DWP’s Rate Hike Proposal Gets Chilly Reception
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s proposed rate increases received a chilly reception Monday at its first hearing before a City Council committee, as two members told the agency to find more ways to trim its budget.
Council members Joan Milke Flores and Ruth Galanter said that the department can find more fat in its budget, despite having already pared $45 million out of the annual spending plan. “I made a very cursory look at the budget, and they haven’t cut all they can cut,” Flores said after the two-hour hearing.
The DWP is seeking an 11% increase in water rates and a 7% power rate hike. Dan Waters, DWP general manager, said the department will explore more budget alternatives. The Commerce, Energy and Natural Resources Committee will vote on the proposal Nov. 12 and the matter will be considered by the full council the next day.
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