A Landmark Shift in Urban Energy Policy
On December 4, 2025, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced the city had achieved coal-free power, ending its decades-long relationship with the Intermountain Power Plant in Utah. The move eliminates L.A.'s last coal-powered electricity source and accelerates the city's ambitious timeline to reach 100% clean energy by 2035.
The transition marks a defining moment in urban decarbonization, but it also highlights the complex trade-offs cities face when pursuing aggressive climate goals.
How L.A. Phased Out Coal
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has systematically reduced its coal dependency over nearly two decades. Coal once provided 40% of the city's electricity in the 2000s. Through careful planning—including coordinating with the Intermountain Power Plant's transition to natural gas and hydrogen—LADWP eliminated coal entirely from its portfolio.
The utility now relies on a mix of renewable energy sources, solar power, battery storage, and imports from cleaner regional grids. LADWP characterized the achievement as a "historic milestone" that positions Los Angeles as a leader in the clean energy transition.
This divestment aligns with Mayor Bass's climate agenda, which draws inspiration from Green New Deal principles and California's statewide clean energy mandates.
Racing Toward 100% Clean Energy
L.A.'s 2035 clean energy target represents one of the most ambitious timelines among major American cities. Ending coal dependency removes a significant obstacle and frees resources for investments in solar farms, wind energy partnerships, and grid modernization.
Mayor Bass described the coal exit as "foundational to building a clean energy economy" that will deliver cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The shift demonstrates technical feasibility: major cities can transition away from fossil fuels while maintaining grid reliability.
The move may inspire similar action in New York, San Francisco, and other urban centers grappling with climate commitments.
The Affordability Challenge
Critics warn that the environmental benefits come with economic costs. Los Angeles already has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, and the transition to renewable energy could push bills even higher.
Renewable sources like solar and wind are intermittent, requiring expensive battery storage systems and backup infrastructure to ensure reliable power. These investments typically translate to increased costs for ratepayers, raising concerns about affordability—particularly for low-income households.
LADWP and clean energy advocates argue that long-term savings from improved efficiency and federal incentives will eventually offset higher upfront costs. However, the near-term financial impact on residents remains a legitimate concern that the utility must address through equitable rate structures and assistance programs.
A Test Case for Urban Decarbonization
Los Angeles's coal-free achievement represents both promise and challenge for cities worldwide pursuing deep decarbonization. The technical success demonstrates that major metropolitan areas can eliminate fossil fuels from their power mix through sustained commitment and strategic planning.
Yet the affordability questions underscore the political and economic complexities of energy transitions. Success will depend on continued innovation in energy storage, hydrogen technology, and grid management—alongside policies that protect vulnerable residents from cost burdens.
If Los Angeles can balance environmental progress with economic accessibility, it will provide a valuable blueprint for other cities. If affordability concerns trigger public backlash, it may slow the momentum of urban climate action nationwide.
Brief Summary: Los Angeles has achieved coal-free electricity by ending its partnership with the Intermountain Power Plant, advancing its 2035 clean energy goal. The milestone highlights both the feasibility of urban decarbonization and ongoing debates about the costs of renewable energy transitions.