DWP Chief To Leave Office By Jan. 31

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Department of Water and Power General Manager Ron Nichols will step down from his post of three years at the end of the month, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Thursday.

Nichols cited personal reasons for his departure in a letter he sent to Garcetti, City Council President Herb Wesson, and Mel Levine, President of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners.

"I was brought in to lead DWP by the prior administration and I felt it important to stay on board afterwards to provide time for the new administration's transition," he wrote.

In the letter, Nichols touted his successes at the helm of the department, including leading the nation in water conversation and maintaining 20 percent renewable energy delivery to customers.

"I thank Ron for his service to our city as head of a department that serves every L.A. resident and business," Garcetti said. "I'm focused on continuing to reform the DWP to cut costs, improve customer service and increase transparency."

The mayor has appointed a new DWP commission to pursue reform and is working with Controller Ron Galperin on audits of the department.

Nichols plans to leave office by Jan. 31 and did not disclose his future plans.