Council to revisit plan for utility rate.

Byline: Daily News

A Los Angeles City Council committee today is expected to debate once again a controversial plan to impose higher utility rates on Angelenos who fail to reduce their water usage this summer.

The council last week shot down the plan to impose a drought surcharge on those who fail to reduce water use by 15 percent because council members felt they weren't given enough time to study it.

The Board of Water and Power Commissioners on Tuesday sent the proposal back to the council, saying it is needed to address the continuing water shortage as the state enters its third year of drought conditions.

The council's Environment and Energy Committee is scheduled to take up the issue today, with the full council to consider it on Friday.

DWP General Manager David Nahai told the commissioners that City Council members voiced concern over the outreach and education program on the new rates and he committed to taking several steps to inform the public on the impact.

In addition, he said studies are underway to improve the use of recycled water and the utility's rate structure to make sure it is fair to all customers.

DWP officials said they hope to have the new rates in effect by June 1 to encourage residents to save water. Those who reduce their use by 15 percent will not see an increase in their bill, DWP General Manager David Nahai has said.

If they do not reduce their water use, the average water bills are expected to increase from $83.52 to $92.35. If they do reduce consumption by 15 percent, the rate remains the same, but the lowered usage will drop the average bill to $71.59.

Customers can find out the water allotment for their residence by calling the utility at 1-800-DIALDWP.