After
internal LADWP approval, endorsement from the LADWP Rate Payer Advocacy Group,
and now tentative backing from the LA City Council before a second vote next
week, the increase appears destined to hit our pocketbooks.
What
might be the reason behind the rise? To bloat the salaries of utility employees? No. Well, at least not directly. More on that later…
A LADWP
issued press release from September 12, 2012 states:
“The
Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners moved forward today with a
proposed 2-year electric rate change to pay to pay for investments needed to
comply with legal mandates that are driving a complete transformation of
LADWP’s power supply, to invest in replacing rapidly aging infrastructure to
maintain reliability and expand customer opportunities through additional
investment in money-saving energy efficiency programs which also comply with
state requirements.”
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| Solar Forward crew installs SunPower Panels on a tile roof |
And there's more. According to a LA Times article, “Independent ratepayer advocate Fred Pickel told
the council that the DWP's financial plan called for possible increases of 7.8%
in 2014, 7.6% in 2015 and 6% in 2016.”
Yes,
it’s a drag. No, we can’t change
it.*
Still,
LADWP’s publicity battle would have been easier had it not just been revealed that
their staff are paid approximately 26% - 46% more than workers at other
utilities. While levelheaded
Angelinos may accept higher energy costs during an economic downturn, it’s a
bit hard to swallow in light of these generous salaries.
*Here’s the secret: you can avoid utility inflation. Go solar. Produce your own energy by purchasing a solar system, with
an average ROI of 7-9 years. After
that, your electricity is free.
Or, lease a solar system for no money upfront, paying only a low monthly
payment for the next 20 years.
Zero-percent interest. No
catch. Contact Solar Forward for a
free estimate, www.solarforward.com.
