Preaparing for the heat

One year after a heat storm knocked out power to 80,000 homes, Los Angeles officials said Thursday the city is better prepared but warned that electric cutbacks could be required unless residents voluntarily conserve energy. Daily News.

And officials also warned that, despite their efforts to boost the system, a 9 percent electricity rate hike is needed over two years to fund a $1 billion upgrade to the city's outdated utility network.

The Department of Water and Power announced last month that the two-year electricity rate increase would be needed, along with a 6 percent hike for water.

"We have always spoken honestly with the public, and the fact of the matter is we are going to need that money to improve the system," Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said during a news conference at the DWP Maintenance Yard in Van Nuys. "We are committed to making sure we have a reliable energy system, and it costs money."