This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
First of Four Electricity Rate Hikes for 2010 Approved
Photo by Omar Omar via Flickr
Photo by Omar Omar via Flickr
Your LADWP electricity bill will likely be increasing April 1st to help the nation's largest municipal utility cover its bills and build its renewable energy portfolio, thanks to a unanimous vote yesterday by its board. The vote affirms a 0.8 of a cent per kilowatt hour increase that can only be denied by the Los Angeles City Council if it chooses to--and it will--assert jurisdiction over the manner (note that the council only has power to deny board moves, but not the ability to tweak language or rates).
At issue is the department's bond rating as a downgrade could cost the utility even more. Also, by not hitting 33% renewable energy by 2020, LADWP would face fines. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wants to be at 40% by that year.
A few issues are making this move controversial:
- The approval means an 8.8% to 28.4% increase in bills across the city. Some, including businesses like the LAUSD, fear the affordability of this.
- Some claim the plan fails to address how and when the city will ween itself of coal.
- Others have issue with the transparency of this week's move. The language of the action wasn't available until late Tuesday or Wednesday. The board voted on Thursday in a meeting that wasn't posted 72 hours in advance (they claimed it as a "special meeting" even though the rate increase vote was expected for weeks).
In the end, the move towards renewable energy is much needed. And even with transparency issues aside, how much controversy would this draw? The positive is that this should force Angelenos to think more efficiently by using such products and tools as CFLs and Google Powermeter. The negative of that is this: can everyone afford to go green? If not, who will help on next month's bill?
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
