LADWP Approves Rate Hikes - Increased rate to begin July 2009

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power board approved rate hikes yesterday for residential and commercial customers that would increase electricity costs about nine-percent and water charges about six-percent by July 2009. According to the "Los Angeles Times," the bi-monthly cost for average residential customers would rise by more than 14-dollars, while monthly bills for medium-sized businesses would increase about a thousand-dollars. The rate hikes approved still must be considered by the City Council's Energy and Environment Committee on October 27th and the City Council on October 31st.