LADWP Carbon Surcharge Rejected by City Council

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's plan to raise electricity rates to build L.A.'s renewable energy portfolio to 20% by the end of the year and avoid a downgrade in LADWP's bond rating was rejected by the City Counil today. Next Tuesday, the council's Energy & Environment Committee will discuss rate hike recommendations that should be considered in the second version of the plan. A motion by Councilmember Richard Alarcon will also be discussed. His 12-point proposal includes transparency in the process, fairness to customers, protecting businesses, allowing for hardship exemptions and other factors to consider when increasing green power.