DWP solar power mostly to the wealthy

Touted nearly a decade ago as a way to boost clean energy in Los Angeles, a Department of Water and Power program funded by ratepayers is largely subsidizing solar power systems for wealthier residents even as it falls far short of its energy goals, the Daily News has learned. Beth Barrett in the Daily News.

Since its inception in 1999, DWP ratepayers have paid $50.8 million to fund the city's Solar Incentive Program, which has financed half the cost of 1,022 solar power systems for residential and commercial property owners.

But of the $18.1 million in residential solar subsidies, nearly three-quarters has gone to 633 customers in five council districts encompassing upscale Westside communities, the West San Fernando Valley and the Silver Lake area.