Council approves DWP rate hikes
A reluctant and divided Los Angeles City Council gave preliminary approval on Wednesday to increases in both the water and power rates.
In an separate votes, the council backed the increases, 9 percent over three years for power rates and 6 percent over two years for water, that is charged by the Department of Water and Power.
The proposal includes creation of a 15-member oversight committee appointed by City Council members.
A final vote is scheduled for next week.
The DWP last raised power rates in 1992 and water rates in 2006. When fully implemented in 2009, the power rate increases will add about $8 a month to the average resident's home. The water rates will cost about $1 a month.