Slow burn over Valley power rates

Re “DWP plan would give Valley a rate break,” Oct. 30

The San Fernando Valley would be in a separate summer climate zone from the rest of Los Angeles. Valley residents would be charged less per unit of power, even while using more power. Good plan, DWP -- save energy by charging less for it.

Truthfully, the idea of reducing rates makes sense -- if, that is, you believe that the residents of the Valley are victims. They were forced to live there at the point of a gun, or they would have opted for an area with a cooler climate. Also, they would have chosen a smaller, more energy-efficient home. But there was that gun pointed at them, so they capitulated and bought an energy waster in the Valley.

Frank Robinson

Bangkok, Thailand

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I propose that for every mansion and huge condo and apartment building approved for construction by city planners, air conditioners and water resources must be reduced by the ratio to the square footage of the building. Water meters would only allow enough water to maintain a sanitary and comfortable environment. I have a feeling there would be a lot more realistic downsizing, thereby saving our natural resources and producing a better quality of life for all of us.

I don’t begrudge the wealthy their hard-earned money, but I do believe that the city should undertake a more realistic approach to diminishing water and power resources. That doesn’t mean “sticking it” to those of us who don’t live in the economic stratosphere of the wealthy areas of Los Angeles. Unabated rate increases, without controlled construction, is a plan for self-destruction.

Helen Aragon

San Fernando