Reqs

Electric Service Planning Form (2021) required for

  • Any meter spot
  • Systems over 10 kW DC, AC, or CEC-AC
  • Electrical Service Sheet required for dual-gang or multi-meter setups (no PE stamp needed).
  • For multi-meter setups, each meter must be clearly labeled with the correct address.
  • See file: “Multiple Meter Installation Identification Requirements” for example.
  • If not upgrading MSP, no meter spot will be issued.
  • Still request interconnection for Net Meter installation.
  • See “LADWP PTO User Guide” in the Interconnection Drive.

Fast Track Eligibility

  • No meter spot or spot sheet
  • No MPU
  • System under 30 kW
  • No existing system

Standard Process

  • Applies to all projects not eligible for Fast Track (e.g., meter spots).

ESR Office Hours

  • 7:00 - 8:30 AM

References

  • See “Solar Process - DWP FIRST” in the Files section.

Requests

  • No upgrade: Request Spot Sheet
  • With upgrade: Request Meter Spot

Multi-Meter Upgrades

  • If upgrading MSP (MPU) and there is more than one meter on-site,
  • → All services must be upgraded to a multi-gang meter panel.
Install Reqs
  • PV+Battery installations require a Preconstruction Site Assessment from an assigned LADWP ESR. PV+Battery installations: If the distance between MSP and Backup Load Center is more than 6 ft, 15A and 20A breakers require AFCI protection.
Placards
  • Battery Jobs require special Placard (
Electrical Stamp Required
No
Meter Num Req SLD 3LD
No
ESID Num Req SLD 3LD
No
Rate Schedule Link
link
Website
link
Phone
(213) 367-6937; (818)771-3545
Compiled from public records, 2026. Tariffs and interconnection rules change; verify with LADWP - Los Angeles Department of Water and Power before you rely on this. The useful move: if an installer says you need a main panel upgrade, ask how these tap and interconnection policies were considered first.