Head of L.A. Water and Power Department Resigns

Janisse Quiñones steps down as part of 'planned leadership transition'

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Janisse Quiñones, the head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), has announced her resignation as part of a 'planned leadership transition'. Quiñones, who took the helm at LADWP in 2024, is returning to Puerto Rico to help modernize the island's electric grid.

Why it matters

Quiñones' resignation comes at a critical time for LADWP, as the department has faced challenges related to grid reliability, wildfire coordination, and climate resilience. Her departure marks a significant change in leadership for one of the largest municipal utility companies in the United States.

The details

In a statement, Mayor Karen Bass praised Quiñones' 'steady leadership and engineering expertise' during her tenure at LADWP. Under Quiñones' management, the department reinforced electric grid and water system reliability, enhanced coordination during wildfire events, and advanced investments to strengthen resilience amid increasing climate pressures. However, Quiñones also faced scrutiny over her hefty $750,000 salary, which was meant to be competitive with private utility companies.

  • Quiñones took the helm at LADWP in 2024.
  • Quiñones announced her resignation on March 4, 2026.

The players

Janisse Quiñones

The former head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, who is returning to Puerto Rico to help modernize the island's electric grid.

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles, who praised Quiñones' leadership and expertise during her tenure at LADWP.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

The utility company where Quiñones previously served as a senior vice president of electric operations.

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What they’re saying

“During her tenure, LADWP reinforced electric grid and water system reliability, enhanced coordination during wildfire events, and advanced investments to strengthen resilience amid increasing climate pressures.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (latimes.com)

What’s next

The city of Los Angeles will begin the process of selecting a new head for the Department of Water and Power, with the goal of ensuring a smooth transition and continued progress on key initiatives.

The takeaway

Quiñones' resignation from LADWP highlights the challenges facing large municipal utility companies as they navigate issues of grid reliability, climate resilience, and public scrutiny over executive compensation. The city's next choice of leadership will be crucial in determining the department's future direction and ability to serve the needs of Los Angeles residents.