Hot zone rate relief

The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners on Tuesday approved a new electrical rate restructuring plan that charges higher rates for customers who use the most electricity.Kerry Cavanaugh in the Daily News.

If approved by the City Council, the plan would create three rate tiers from June through September, and a so-called hot zone - including the San Fernando Valley, the Eastside and South L.A. - in which residents would get to use more power before they are bumped into a higher rate tier.

Environmental groups praised the plan as a way to push energy conservation, while neighborhood council leaders requested better outreach and information for residents who may face big bills this summer when higher electricity rates and the rate restructuring kick in.