The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is raising their rates for customers. The reason? Customers have conserved so much that LADWP cannot afford to pay its bills. Beginning in January of 2016, customers will pay 4 percent more.
According to LADWP’s CFO Jeff Peltola, the utility agency has to ensure it has money to fix leaky pipes and provide adequate customer service.
Customers have had mixed reactions about the price increase. Some say paying more for less water is unfair, as if they are being punished for helping conserve during the severe California drought.
Before the drought began, customers were paying $5 more on their water bill. Once the new rate increase takes effect, customers will pay $2 more per bill.