Outsider to head DWP

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa plans to nominate an energy and water consultant with more than 30 years' experience to become the next general manager of the Department of Water and Power. Daily News.

Ronald O. Nichols, 57, is managing director in the energy division for Navigant Consulting Inc., an international consulting firm dealing with regulation, reform, customer demands and government oversight.

Villaraigosa is expected to make a formal announcement this week, but Nichols began to meet Tuesday with some City Council members. He plans to meet all 15 before the council starts its annual two-week recess Monday.