There has been much public outcry over the plan to increase
residential electric bills by 9% to 28% in Los Angeles.
While the L.A. City Council debates that proposal, the Times’ David Zahniser reports that an even larger rate increase is being considered in the future.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is planning to boost the
electricity bills of its customers by 37% over the next four years as
part of its effort to cover steadily rising costs.
The numbers were provided as the council committee reviewed the first
of four rate hikes planned by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Not surprisingly, there is already some opposition.
"That’s an extraordinary burden on our homeowners and businesses," said
Councilman Paul Krekorian, who called the four-year plan "unacceptable."
What do you think of the rate increases? Share your views below.
Photo: Transmission towers at the foothills of the Inyo Mountains near the Owens Valley town of Lone Pine. Credit: Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times