LA City Council Gives Final Approval For Increase Of LADWP Rates
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles City Council gave its final approval Tuesday to increase the cost of electricity and water for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers.
Under the water rate plan, the average customer will see a 4.76 percent annual increase, amounting to an additional $3 per month.
With electricity rate increases, the typical single-family household in Los Angeles could see monthly electricity bills go up a total of $12 over five years.
Utility officials say the rate increases are necessary to upgrade aging water pipes, make energy more reliable and meet environmental mandates.
"These rate adjustments are frankly minimal" and are aimed at fulfilling environmental, legal and financial obligations, LADWP General Manager Marcie Edwards said.
Meanwhile, more than 2,000 letters protesting the rate hikes were submitted, but were not enough to constitute a majority opposition to the increases, according to the city clerk.
City leaders will weigh a November ballot initiative that would change the governance structure of the LADWP, including bringing in full-time, paid members to the utility's board.
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