DWP looking at 'hot zone' breaks

Residents in the sweltering San Fernando Valley, South L.A. and the eastern half of the city would get a slight break on their power bills during the summer months under a proposed Department of Water and Power rate restructuring plan that seeks higher rates for those who use the most electricity. Kerry Cavanaugh in the Daily News.

The rate plan sets three tiers of rates based on power usage, and it allows residents in the "hot zone" to use more electricity before they are bumped into the higher-rate tier. The Board of Water and Power Commissioners will consider the proposal on Tuesday.

Angelenos who have air conditioning, pool pumps, multiple plasma TVs, old refrigerators and other power suckers would pay a premium for their electricity. People who live in smaller homes without air conditioning and with minimal power usage would pay lower rates.