City Council honors departing DWP chief Jennis Quiñones for push to clean energy

The Los Angeles City Council on March 27 formally recognized Jennis (recorded also as Genice in the meeting) Quiñones, the Department of Water and Power executive, for more than 25 years of public service and for leading the utility’s shift away from coal and toward carbon-free resources.

Council members said Quiñones helped the department reach a new resource mix and pushed programs to protect workers and vulnerable residents during extreme heat. The council credited her with projects the record described as “resilience” investments and with opening large-scale solar storage facilities that reduced reliance on the city’s previously coal-heavy portfolio.

Council members who spoke during the presentation highlighted changes in workplace safety practices, expanded hiring and recruitment efforts to bring more women into the utility’s workforce, and outreach programs for residents during heat events. The formal recognition included applause and a signed resolution by the council.

Quiñones offered brief remarks of gratitude for the opportunity to serve and for colleagues across the department; council members noted her role in making the utility’s operations and customer programs more equitable and resilient.

The recognition was ceremonial; no policy decision or budget appropriation was taken during the remarks. The council moved on to other scheduled presentations and public-comment business after the ceremony.