The union that represents 8,700 L.A. Department of Water & Power workers is at odds with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa over the carbon surcharge drama going down between the City Council and Board of Water & Power Commission. Despite warnings, the Board approved a higher electric rate than recommended by the Council, which in turn vetoed it. That meant the needed rate increase to address bankruptcy concerns and renewable energy expansion can't happen for another three months. Brian D'Arcy, the head of the power-weidling International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, told the Villaraigosa that the Board should have supported the plan. A LADWP top official says the agency is now "significant jeopardy." more ›

Usually we hear doubting and negative comments about city offices such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) or Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE). But the Department of Water & Power (DWP) somehow skids by the public and never become a hot button issue. That is, of course, until the day after the crisis strikes. What? You don't pick up hot dates by dropping some IBEW regs? The closest electrical power will ever come close to being... more ›