Local News in Brief : Summer Rate Rise for Water Is Hearing Topic

By the end of this month, the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners will decide whether to adopt a landmark staff proposal to raise water rates during summer months to promote conservation.

Tonight, San Fernando Valley residents will have a chance to tell the board what they think of that idea during a public hearing to begin at 7 p.m. at the Carpenter’s Hall, 7500 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys.

The hearing’s primary focus is expected to be the staff proposal to curb heavy summer water use, a measure that would raise $12 million for the Department of Water and Power, staff members estimate. Currently, between April 1 and Sept. 30, the average water user pays $16.92 a month. Under the conservation proposal, the average bill would be $19.55.

There would also be an increase in the water connection rate from $1.56 to $2.25 a month for the average user.

However, the charges in winter would go down from $11.80 to $11.11 for the average household (those using 2,200 cubic feet in summer and 1,400 in winter.)

The changes would amount to an overall increase of 6% a year.

If adopted by the commission, the rate changes would require approval of the City Council and the mayor, after additional public hearings, said spokeswoman Elizabeth Wimmer.

The same is true for a second proposal on tonight’s agenda, a DWP staff recommendation to increase electricity rates by about 4.5%, from $28.65 per month for the average rate-payer using 400 kilowatt hours per month to $29.92.

The rate changes for water and electricity would take effect in November, 1986.