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DWP Is Hiking Our Rates Because We Conserved Water So Well
The LADWP is looking to make up for $110 million in lost revenue (Photo by FreeBirdPhotos via Shutterstock)
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Los Angeles consumers have successfully cut back on their water usage, and as a reward, DWP will be hiking our rates. According to KTLA, DWP has decided to hike the rates on water by 4% because, thanks to our conservation efforts, the DWP collected $110 million less than usual this past fiscal year.
DWP representatives say they have fixed costs, including routine maintenance. DWP also has drought-related costs, such as spreading conservation awareness and enforcing restrictions on water use, according to the Daily News.
"The reality is that rate increases, surcharges and other pricing adjustments are part of the drought story this year," Lisa Lien-Mager, a spokesperson for the Association of California Water Agencies, said.
To compensate for the loss in income, rates will increase by 4% starting in January.
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Now, notably, those who do not conserve are looking at fines for their lack of drought awareness. The DWP also wants another hike for 2016 that will raise most water and power bills by $4.75, possibly more or less, depending on how much a consumer uses. This extra cash would also go towards maintenance and infrastructure repair, plus would enable the agency to borrow an extra $17 billion, which they plan to use to increase the system's water supply and rebuild power plants so they don't need to be cooled with ocean water anymore.
So, basically, you're going to be paying more for your water no matter what you do.
While most people can agree that water conservation and maintaining infrastructure are both important, a lot of Angelenos simply don't trust DWP, in part due to a number of overcharges. One couple in Van Nuys got a $51,649.32 water bill, for instance. LADWP also settled a class-action lawsuit in August for overhanging customers, although most consumers will only see about $10 each.
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