San Fernando Valley attorney Lee Kanon Alpert announced he would be resigning as president of the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners by the end of the year. For the past three years, Alpert has played a key role overseeing policy issues such as power reliability, water supply, security, the movement to renewable energy and water and power conservation initiatives, among others. The demands of the volunteer post however, were forcing Alpert to spend too much time away from his family and his Encino-based law firm, Alpert, Barr & Grant, he said. “It’s been an honor serving on the department, but it’s time I give myself a breather and a respite,” Alpert said. “It’s an opportunity to catch up and do things I need to do for me, for my family, and for my firm.” Serving on the commission, Alpert added, was like having two full-time jobs. The DWP, the nation’s largest municipal utility serving 1.4 million electric customers and 680,000 water customers, faces a myriad of challenges including a water supply shortage and aging infrastructure. The announcement of Alpert’s resignation comes as the utility considers raising electricity rates in order to meet state mandated renewable energy goals. Alpert was appointed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for a five-year term in November 2008. Alpert also serves as Chairman of the Board of the independent charity Genesis LA and is on the Regional Ministry Board of Providence Hospital, overseeing three hospitals and a high school.
